Executive Director

Perin Davey commenced as Executive Director of the Ricegrowers' Association of Australia (RGA) on 14 August 2026, bringing extensive experience in public policy, water management, agricultural advocacy and stakeholder engagement.

Having lived and worked in the Riverina for more than 15 years, Perin has developed a deep connection to the region, its communities and its irrigated agriculture industries. Her career has been shaped by a commitment to supporting rural and regional Australia and delivering practical outcomes for the people and industries that depend on sustainable water management.

Before joining the RGA, Perin served six years in the Australian Senate representing New South Wales. During that time, she held several leadership positions, including Shadow Minister for Water for three years. These roles saw her advocate strongly for regional communities, irrigated agriculture and balanced water policy, while working across government, industry and community sectors to address complex policy challenges.

Prior to her parliamentary career, Perin worked extensively in natural resource management and water policy, including one of the region's independent irrigation infrastructure operators, developing a strong understanding of the economic, environmental and social importance of water to regional Australia. She has built a reputation for bringing people together, communicating complex issues clearly and working constructively to achieve meaningful outcomes.

As Executive Director, Perin is committed to providing strong representation for rice growers and ensuring members' voices are heard in policy and regulatory discussions. She is focused on strengthening industry partnerships, supporting the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the Australian rice industry, and helping position the sector to seize future opportunities.

Office Manager

Carmel Cristofaro began with the RGA in September 2014.  Carmel is an experienced administrative and business support professional currently serving as Office Manager, where she plays a key role in ensuring the efficient operation of organisational functions, supporting leadership teams, and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships. With a career built on professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail, Carmel has developed a reputation for creating effective systems and fostering positive workplace cultures.

Throughout her career, Carmel has gained extensive experience in office administration, financial and business operations, customer service, and organisational coordination.  She has successfully supported executive leaders, managed complex administrative processes, and contributed to the delivery of strategic and operational objectives. Her ability to balance multiple priorities while maintaining high service standards has been a consistent highlight of her professional journey.

Carmel brings strong expertise in stakeholder engagement, team support, workflow management, communication, and problem-solving. She is recognised for her collaborative approach and commitment to achieving practical outcomes that benefit both colleagues and the wider organisation.  Her leadership and organisational skills have enabled her to make meaningful contributions in a variety of workplace settings.

Through her work, Carmel has developed a strong appreciation for the importance of regional communities and the industries that support them, including the rice industry.  She values the role agriculture plays in driving economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and sustaining local communities.

Outside of work, Carmel is passionate about building strong connections with people and contributing to a supportive community environment and is an active member of a few community groups.  She values family, teamwork, and lifelong learning, and enjoys opportunities to give back through community involvement and professional mentoring where possible.

Carmel's dedication, experience, and people-focused approach continue to make her a valued contributor and trusted professional within her organisation and community.

Policy & Project Manager

Neil joined the RGA in 2008 as the Murray Regional Coordinator for the Environmental Champions Program and since that time has worked on a range of projects including the On Farm Irrigation Efficiency Program and the Environmental Champions Program. Today Neil manages a range of Environmental Projects for the RGA, based out of Deniliquin.

Prior to commencing his tenure with the RGA Neil owned and operated irrigation and dryland farm businesses in the Deniliquin area, his farm management involved the implementation of sustainable land management practices and biodiversity enhancement projects.

Neil holds an Advanced Diploma of Agriculture and has training in Project Management and Facilitation.

Communications Manager

Dale Arthur joined the Ricegrowers' Association of Australia (RGA) in November 2024 as Communications Manager, bringing a creative, strategic approach to connecting growers, industry stakeholders, and the broader community.

Holding a Bachelor's Degree in Photography with a major in Photojournalism, Dale has built an extensive career across photography, graphic design, videography and communications. His professional experience spans visual storytelling, brand development, digital media and content creation, providing him with a unique ability to communicate complex issues in engaging and accessible ways.

Originally from Melbourne, Victoria, Dale's move to the Riverina marked the beginning of a new chapter and a deep appreciation for Australian agriculture. While new to the industry when he joined the RGA, he quickly recognised the importance of strong communication in bridging the gap between regional communities and metropolitan audiences. He is passionate about ensuring the stories, challenges and achievements of rice growers are shared with authenticity and impact.

Dale brings a forward-thinking perspective to the organisation, combining creative problem-solving, lateral thinking and a strong focus on engaging younger generations. He is committed to helping the industry strengthen its public profile while building greater understanding and support for agriculture across Australia.

Outside of his professional role, Dale is actively involved in the local community. He currently serves as President of the Leeton Preschool Committee and is a member of Leeton's Financial Sustainability Advisory Committee (FSAC). He has also completed the Duke of Edinburgh Award, reflecting his commitment to leadership and personal development.

Dale and his family are proud to call the Riverina home. With strong family connections to rice farming through his father-in-law's farm in Coleambally, he is passionate about raising his young daughter in the region and sees their future firmly rooted in rural Australia.

Local Landcare Coordinator

Janet joined the RGA in 2021 as acting Landcare Coordinator, covering a maternity leave position in the Deniliquin Office. Janet’s role is supported by the Local Landcare Co-ordinators Initiative funded by the Australian Governments National Landcare program and NSW Government and Landcare NSW.

Janet has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Agriculture) and many years of experience in landholder engagement through her involvement with the implementation of the On Farm Irrigation Efficiency Program (OFIEP) and her work with Murray Irrigation in customer engagement. 

Janet is a rice grower in the Morago area with her husband and three daughters, and is passionate about her local community.

Local Landcare Coordinator

Andrea joined RGA in 2025 as acting Local Landcare Coordinator, based at the newly established Berrigan Council office.

Andrea Mitchell joined the Ricegrowers' Association of Australia (RGA Landcare) in 2025 as Local Landcare Coordinator, based within Berrigan Shire Council. Her role is supported through the NSW Landcare Enabling Program, a partnership between Local Land Services, Landcare NSW and RGA, funded by the NSW Government.

Andrea holds a Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management, specialising in Ecology and Conservation, and brings extensive experience in environmental management, community engagement and sustainable agriculture. Throughout her career, she has worked with a range of organisations across New South Wales and Victoria, including YACTAC in the Yanco Creek system, Project Platypus in Victoria's Wimmera region, and the Murray Native Seedbank. These roles have provided valuable experience in landscape-scale environmental projects, community development, biodiversity conservation and supporting landholders to achieve positive environmental outcomes.

Living on her family farm in Savernake, NSW, Andrea has a strong connection to agriculture and the region she serves. Together with her husband, she has raised four children while maintaining a deep commitment to caring for the land and supporting rural communities. Her practical farming experience gives her a firsthand understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing farmers and regional communities.

In her role with RGA Landcare, Andrea works across a wide range of activities, from securing grant funding and coordinating events to supporting on-ground projects such as revegetation, biological control programs and waterway restoration. She is passionate about connecting agriculture, environment and community, and helping farmers build productive, resilient farming systems that work with nature.

Andrea is driven by a commitment to strengthening rural communities and improving environmental outcomes, ensuring both agriculture and the natural environment can thrive for future generations.

Leadership Project Manager

Janelle joined the RGA in 2025 as Leadership Manager, coordinating the industries’ capacity building and leadership programs.

She is based in Griffith and previously worked with the RGA from 2003 to 2010 on the industry's environmental initiatives and participated in industry leadership programs, developing a passion for leadership development. 

Janelle has worked for the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, local government and is currently also a project officer with Murrumbidgee Landcare. 

She has a degree in natural resource management, is completing a Master of Agriculture and has a passion for rural communities and supporting people to make those communities thrive.