Board Members

Paul is an experienced and adaptable professional with extensive experience across a wide array of industries and sectors. Throughout his career, he has been committed to empowering individuals and organisations, with a particular focus on driving growth and sustainability in rural and regional sectors.
Paul’s most recent role was as a business financial advisor assisting business’s impacted by drought, bushfires and Covid. Prior to that he was the owner and director of Kangaroo Island Wilderness Tours, a luxury 4WD tour company incorporating an accommodation lodge. His earlier life was as the owner manager of, an 800-hectare property producing wool and grain.
Paul has also made significant contributions to governance, serving on various boards across health, tourism, and rural development. His current roles include Deputy Chair and Board Member of the Aged Rights Advocacy Service (ARAS), a member of the Victor Harbor Tram Authority, as well as the audit, finance and risk committees of those organisations. Previously he has been member of committees and boards focusing on aged care, mental health, agriculture and tourism development, many of those in leadership roles.
Paul’s leadership in both the public and private sectors is complemented by his commitment to professional development and governance, having completed the Australian Rural Leadership Program, the Professional Management Program from the University of Adelaide and the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course.
Paul Brown
RDAA Chair
Joined: 2025

Vacant
RDAA Vice Chair
Joined:

Vacant
RDAA Treasurer

Ian Fullagar
RDAA Company Secretary
Joined: 2024

Bridget is an equine veterinarian based in the Hunter Valley, NSW where she has worked as a founding owner and director of an equine hospital for over 10-years.
Bridget is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors having completed their directors course, Woman on Boards and the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientist Equine Chapter executive committee.
Having spent many years as a teenager volunteering at an RDA centre in Scotland, Bridget was very aware of the importance of the RDA and keen to join and contribute her professional knowledge and experience to the RDAA board.
Bridget Bester
RDAA Director
Joined: 2023

Mary is an RDAA Life Member, Level 2 Coach and National Assessor. Mary has travelled internationally coaching Para-Equestrian teams from a number of countries.
Mary Longden
RDAA Director
Joined: 2020

Rubhen Jeya
RDAA Director
Joined: 2025
“Rubhen is an economist and management consultant with over 15 years of experience in public policy, economic analysis, advocacy, and strategic leadership. He has advised government agencies, industry leaders, and family offices across mining, renewable energy, social programs, and healthcare.
As a former executive and strategic advisor, Rubhen has developed inclusive strategies and fostered cross-sector partnerships. He is the Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of an ethical marketplace and focuses on capital raising, investment strategy, and sustainable business growth.
Rubhen holds Bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Applied Finance and Master’s degrees in International Trade & Commerce Law, International Relations, and Strategic Public Relations from Macquarie University and the University of Sydney. He is currently undertaking the Company Directors Course with the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).”

Denise Courtney
RDAA Director
Joined: 2025

Steven Gatt
RDAA Executive Officer
Joined: 2025
Steve has recently completed a contract as CFO at Paralympics Australia with responsibilities across Finance, IT and Integrity. He instigated and led a significant change in reporting, processes and software which contributed to the successful delivery of the Australian Paralympic Team for the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
Steve has been a director for 8 years and currently holds the deputy chair position with The Sports Excellence Scholarship Fund (SESF) charity which provides financial scholarships to students that make a State or National representative team. The SESF transitioned from a Vic charity to a national organisation in 2022 and supports over 250 students per year.
Whilst in leadership at Netball Victoria (owners and operators of the Melbourne Vixens who compete in the Suncorp Super Netball which is the premier netball league in the world) he contributed to significant growth across ticketing, membership, sponsorship and merchandise. His input guided improvements in process and technology (such as information management).
Patrons

RDAA Patron
Her Royal Highness
The Princess Royal GCVO

The late W.
Roycroft O.B.E
