COOTAMUNDRA

James believes that good decisions arise from good processes that allow all voices to be heard. This requires us all to speak up, and to listen. Working together, we have the capacity to face up to, and address the challenges in front of us.  

James trained as a facilitator and has spent over 20 years helping groups work together to achieve their vision. He has helped to establish collaborative decision-making processes in the youth, education, environment and local government sectors. His passions led to him helping to start Voices4Cowper when he lived in Coffs Harbour and he’s excited to find a group of like-minded people here in Riverina.  

James is now a proud dad living in Cootamundra, where he enjoys the benefits of living in a small community, bushwalking and being able to grow a few veggies.  

GUNDEROO

Cate moved to Gunderoo in the beautiful Yass Valley in the early 2010’s where she finally found her ‘tribe’. She comes from a long line of wool growers in rural northern Tasmania and western NSW. Her farming passions are agroforestry, managing native grasslands for pasture & profit, access to abattoirs for small producers and regen farming practices. 

Cate has a varied career background including sociological research for the Uni of Wollongong, the Australian & ACT Public Service, ethical funds management, and her favourite, the ACT community mental health sector. In her time with Australian Parliament House Parliamentary Services she got to know every corner of the building, including the behind-the-scenes art collection and to experience the frenetic pace of parliamentary sitting weeks. This inspired her interest in government, policy, and the power of community independents. 

Cate has made some great new friends in her time with Together for Riverina and is committed to strengthening TfR’s connections across the electorate. She can’t wait to get to know more people from Riverina and to hear about the issues that affect them.

HARDEN

Peter Holding is a farmer in the Harden area on the south west slopes of NSW. He manages a mixed farming business growing crops such as canola, wheat and barley, as well as running sheep for wool and meat.

He is passionate about sustainable farming and environmental issues, particularly the impacts of climate change on farming businesses and the broader community.

Peter helped to establish the Harden-Murrumburrah Landcare Group (which started in 1990 and is still going today,) Murrumbidgee Landcare Limited and participated in the national Climate Champions Program. He was a founding member of Farmers for Climate Change and served on their board until taking up a staff position to  get more hands on.

Peter has been a long term volunteer for the Rural Fire Service and was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal in 2019 and a unit citation for development of the South West Slopes Zone senior management team.

WAGGA WAGGA

Fran came to Wagga Wagga in the late 1950s when her father came to work for the Agricultural Research Institute. Since its inception in July 2017, Fran has been Executive Officer of the Riverina Regional Training Hub, a Commonwealth program to encourage rural and regional medical study, training and careers.

She has significant experience in medical education and training and has been involved in supporting medical students, junior doctors and their teachers and mentors since 2002. Fran was Wagga Wagga’s first female President of the Wagga Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the foundation President of the Wagga Wagga Women in Business.

She continues to be a passionate advocate for services and opportunities for the Riverina Murrumbidgee region and not only in rural health.

COOTAMUNDRA

Neil moved with his wife Anne to Cootamundra in February 2024 retiring later that year.  

 Neil worked primarily in the information technology and communications industry working for Australian and multinational companies and later with Anne to establish their own business. He also spent timing working in in the Federal Public Service, and the veterinary industry. 

 Neil brings experience in sales, marketing, business management and training. He is passionate about community involvement, providing customers with the best solutions to their needs, learning from community and industry leaders and helping those around him.  

Neil and Anne are officially empty nesters with three sons who are now forging their own lives and careers based on the family ethos of honesty and work ethic. Anne and Neil were proud to be presented with their first grandchild in September 2024. 

 Neil’s interests and hobbies include Australian democracy, psychology, business strategizing, gardening, movies, thoroughbred racehorses, Aussie rules, golf, and cricket.