Regional Development Australia (RDA) Tropical North Board Chair Hurriyet Babacan has welcomed Certified Practising Accountant, business owner and board director Kate Lamason to the RDA Tropical North Board.
“Kate brings strong experience spanning strategic finance, governance, local government and agribusiness to our Board of 11 local community leaders,” Professor Babacan said.
“The co-founder and Managing Director of Little Tuna and East Coast Tuna and a Board Director of Tuna Australia, Kate was the 2024 Queensland AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Winner and Little Tuna has just won the 2026 National Seafood Industry Promotion Award.
“Previously Kate worked for Cairns Regional Council for almost 14 years in senior finance, treasury, risk and governance roles.
“Her work across business, industry and government has given her a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing regional businesses and industries.”
Ms Lamason said she was particularly interested in strengthening regional economic participation, supporting locally owned businesses and improving connections between industry, government and community.
“I am committed to bringing my commercial, financial and industry experience to the long-term economic development of Tropical North Queensland,” she said.
RDA Tropical North Chief Executive Officer Lainie Poon said Ms Lamason’s appointment added to the diverse skillset of the Board led by Chair Hurriyet Babacan who has held diverse leadership roles in academia, local and state government, and has an extensive record of regional development advocacy across Asia-Pacific.
Deputy Chair Brett Moller is a Councillor with Cairns Regional Council, a lawyer and has served on Boards including Ports North and the Australian Chamber of Commerce. The remaining Board members are: Pacifica Chartered Accountants Director Carolyn Eagle, agribusiness consultant and founder of Anson Advisory Stirling Taverner, former councillor and political advisor Richie Bates, FNQ Growers Chair Joe Moro, Centacare FNQ Executive Director Anita Veivers, Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Mick Miller, and FNQ nbn Regional Development and Engagement Manager Nicole Carroll.
ENDS