Regional Development Advisory Council

Professor Sheridan is Emeritus Professor at the University of New England (UNE). Professor Sheridan holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Economics (Hons) from the University of Sydney and a PhD in Management from UNE. Professor Sheridan has lived and worked in regional NSW for more than 35 years, and through her teaching and research has gained a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing regional communities. Throughout her academic career, she has held a variety of leadership roles at UNE and has recently worked with a number of regional enterprises as a non-executive director.

Professor Sheridan has published more than 100 peer-reviewed papers, co-edited the book Inclusive Leadership: Negotiating Gendered Spaces and co-authored the book Entrepreneurship in Regional Communities. She is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Life Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management.

Tom McKeon is an accomplished professional with more than 45 years of experience in the agriculture, investment and resource management sectors.

He has experience in senior and executive management roles within large-scale corporate agricultural companies, both in Australia and internationally, as well as representative and advisory roles working with government, regulatory and private organisations in resource and investment management.

Based in South East NSW, Mr McKeon has strong connections to regional areas and communities.

Alison Stone is an executive leader with 40 years’ experience working across rural and regional communities in the public sector and in board and advisory roles. Ms Stone specialises in land and infrastructure management and development, fire and emergency management and primary industries at state and national levels.

On 13 February 2025, Ms Stone was appointed as the first statutory NSW Agriculture Commissioner, working to safeguard the future of the agriculture industry.

Based in the Hunter region, Ms Stone is also the Chair of PrimeSafe (Victoria) and was previously a member of the Australian Government’s Forest Industry Advisory Council. Ms Stone holds a Master of Environmental Studies from Melbourne University, and a Bachelor of Economics from Australian National University.

David Harding is a business and not-for-profit leader. Mr Harding has experience in policy, investment and major project delivery, and has worked for many years with all levels of government. 

Mr Harding is committed to strong economic and social outcomes for all NSW communities He holds leadership roles in a range of business, charity and government entities, including as Chair of Engineering Aid Australia.

Phil Usher is a Wiradjuri man, born and raised on Gomeroi Country.

Mr Usher is the Director of Gunagala Consulting, which works to build the capacity and economic prosperity of Aboriginal organisations, businesses and communities.

Mr Usher is a leading advisor to the industry and government sectors sharing his business and cultural expertise. He has held various leadership roles and has worked closely with regional and remote Aboriginal communities throughout his career.

Mr Usher is passionate about economic development and working alongside Aboriginal communities to improve financial self-determination. 

Dianna Somerville is Chairperson of Regional Development Australia Riverina. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the Australian Defence Force Academy University of New South Wales.

Mrs Somerville has extensive experience working across the public and not-for-profit sectors including with defence industries. She has lectured in entrepreneurship and been involved with economic development in regional communities.

Mrs Somerville was nominated as a suitable appointee by the Australian Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, the Hon Kristy McBain MP.