Driving Innovation and Collaboration for Sustainable Rural Development

The Council of Rural RDCs

The Council of Rural RDCs serves as a forum for Australia’s 15 Rural Research and Development Corporations (RDCs) to discuss and address important issues collectively, ensuring that they work together effectively to deliver economic, environmental, and social benefits for rural communities. By focusing on collective action, the Council aims to achieve the best outcomes and maximize impact in the rural sector.

The Council operates on behalf of the RDCs and enables them to develop, share and communicate common positions, platforms and messages.

Through the Council the RDCs have a stated ambition of seeing rural industries thriving through innovation, and is contributing to achieving this goal by leading, championing and communicating rural research, development and extension. RD&E powers industry innovation which in turn enhances productivity and sustainability, leading to greater competitiveness and profitability. These are critical ingredients for thriving rural industries.

Governance

Australia’s fifteen rural RDCs are all Council members and are represented by their Chairs and Chief Executives. The Council convenes quarterly meetings to discuss key initiatives and strategies. The Council is led by the Chair of Chairs, Troy Setter who is supported by a Secretariat with an Executive Manager, Anwen Lovett.

  • Troy Setter

    Chair

  • Anwen Lovett

    Executive Manager

“I believe that collaboration is the cornerstone of our success. By uniting the expertise and resources of Australia’s RDCs, we can drive meaningful change and innovation in the agricultural sector.”

— Troy Setter