Honeysuckle Harbour Life

New direction for Hunter Development Corporation Board

Minister for the Hunter Jodi McKay today announced two new appointments to the Board of Directors of the Hunter Development Corporation.

Ms McKay said the new appointees will be a valuable addition to the Hunter Development Corporation and will help oversee an exciting period for the region.

“I am very pleased to announce that Karen Howard and the Hon. Patricia Forsythe will be joining the Hunter Development Corporation Board,” Ms McKay said.

“Both appointees have vast experience and strong ties to the Hunter region.

“Ms Howard brings considerable expertise to the role, including her most recent position as President of the Hunter Business Chamber.

“Karen was the first female president of the Hunter Business Chamber and she performed this role with great distinction. She is a respected member of the region’s business community.”

Ms McKay said Patricia Forsythe is a fantastic addition to the Hunter Development Corporation.

“Ms Forsythe is the Executive Director of the Sydney Chamber of Commerce and a graduate of the University of Newcastle.

“If Newcastle is to fulfil its potential as the second city of NSW and we are to continue to progress plans to revitalise the CBD, we need to have strong connections with Sydney.

“Ms Forsythe will enable the Hunter Development Corporation to engage with Sydney business and to forge partnerships that will help in addressing these challenges.”

Ms McKay said the new board reflects the recent changes to the management of the Hunter Development Corporation which is now part of the Lands and Property Management Authority.

“The new structure of the Hunter Development Corporation will continue to allow the local community to be closely involved with driving economic growth in the region,” Ms McKay said.

“I am confident the new look board will lead the Hunter Development Corporation to generate investment and redevelopment in the Hunter region well into the future.

“I’d like to thank the four departing directors, Mr Neil Bird, Newcastle Lord Mayor Cr John Tate, Megan Maybury and Suzanne Ryan for their years of service to the Board.

“Thanks to the time, knowledge and expertise of these directors, the Hunter Development Corporation finds itself in a strong position to progress a number of initiatives and projects that will benefit the region in years to come,” Ms McKay said.

The new Hunter Development Corporation Board

• Chairman Paul Broad (re-appointed)
• David Evans (re-appointed)
• Gary Kennedy (re-appointed)
• Ron Robson (re-appointed)
• The Hon Patricia Forsythe (new appointment)
• Karen Howard (new appointment)
• Graham Harding (Land and Property Management Authority representative)