GGA Board 2023
Independent Directors (Appointed)
Peter Roberts
Chair, Independent Director
Appointed: September 25, 2018
Formerly a farmer from Dunn Rock, Peter is a graduate of Harvard Agribusiness Seminars and the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Peter was appointed as a GGA Independent Director in September 2018 and to GGA Chair in September 2020. Peter has extensive leadership experience as past Chair of the GRDC Western Panel from 2011-2018, past non-executive Director of Barley Australia, past Western Malting Barley Advisory Committee member and past Chair of South East Premium Wheat Growers Association (SEPWA).
Erin Gorter
Vice Chair, Independent Director
Appointed: December 13, 2018
Erin Gorter has extensive experience in working with grower groups and was a driving force in managing two WA groups – Evergreen Farming and Southern Dirt. She is a rural industry consultant with Agvivo; a non-executive director of Meat & Livestock Australia Limited and its subsidiary companies; and manages all facets of the Ag4U Career Pipeline Program. Erin is a graduate of the Australian Institute for Company Directors Program and a graduate of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation program. Most recently in 2021, Erin was appointed to the Council of Australian Arab Relations (CAAR) and as a Non-Executive Director to Australian Grain Technologies (AGT) in Dec 2021.
Graham Smith
Independent Director
Appointed: 25 September, 2020
Graham has a passion for helping farmers improve long-term viability and sustainability through improved research and innovation. He is an experienced Chief Executive, having led the Institute of Environmental Science and Research; a fascinating state-owned science and technology organisation in New Zealand, Federated Farmers; New Zealand’s high-profile farming group, and the multi-faceted commercialisation group at the University of South Australia. He has also held a senior management role at AgResearch, a globally significant agricultural research and innovation group.
Member Directors (Elected)
Nicole Batten
Member Director (YFIG)
Term: September 16, 2022 – AGM 2024
Nicole Batten is Director of Batten Farms, Yuna and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Through former roles as a Community Development Officer and NRM Officer, Nicole is passionate advocate for the agricultural industry and sustainable rural communities. She holds a number of board roles including the WA Biosecurity Council, Yuna Farm Improvement Group Secretary, Shire of Chapman Valley councillor and most recently, Midwest Drought Resilience Plan Advisory Group member.
Previous roles include Advisory Group member for the National Centre for Farmer Health and former National & WA Chairperson of Rural Edge (formally Partners in Grain) and Rabobank Client Council Member. These roles have extended learning and an understanding of agricultural businesses across Australia. Nicole is also a graduate, as well as a former Facilitator of the WA Rural Leadership Program.
Debbie Gillam
Member Director (MIG)
Term: September 16, 2022 – AGM 2024
Debbie Gillam is a grower member of the Mingenew Irwin Group (MIG) and a former MIG staff member.
This hands on experience ensures Debbie understands the roles and issues of grower groups, their importance to their region and the challenges faced by growers. In her capacity as a MIG staff member, she has developed proposals, executed projects and has a strong understanding of stakeholder consultation.
Debbie is an acting member of the Dongara District High School Board and P&C and Secretary of the Irwin District Charity Ball. She is a CBH 2020 Scholarship recipient and now graduate of the Leadership WA Signature Leaders Program.
Audrey Bird
Member Director (Facey Group)
Term: September 22, 2023 – AGM 2025
Audrey is involved in the operation of her family farm at Wickepin, a mixed farming operation 4,500ha in medium rainfall area.
She has extensive governance experience serving for 12 years on the Facey Group, six years as the Chair and currently as the Vice Chair, and has the honour of being the group’s inaugural Life Member.
Other positions have included the West Australian Livestock Council 2018 – 2022, Producer Adoption Reference Group 2018 – 2022 (MLA) and the West Australian No-Till Farmer Association 5 years on Committee 2010 – 2015.
Audrey completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors course in 2008.
Marie Fowler
Member Director (SEPWA)
Term: September 22, 2023 – AGM 2025
Marie is director of the family farm business, Chilwell Farms, producing grain, beef, lamb & wool east of Esperance. She has a Honours degree in Agriculture and prior to moving to Australia, worked with the UK farmers union in Ag policy development and lobbying in Brussels. Marie completed the Rabobank Executive Development programme in 2019.
An active member of SEPWA, Marie has Chaired the Ladies committee for several years and served on the SEPWA Executive during which time we reviewed the strategic plan and implemented changes to ensure continued work in R&D, and extension.
Marie has also been involved in many volunteer committees in the local community and school, is current chair of the management committee of the local Recreation Association and helped guide amalgamation of sporting clubs and new facilities construction at Condingup.
Chris Wyhoon
Member Director (WARLP)
Term: September, 2022 – AGM 2024
Mr Wyhoon is an agribusiness executive; Avon Valley mixed farmer and founder/Chair of WARLP, which aims to integrate holistic and sustainable livestock practice change and adoption in WA.
A Graduate of the Australian Institute of the Company Directors and MBA qualified (Sustainable Business), other organisations on which he has had past Board roles include Wheatbelt NRM (Vice-Chair), WAFarmers, Farmsafe WA (now Safe Farms WA) and the WA Landcare Network.
Mr Wyhoon currently sits on, a ministerial committee (DPIRD Cattle Industry Funding Scheme Management Committee), and key Meat and Livestock Advisory Groups including the WA Livestock Research Council; the CarbonEdge ™ Development Advisory group, and the MLA Environmental Credentials for Australian grassfed beef advisory group.
Through his business Campfire Agri, he is a business coach/facilitator and consultant; rural trainer and project manager providing organisations and grower groups with governance, strategy, leadership and financial training.