GGA Board 2024
Independent Directors (Appointed)
Erin Gorter
Chair, Independent Director
Appointed:
December 13, 2018
[Chair from 10 December 2024]
Erin Gorter is a rural industry consultant, a non-executive Director of Australian Grain Technologies, and manages all facets of the Ag4U Career Pipeline Program.
Erin serves on the Council for Australian Arab Relations, the Council of Agricultural Economic Development, and the Mt Burdett Foundation’s Rural and Regional Advancement Foundation committee.
Erin has extensive experience with grower groups as the former Executive Officer of Evergreen Farming and Southern Dirt.
Erin is a graduate of the Australian Institute for Company Directors program, the Australian Rural Leadership Program, and the Curtin Business School Ignition program.
Erin has served on the GGA Board as Vice Chair since December 2018 and appointed by the Board as Chair from Dec 10, 2024.
Peter Roberts
Independent Director
Appointed:
September 25, 2018
Formerly a farmer from Dunn Rock, Peter is a graduate of Harvard Agribusiness Seminars and the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Peter has extensive leadership experience as past Chair of the GRDC Western Panel from 2011-2018, past Director of Barley Australia, past Western Malting Barley Advisory Committee member, and past Chair of South East Premium Wheat Growers Association (SEPWA).
Peter was appointed as a GGA Independent Director in September 2018, served as GGA Chair from September 2020 – December 10, 2024.
Peter currently represents GGA on the steering committee of the Western Australian Agricultural Research Collaboration.
Graham Smith
Independent Director
Appointed:
25 September, 2020
Graham is passionate about helping farmers improve long-term viability and sustainability through research and innovation.
Graham has served in numerous senior leadership roles, including the Institute of Environmental Science and Research and Federated Farmers in New Zealand.
Earlier positions have included leading Sheep Producers Australia, the Herd Improvement Co-operative Australia, and the technology commercialisation group at the University of South Australia.
Member Directors (Elected)
Marie Fowler
Vice Chair, Member Director (SEPWA)
Term: September 22, 2023 – AGM 2025
[Vice Chair since December 10, 2024]
Marie farms east of Esperance, producing grain, beef, lamb, and wool.
Marie has a Bachelor of Agriculture, MSc Environmental Science, and completed the Rabobank Executive Development program in 2019. Marie currently sits on the Rabobank Client Council and Chairs the Condingup District Recreation Association.
She has served on numerous community, school, and sports group committees, including as a member of the executive committee of South East Premium Wheat growers Association [SEPWA].
Audrey Bird
Member Director (Facey Group)
Term: September 22, 2023 – AGM 2025
Audrey is a grain and livestock farmer who produces on a 4,500-ha farm in Wickepin.
Audrey served for 12 years on the Facey Group, six years as Chair, and currently as Secretary, and has the honor of being the group’s inaugural Life Member.
Prior positions have included the West Australian Livestock Council 2018 – 2022, MLA Producer Adoption Reference Group 2018 – 2022, and Board of the West Australian No-Till Farmer Association from 2010 – 2015.
Audrey completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors course in 2008 with a refresher in 2024.
Chris Wyhoon
Member Director (WARLP)
Term: September, 2022 – AGM 2025
Chris is a mixed farmer who produces in the Avon Valley and is currently Chair of the WA Regenerative Livestock Producers grower group.
Chris also sits on a ministerial committee (DPIRD Cattle Industry Funding Scheme Management Committee) and key meat and livestock advisory groups, including WA Livestock Research Council, the CarbonEdge ™ Development advisory group, and MLA Environmental Credentials for Australian grass-fed beef advisory group.
Previous board roles have included Vice-Chair Wheatbelt NRM, WAFarmers, Farmsafe, and WA Landcare Network. Chris is an Australian Institute of Company Directors graduate with an MBA in Sustainable Business.
Nick Eyres
Member Director (MIG)
Term: September 20, 2024 – AGM 2026
Nick is an agronomist based in the Mid-West region operating his consultancy, Greenough Specialty Ag. He is passionate about driving local research and development to create productive opportunities within the agricultural sector. Through his work, Nick invests significant time in projects and research and is committed to translating research outcomes into practical applications for farm businesses.
Previously, Nick has collaborated extensively with grower groups, delivering project and trial outcomes, and serving on various committees in the northern agricultural region. He is driven by a passion for implementing evidence-based, outcome-driven changes.
Peter Callaghan
Member Director (NSPNR)
Term: September 16, 2024 – AGM 2026
Formally a District High School Principal, Peter retired from his last school, Kojonup DHS, in 2018. He is currently serving a second term as a Gnowangerup Shire Councillor and represents the Council on several regional organisations. Peter is also a Board Member of the mallefowl preservation group ‘Yongernow’ located in Ongerup and is the Vice Chair of the North Stirlings Pallinup NRM group.
These roles allow Peter to further develop and apply his interest in environmental and ecological practice as it assists in long-term farm viability. Beyond this community engagement, Peter is also a member of the Australian Ethics Centre.