Core partners of the Northern Western Australia and Northern Territory Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (NWANT Drought Hub) today announced Anthony Wilkes has been appointed as the inaugural independent chairperson of the hub.

“I am extremely honoured to have been selected for this very important and exciting opportunity to work with Northern WA and NT producers and communities to connect them with innovative technologies and practices that will benefit the entire Northern Territory and Northern Western Australia environment, economy and its people,” Mr Wilkes said.

Mr Wilkes has commenced in his role which will be a two year appointment and is based in Western Australia. He has had extensive experience and proven success in management and CEO roles in FMCG, Wine, Pastoral and Agribusiness industries having worked with Yeeda Pastoral and Kimberley Meat Company, Howard Park and MadFish Wines, Ferngrove Wines, TBG Agri Holdings and Heytesbury Pastoral Company Pty Ltd.

Mr Wilkes will lead the NWANT hub coordinating Group which includes the Northern Territory Cattleman’s Association, Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen’s Association, Northern Territory Farmers Association, Territory Natural Resource Management, the Rangelands NRM, Regional Development Australia NT and Charles Darwin University and the Western Australia and Northern Territory Governments.

“We believe Anthony’s recent work in Northern Australia and working relationships with the Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen’s Association, Rangelands NRM and WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development will be a significant asset to the new Hub,” Rangelands NRM CEO and Hub Director Debra Tarabini said

“Mr Wilkes has a sound understanding of the complexities involved in representing a diverse set of people and views that typically exist within the Northern WA and NT region.”

“The NT Cattleman’s Association believe Mr Wilkes capacity to understand the northern landscape and its various stakeholders is critical to the success of the Hub,” NTCA CEO and Hub Director Will Evans said.

“His experience in the National and State agricultural industries is testament to his ability to listen to the requirements of producers. We look forward to working with Mr Wilkes to better understand the challenges and opportunities presented by being more prepared for future droughts and climactic conditions.”