Photo courtesy of GPSA.
Rhodes has a long history in the agribusiness industry having previously held senior roles in both the corporate and government sectors and with state and federal farmer representative bodies in Australia. She brings specialist skills in stakeholder management and regulatory affairs.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural science from the University of Adelaide, a master’s degree in agribusiness from the University of Melbourne and a diploma from the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She is also a graduate of the Australian Rural Leadership Program.
Rhodes also has served on a number of boards in South Australia, including the SA Grain Industry Trust, Rural Business Support, Foodbank SA and the SA Cricket Association.
GPSA Chair Wade Dabinett welcomed Rhodes to the role, saying her skills and previous experiences make her an excellent fit to take GPSA into the future.
“After an extensive external recruitment process, the board is thrilled to have a candidate of the caliber of Caroline working with us,” Dabinett said. “She brings a host of skills in advocacy, board governance, policy and agribusiness and her expertise and leadership will contribute significantly to the future of GPSA.
“There are a number of important issues facing the grains industry and the members will form part of our strategy development over the next 12 months. It has been a busy period in the lead?up to the State election and we are ready to work with the new Minister for Primary Industries.”
Rhodes said she was thrilled to be back in the agricultural sector and working on behalf producers across regional South Australia.
“The grains industry contributes $2.5 billion to the South Australian economy and has huge potential to increase its profitability for the benefit of the whole State,” she said. “I’m looking forward to representing producers again and being back in the industry that I’m incredibly passionate about. It’s a new chapter for GPSA and we are well positioned to advance the interests of our members with the new state government.”
