Northern RDA Alliance Chair
Jeff Stewart-Harris – Chair
Jeff is currently Chief Executive Officer of Isaac Regional Council after having served several organisations in the Greater Whitsunday region since 1999. He brings deep expertise in the infrastructure, planning, regional and economic development, community, port, airport, and transport sectors. Jeff is a strategic and expansive thinker and a courageous leader of people.
He is driven by the abiding beliefs that the regions are the powerhouse of our nation; and that all success is achieved through people. These beliefs power Jeff’s willingness to challenge thinking and the status quo to ensure that our regions and their communities have sustainable futures created from strong, enduring social and economic performance.
“People fundamentally operate at the level of feelings and emotions – they want to know that someone is thinking about their future wellbeing, jobs for their children and the region’s future prosperity. It’s our job to imagine and enable the futures that mean their trust in us is not misplaced.”
Professor Hurriyet Babacan – Deputy Chair
Professor Hurriyet Babacan has over 25 years of leadership experience across education, public policy, regional development, and public-private partnerships, holding senior roles such as Pro Vice Chancellor, Dean, and CEO of Tablelands Regional Council. She has led major government policy programs and consulted on infrastructure, strategic development, and leadership. Internationally connected, she has worked with UNESCO, UNDP, OECD, and several governments. Recognised for her contributions, Professor Babacan has received multiple awards including the Order of Australia (AM), the Prime Minister’s Bi-Centenary Medal, and the Queensland Multicultural Services Award, and has been listed in the Australian Women’s Archives for her significant leadership and service.
Please contact Northern RDA Alliance Secretariat
Robert Cocco
ceo@rdagw.org.au