Regional Development Australia Murraylands and Riverland (RDAMR) is appointing a new leader to continue guiding its strategic regional development priorities across the region.
Current RDAMR Chief Operations Officer (COO) Julie Bates will step into the role of Chief Executive (CE), commencing with a 12-month appointment from 13 October 2025. This appointment demonstrates the RDAMR Board’s commitment to steady, transformative growth, both for the region and from within RDAMR.
RDAMR Chair Jodie Hawkes said Julie’s extensive experience in regional development and her trusted relationships with local governments, businesses and communities across the Murraylands and Riverland made her an ideal fit for the role.
“Our Board is clear on our purpose to connect our region for a resilient and sustainable future, and that this can only be achieved through steady, transformative leadership,” Ms Hawkes said.
“Julie lives our purpose and is a familiar face across the Murraylands and Riverland, having worked in partnership with government, industry and communities for over two decades.
“With her lived experience of the challenges and opportunities our region faces, Julie is the right person to continue RDAMR’s work towards our vision for the region to be internationally recognised as a vibrant, world-leading circular economy by 2030, with high-performing businesses and resilient communities.”
In preparation for Ben Fee moving on from the CE RDAMR role, Julie was appointed COO in February to co-lead RDAMR in preparation for a planned leadership transition. Julie’s previous roles with RDAMR in tourism, business and regional development have created a solid foundation for her growth through to the CE role.
“I’m excited to continue the great work done by the team so far in transforming our region toward a more connected, resilient and sustainable future, and I’m excited by the opportunity to evolve RDAMR and the region to the next level,” Ms Bates said.
“While our local businesses and communities have faced their share of challenges with droughts, floods, COVID and biosecurity threats, I see opportunities emerging for our region and I’m focused on working closely with our partners to tap into those.”
Ms Hawkes said the Board was grateful to Mr Fee for his willingness to challenge paradigms for positive change during his time as CE RDAMR, including working with the Board, staff and regional communities to develop clear visions for RDAMR and the region.
“Ben has been a champion for change, while at the same time leading RDAMR and supporting the region through COVID just after he started, then through floods and now drought,” she said.
“He has been a strong advocate for regional transformation. In challenging the status quo, he has continued to bring us together – across government, industries and communities – to challenge and empower us all to create a better future for the Murraylands and Riverland.”
Mr Fee expressed gratitude to all of the changemakers in the region, noting that change can be challenging and takes time.
“The Murraylands and Riverland are a vibrant, innovative region with strong industries, passionate communities and a positive future for continued economic growth and development,” he said.
“It has been an honour to work with regional stakeholders on instigating change for a better future, especially with locals who are crying out for change, and with the leaders of our institutions as they diligently and patiently transform systems from within. I look forward to working with changemakers to create a more resilient and sustainable world for our future generations, and leave the Murraylands and Riverland region in the most capable of hands – each and every one of yours.”
Media contact:
Claire Garner – Strategic Business & Communications Manager
M: 0423 533 354 | E: cgarner@rdamr.com.au
