RDA’s operations are led by the Chief Executive Officer, Wayde Chiesa and supported by our dedicated local team.
Chief Executive Officer
Wayde Chiesa, CEO of Regional Development Australia
Townsville and North West Queensland, is a born and bred North Queenslander. He
has over 25 years of experience in business and finance roles, and 15 years of
experience in the media industry working in sports broadcasting with Southern
Cross Austereo, including covering the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and the 2011
and 2012 Australian Open with Yahoo7.
Wayde is passionate about ensuring regional Queensland takes
full advantage of the opportunities that lay ahead.
Wayde’s expertise extends to his current role as CEO of
Regional Development Australia Townsville and North West Queensland. He joined
the organisation in August 2021, bringing with him local knowledge, experience,
and connections. Wayde leads his team in creating new and fostering existing
relationships across all levels of government, business, and industry to
strengthen regional communities. The Townsville and North West Queensland RDA
area spans 15 Local Government Areas (LGAs), from Palm Island in the east to
Mount Isa in the west, including up to the Gulf of Carpentaria and Boulia.
Wayde is a Chartered Accountant and his previous positions
include Director – Regional Development and Investment at Townsville
Enterprise, as well as senior roles at BHP, Incitec Pivot, Townsville City
Council, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. He is a born and bred North Queenslander
with an unwavering passion for the region. Wayde’s extensive experience in both
the private and public sectors make him an invaluable asset to RDA Townsville
and North West Queensland.
Communications & stakeholder Officer
Joining RDA in February 2023, Louise brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role, with a primary focus on strengthening RDA’s communications with stakeholders, developing and implementing communication strategies, and coordinating engaging activities and events. She also works closely with media to promote the key objectives of RDA and share the remarkable story of this region with the world.
Louise previously held the role of Communications and Marketing Manager at the premier private club, The Brisbane Club.
Born and raised in Townsville, Louise is dedicated to building strong relationships with stakeholders, fostering
collaboration and partnerships, and contributing to the ongoing growth of the region.
Project Manager
Kate holds over 18 years experience in International Aid and Community Development Program Management (including two years in the VET sector), both in Australia and in Asia.
Her strengths lie in network and relationship building, cross-cultural communication, community consultation and project development and management. Kate completed a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Asian Economic Development and Japanese at Melbourne University and a Masters in International Aid and Community Development at Deakin University. Kate has also lived and worked in China and Japan and more recently travelled to India to complete qualifications in Yoga Teaching.
Kate is very happy to be working for RDA as a part-time Project Manager for their Regional Jobs Committee and Jobs Townsville North Queensland program, where she helps to co-ordinate and deliver projects, resources and events under the Jobs Townsville North Queensland action plan. She is currently working on projects that address workforce shortages including skills attraction, career pathways and uncovering hidden talent, and is passionate about sustainable development and working towards a thriving, united community, where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and participate.
Executive Assistant
Brianna joined RDA in February 2023 and provides executive support to the RDA office, including
diary management, office management, preparation of committee meeting papers
and agendas and other general office duties.
Brianna joins RDA with experience in administration, and is working towards gaining her degree in Physiotherapy!
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