New leadership at the CRC for Developing Northern Australia
22 March 2024: The Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA) is pleased to announce a new shared leadership model to drive the organisation through its research delivery and translation phase.
Anthony Curro and Sarah Docherty have been appointed as Chief Executives of the CRCNA and both bring a wealth of experience living and working across Northern Australia.
Previously they were Senior Project Officers in the organisation with responsibility for driving research and development outcomes in water development, agriculture, aquaculture, First Nations-led business development, health and education.
Anthony Curro takes on the role of Chief Executive Strategy and Engagement, based at the CRCNA headquarters on Wulgurukaba and Bindal Country in Townsville, and Sarah Docherty is Chief Executive Operations, based on Kalkadoon Country in Mount Isa.
Quotes attributed to Chair of the CRCNA, Ms Sheriden Morris
“The appointment of Anthony Curro and Sarah Docherty through this contemporary leadership model further enhances the capability in Northern Australian development at the CRCNA.
“Anthony and Sarah bring extensive experience and networks which are critical as we progress project delivery and translating our science research into real-world impacts for adoption across the north.
“On behalf of the Board we acknowledge the contributions of former staff, Anne Stünzner and Carla Keith who left the organisation in 2023. They were instrumental in driving the CRCNA to its current position of being fully committed and furthering the broader Northern Australia agenda.”
Quotes attributed to Mr Anthony Curro, Chief Executive Strategy and Engagement
“I’m excited by the opportunities and challenges that exist in the northern development landscape and continuing our inclusive and placed-based partnership models to help communities and industry achieve long-term growth.
“Coming from a local family-owned agricultural enterprise, I understand the connection between the land and people and aim to apply practicality in our work, especially as we adapt to climate resilience and demonstrate that nature positive development is possible.”
Quotes attributed to Ms Sarah Docherty, Chief Executive Operations
“Northern Australia is a place of great opportunity, but more needs to be done to de-risk the unique operating environment, especially for our regional and remote communities.
“It’s a privilege to contribute to research that’s improving social and economic prosperity for people who live in the north, especially our First Nations partners who are driving enterprises on Country through production of premium aquaculture, wood products, horticulture and beef production, to name but a few.
“Anthony and I look forward to working with our partners, staff and the CRCNA board to deliver evidence-based research that contributes to a sustainable and resilient future for Northern Australians.”
Read more at crcna.com.au/about/our-people
Background
The CRCNA is delivering industry-led research and development that de-risks investment in Northern Australia with a focus on First Nations led business development, agriculture, aquaculture, water security and health service delivery.
CRCNA research is creating new technologies, products and services which address industry issues, making a positive difference to those who live, work and invest in Northern Australia.
The CRCNA is a key initiative of the Australian Government’s developing Northern Australia agenda and is investing $75 million of Commonwealth funds over 10 years from 2017 to 2027.
To date, the CRCNA has created over $154 million in research investments for 118 Northern Australian development projects and collaborated with more than 517 project partners.
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Media enquiries b.carlson@crcna.com.au