CHAIRPERSON

John is also a Director of the Cobargo Co-operative Society Limited and Vice Chairperson of the Cobargo Quaama Business Recovery Group Incorporated..

After a career of some 35 years in the media, much of it in senior corporate roles, John became involved in the developing renewable energy sector 12 years ago.

Moving to Cobargo 9 years ago for a “Tree Change”, John has become immersed in his new community in various roles, including as president of the Cobargo Rural Fire Brigade and as a member of the Cobargo RSL sub-branch.

John brings his corporate management skills and business experience to the board of the CCDC Limited, together with his passion for Cobargo and its community.

SECRETARY/PUBLIC OFFICER

Narelle Cooper is also Secretary/Treasurer of the Cobargo Quaama Business Recovery Group Incorporated and operated the popular “South Coast Leather” business in Cobargo for 20 years until the premises were destroyed in the Black Summer bushfires.

Originally from Sydney, Narelle has broad experience in the finance, hospitality, arts and insurance sectors, including a number of senior Executive P.A. and Board Secretary roles.

Narelle has been a long standing member of the Cobargo Tourist and Business Association and deeply involved in the community over many years, including as a competitor and judge in equestrian events, supporting local sports organisations and the Cobargo Primary School.

DIRECTOR

Shona is also Chairperson of the Cobargo Quaama Business Recovery Group Incorporated, and owned and operated her successful small business “The Dispensary at Cobargo”, until it was tragically lost in the Black Summer bushfires.

She is also co-owner and operator of Salads Direct Farm, Cobargo, which sees all its boutique range of lettuce, culinary herbs and micro herbs distributed to local cafes, restaurants, independent grocery stores and catering companies.

Shona brings her extensive business acumen and her past experience over some 5 years as a board member of the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA) to her leadership role in Business Recovery for Cobargo and district, and as a director of the CCDC Limited.

DIRECTOR

June is also Chairperson of the Cobargo Co-operative Society Limited, and is a local dairy farmer co-managing a progressive 300 plus milking cow farm ”Wandellow” in the Wandella valley near Cobargo

Actively involved in the community across a wide range of interests, June has been a Committee Member of the Cobargo Show Society for some 36 years, a member of the Cobargo Horse & Trail Riders for 26 years, and a Board member of the Cobargo Co-operative Society for 20 years, including the past 6 years as its Chairperson.

Recipient of the BVSC Community Service Award 2009, the Cobargo Citizen of the Year Award 2010, and many other community accolades, June brings her community and business experience to the CCDC Limited Board.

DIRECTOR

Graham relocated to Cobargo with his family in the early 1990’s to re-establish his wholesale tree nursery he formerly operated in the Kenthurst (Sydney) area.

With a 35-year involvement in the district’s Scouting movement, Graham has served as District Leader and is currently Leader of the Cobargo Scouts group. He has also been actively involved with the Cobargo Show Society, including 7 years as President, with his contribution to the organisation being recognised with life Membership.

Currently a director of the Cobargo Co-operative Society Limited, having served 20 years in the role, Graham has also served as a member of the Cobargo Rural Fire Service.

Graham’s contributions to the community were recognised with the Bega Valley Australia Day Citizen of the Year Award in 2012 and the Cobargo Citizen of the Year Award in 2014.

DIRECTOR (Community Representative)

Stephen and his wife “retired” to Cobargo some seven years ago after a career in the Air force and Defense Department, including experience managing programs of support to reservists and associated funding management, and coordination of committees across local, state and national levels.

Since coming to Cobargo, Stephen has become deeply involved in the community through volunteering with the CWA, the Show Society and the Folk Festival, and the the Cobargo Op Shop. Currently, Stephen is the president of the School of Arts Hall Committee.

Stephen is keen to “give back” to the community which has welcomed him and to contribute to the successful revitalisation of Cobargo.

DIRECTOR (Community Representative)

A Cobargo community member for the last 20 years, Debra Summer’s focus and energy has been in building community capacity and connection. A trained Art of Hosting Practitioner, she has been hosting Cobargo Community Catch-up Gatherings since the fires, bringing community together to find a way forward with a community led focus. Debra has deep ties across the community with her work as a local Civil Celebrant, leading life transitions from birth to death. 

She has a strong volunteer ethic, is the Vice-President of the Cobargo Community Bushfire Recovery Fund (CCBRF), Committee Member of Cobargo and District Energy Transition (CaDET), MP Liaison Officer for the Bega Valley Shire and Far South Coast for Cancer Council NSW, is Trustee of the Crossing Land Education Trust, and has been on various local committees and boards such as the Cobargo School of Arts Hall, and the Cobargo Folk Festival. She has a Master of Applied Science – Social Ecology. Her past career was managing a team of consultants in online education.

DIRECTOR (Skills Based)

Originally from the Riverina district, David moved permanently to Bermagui some four years ago, and more recently purchased a rural property at Yowrie.

David has a comprehensive background in building design, civil engineering, and project management, with specialist skills in project delivery including planning, financial control, contract management and post occupation asset management.

Much of David's recent experience is in the delivery of public assets within the NSW Health Infrastructure, and he has also spent some years working as a project manager within NSW Public Works Advisory.

David is looking forward to the opportunity of making a contribution to his newly adopted community.

DIRECTOR (Skills Based)

Michael moved to the Bega Valley some four years ago for a change in lifestyle,

With some 40 years of corporate experience in areas including sales and marketing, IT, contract management and finance, Mick also has considerable current experience and involvement in the not-for-profit area, with skills in financial analysis, risk assessment, contract administration and governance.

Mick is currently a member of the Bega Valley Council's Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee; Cemetery Advisory Committee and Affordable Housing Committee, as well as a Director and member of the governance committee of Southern Cross Housing Limited, provider of social housing in the South Coast.

Mick is also the Chairperson of the Mumbulla Foundation, and brings his considerable skills in governance and financial control to the board of the CCDC Limited.