MEDIA RELEASE
We are pleased to announce that The Hon Dr John McVeigh MP, Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government, has re-appointed Eddy De Gabriele as Chair of Regional Development Australia (RDA) – Illawarra.
The Chair re-appointment term is until 31 December 2020. At the end of this term, Eddy will have served 16 years as Chair of RDA Illawarra – a phenomenal commitment to regional development and the future of the Illawarra region.
Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Senator the Hon Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, said “For over a decade as RDA Illawarra Chairman, Eddy has demonstrated a strong commitment to the region. As an Illawarra based Senator, I have had the opportunity to work with Eddy and the RDA Illawarra over many years. The Regional Development Committees are important in building strong and vibrant regions. I am confident that Eddy will continue to work effectively with government, business and the wider community to foster job creation and economic growth within the Illawarra.
Sharon Bird, Member for Cunningham, said “I congratulate Eddy on his re-appointment as Chair of RDA Illawarra. I have always found him very good to work with. Eddy is clearly committed to advancing our region and I’m sure he’ll bring that same dedication and passion to his new term.”
Stephen Jones, Member for Whitlam, said “I welcome the re-appointment of Eddy De Gabriele as Chair of RDA Illawarra. I look forward to working with Eddy and the board to attract private sector investment to the Illawarra for job creating projects. I’m also keen to work with the RDA to advance critical projects like the Maldon Dombarton rail link, the home for football at West Dapto and more tourism assets for the region.”
Eddy De Gabriele said “I’m looking forward to working with the newly appointed Minister, alongside our local Senator and Federal MPs, to deliver under the Federal Government’s new Charter for RDAs who play an important role in building strong, confident and vibrant regions through investment attraction and economic growth initiatives.
Not only is there a New Minister, New Charter, but we will also be engaging a New Director of Regional Development and team in the Illawarra. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the existing Board members, whose terms expire on 30 June 2018. We will also be calling expressions of interest for New Board members to join the re-invigorated RDA Illawarra in the near future. Our New, more expansive role will be an opportunity for us to bring economic outcomes to the Illawarra region collaboratively.”
About: Eddy De Gabriele is a successful business person who grew local Illawarra company Edmen from scratch into a national success story with over 1,500 employees in the disability and community sectors. In 2017, Edmen was sold to People Infrastructure and was publicly listed on the ASX. Eddy is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Chairman of Football South Coast and has an Advanced Diploma in Management.