ABOUT RMRA

Geraldine Higgins is a proud Wiradjuri woman and the Chairperson and Leeton Delegate of RMRA. Gerri also serves on the Board of the Leeton Local Aboriginal Land Council and works with Intereach as a Child, Family and Community Worker. Passionate about her family, her community, and supporting those with fewer opportunities, Geraldine is known for her warm, approachable nature and her commitment to helping others connect with the services and support they need.

Karen Davy is a proud Wiradjuri woman and Leeton Delegate of RMRA. Karen is the Chief Executive Officer of the Leeton & District Local Aboriginal Land Council. With strong experience in leadership and community development, she is committed to strengthening Aboriginal governance, protecting cultural heritage, and creating pathways for future generations. Karen is passionate about empowering her community through education, advocacy, and opportunities that build resilience, cultural pride, and positive change across the region.

Vickie-Louise Simpson is a proud Wiradjuri woman and serves as a Griffith Delegate of RMRA. Vickie is a Program Manager at Griffith Aboriginal Medical Service. She serves as Chairperson of ACDAN, the Griffith Local Aboriginal Land Council, and the Griffith Aboriginal Community Working Party, while contributing to a number of other boards and leadership groups in her community. Passionate about community healing and cultural strength, Vickie is dedicated to creating positive change through youth programs, women's groups, and major cultural events.

Deidre Hamilton is a proud Wamba Wamba woman and Deniliquin Delegate of RMRA. She is the Office Manager at Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre Aboriginal Corporation. Family-oriented and deeply connected to community, she is passionate about preserving culture, supporting young people, and creating opportunities that strengthen wellbeing across the region. Through her leadership, Deidre continues to foster cultural knowledge, advocacy, and strong community connections.

John "Gubba" Woods is a proud Wiradjuri man and Hay Delegate of RMRA. Deeply connected to the Murrumbidgee River near Hay, where he grew up with his family, Gubba continues to share his cultural knowledge with the next generations. He often leads tours for community, teaching them about traditional tools, weapons, and the importance of listening to Country and learning from Elders.

Peter Beath is a proud Gudhamangdhuray Wiradjuri man, the Deputy-Chairperson of RMRA and Cootamundra Delegate. He is Manager of Community Engagement at TAFE NSW, where he champions the role of cultural visibility in education, workplaces, and the wider community. Reconnecting with culture as a student at TAFE NSW nearly 30 years ago, Peter has since dedicated his career to strengthening community connections and creating opportunities for his community through education.

Greg Packer is a proud Wiradjuri man and Wagga Wagga Delegate of RMRA. Greg is a Senior Land Service Officer for Local Land Services. Drawing on nearly three decades in Aboriginal health, Greg now focuses on the intersection of environmental and community wellbeing — working across the Riverina to conduct cultural site assessments, promote sustainable land management like traditional burning, and support the mental health of rural communities during drought. He brings a deep connection to Country and a heartfelt commitment to protecting both the land and the people who depend on it.

Desma Newman is a proud Wiradjuri and Dharug woman and serves as a Griffith Delegate of RMRA. Desma also serves as a long standing Board Member of the Griffith Local Aboriginal Land Council. She is a Manager Caseworker and the current NSW State Aboriginal Reference Group Chairperson within DCJ Community Services. With over three decades of experience supporting families and community, she is passionate about advocacy, cultural strength, and improving outcomes for Aboriginal people through leadership and service. Desma has remained a strong advocate for human rights, empowerment, cultural safety, and self-determination — always with families, community and her people at the core.

Lorraine Parsons Bio Insert

Tara Dixon is a proud Wangkumarra woman and Hay Delegate of RMRA. Tara brings extensive experience in Aboriginal governance, land management, cultural heritage and community development, including 18 years as Chair of Hay Local Aboriginal Land Council and 15 years as Secretary/Treasurer of Nari Nari Tribal Council. She also spent 17 years coordinating the Toogimbie Indigenous Protected Area, Ranger programs and a Youth Development Program. Tara is passionate about ensuring Aboriginal voices are heard in decision-making, protecting Culture and Heritage, strengthening community wellbeing and creating positive outcomes for future generations.