Ms Sheriden Morris - Chair | Babinda, QLD

BAppSc (Hons), GAICD

head shot of Sheriden Morris

Sheriden is currently the Managing Director and Company Secretary of the Cairns-based non-profit Reef and Rainforest Research Centre (RRRC) and Deputy Chair of Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef.

Sheriden has extensive experience in environmental research and monitoring management, aquaculture development, agricultural science and agronomy in the sugar cane and banana industries of Far North Queensland and served as a Director of Wetland Care Australia and has previously worked with CSIRO and GBRMPA.

As an extensive contributor to land and sea management policy, Sheriden has also spearheaded the development and implementation of an innovative aid development program on Australia’s northern borderlands with Papua New Guinea.

Board term: 2017-2022 | 2022-2025

Cr John Wharton AM - Deputy Chair | Richmond, QLD

John Wharton

Councillor John Wharton AM is Mayor of the Richmond Shire Council. He received a Member of the Order of Australia Award and Centenary Medal for his service to the community of North-West Queensland and local government. He is the Director of his own company, Wharton & Co Pty Ltd and is a registered Real Estate Agent. John is recognised nationally for his commitment to community service through local government, regional development, natural resource management and primary industry organisations.

Board term: 2017-2021 | 2021-2024

Dr Rebecca Mohr-Bell | Katherine, NT

B. Nat. Res. Econ, PhD (Economics)

Headshot Rebecca Mohr Bell

Rebecca Mohr-Bell is a pastoralist and agricultural economist from Katherine, NT. Rebecca has extensive experience in supporting agricultural producers to improve their business performance and supporting agricultural organisations with strategic planning and research. With her husband she runs a commercial Brangus herd at Katherine which is focused on breeding a high growth, high fertility animal. Rebecca is a member of several NT government advisory committees and a member of the NT Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association State Council. She has recently been appointed to the Board of Rural Business Support, a non-profit organisation which provides independent business advice to agricultural and small businesses in the NT and South Australia.

Board term: 2020-2023 | 2023-2026

Mr David Larkin AM

GAICD

David Larkin

David is a visionary business leader and award-winning entrepreneur with extensive experience in industry and private leadership and Board roles .

As the founder of one of the largest Australian-owned and operated beef processors, Altron Enterprises, David has a deep understanding and knowledge of commercial enterprise, food production and export and supply chains.  David has previously worked as the CEO of Hancock Agriculture and has held various Board positions including:

  • Chair and Deputy Chair of the Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC) from 1999-2016
  • Director & Member, Red Meat Advisory Council (RMAC) from 2011-2016
  • Chair, Pastoral Lands Board from 2020-current

He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2017 for significant service to international business and commerce through leadership and innovation in the Australian beef export industry.

Board term: 2021-2024

Dr Scott Davis | Cairns, QLD

Phd; MIPH; fellow ARLF; fellow CRANAplus

headshot Dr Scott Davis

As a Northern Australian, Dr Davis is committed to the sustainable development of Northern Australia. Dr Scott Davis is an experienced CEO and Board Director, having worked in complex cultural and political environments, in Northern Australia, the Pacific, Asia and North Africa over the last 25 years.  Dr Davis has extensive technical skills and knowledge of government process and systems, policy development, the Australian health system, higher education and vocational training, industry and regional sustainable development, governance and leadership, within community organisations, non-government organisations, commercial entities, government and civil society.

Board term: 2022-2025

Peter Long | Karratha, WA

GAICD,BE (Hons), BA, BSc (Env Sc),

Peter Long

CPEng (1989-2012), FIEAust

A professional engineer and environmental scientist, Peter has lived in the North for 32 years. He was the Mayor of the City of Karratha from 2013 to 2023. Before becoming Mayor, he started and ran a combined engineering and environmental consulting business for 25 years. This grew to some 90 personnel with offices in Perth, Karratha and Margaret River. 

Peter currently serves on several Boards including: Astron Engineering (Managing Director), Rangelands NRM (WA), Pilbara Universities Centre (Chair), WALGA State Council, North West Defence Alliance (Chair), Engineers Australia Cyclone Safety Taskforce, Regional Road Group (Chair), Regional Capitals Alliance, Murujuga Rock Art Stakeholder Reference Group.

Board term: 2020-2023 | 2023-2026

Mr Brendon Douglas | Darwin, NT

BA/LLB (Hons), GAICD

Headshot Brendon Douglas

Brendon is experienced in executive leadership in the higher education, commercial, community and public service sectors.

He works as the Charles Darwin University Deputy Director - Strategy and Vice-President Governance and University Secretary.

Previously he was Deputy Director at Menzies School of Health Research, Vice-Chancellors' Fellow at the Innovative Research Universities representing seven universities, and International Fellow at Oxford Academic Health Partners.

Brendon is a qualified lawyer, Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders, and has postgraduate qualifications in management. Brendon is a Board member of the Lowitja Institute and is actively involved and engaged in policy discussions relevant to the ‘north’, including the Developing Northern Australia agenda and the Northern Territory’s Operation Rebound. 

Board term: 2020-2023 | 2023-2026

Duane Fraser

Duane Fraser

Duane Fraser, a proud Wulgurukaba and Bidjara man, is a leader at the intersection of Indigenous rights and environmental stewardship Duane has advised Commonwealth and state governments, leveraging a diverse network of high-profile stakeholders, from politicians to grassroots communities, to shape the future of Indigenous affairs and environmental policy in Australia and beyond.

As the Chairperson of the Indigenous Advisory Committee under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, Duane champions Indigenous involvement in environmental decision-making. Among others, Duane is member of Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority board, Director of Tourism and Events Queensland and Deputy Chair of the National Environmental Science Program.

Duane is committed to the advancement of Indigenous peoples of the world and their empowerment in the protection and safeguarding of their delicate biocultural land and seascapes, heritage and cultural expressions. He uses his profile to create positive change and impact to ensure Traditional Owners are given the opportunity for full and effective participation and leadership roles at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life. 

Board term: 2024