- Robyn Sermon appointed as Chair of the Wheatbelt Development Commission
Regional Development Minister Don Punch has today announced the appointment of Robyn Sermon as Chair of the Wheatbelt Development Commission (WDC).
Ms Sermon has served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia since February 2022, and brings with her senior leadership experience from the State Government, along with private and not-for-profit sectors in Western Australia.
She has also served long periods on boards including the Curtin WA Country Health Service, Regional Health Alliance, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service, as well as owning a farming enterprise in the Wheatbelt.
Ms Sermon's appointment follows Oral McGuire's tenure as Acting Chair of WDC. Following a 10-month stint in the position, he will resume his duties as Deputy Chair this week.
During his tenure as acting chair, Mr McGuire has brought strong cultural knowledge, community networks, and business knowledge to the WDC Board.
Regional development commissions are key to the Cook Government's job creating agenda on the ground in regional WA, working to grow and diversify the State's regional economies.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"Our regional development commissions play such a crucial role in connecting business with Government, and I have no doubt the Wheatbelt Development Commission will continue to make those valuable connections under the leadership of Robyn Sermon.
"She has executive leadership and board experience across a range of industries, and strong connections with the agricultural community, which will put her in good stead to chair the Wheatbelt Development Commission.
"I thank Oral McGuire for his leadership as acting chair. He has been a passionate advocate of the Wheatbelt region, and long-term champion of Aboriginal economic empowerment, and I look forward to continuing to work with him into the future."
