CRC for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA) CEO Jed Matz, has announced the appointment of Catherine Marriott as the CRCNA Project Manager for Western Australia.

“It’s an exciting time to join the CRCNA. The inaugural call for expressions of interest is soon to close and the first round of projects will commence in the new year.

“Catherine’s vast experience in agriculture, specifically in Western Australia, will make her a valuable addition to the team managing the WA based projects,” he said.

Catherine is well known as a passionate advocate for the pastoral and agricultural industry and joins the CRCNA following two years as CEO of the Kimberley Pilbara Cattleman’s Association.

“I’m looking forward to working collaboratively with State Government, industry organisations, universities, TAFE and other companies to develop a research hub here in northern WA. A place where people and organisations work collaboratively together, sharing resources and ultimately delivering an innovative and holistic, research platform that delivers relevant research to the community,“ said Catherine.

“My main focus upon starting will be to network map the region and determine what organisations and funding mechanisms are available, (both public and private), what resources each organisation has, what projects are going to add the most value and then how to best manage, communicate and disperse information to ensure the research is relevant and utilised by the people that it was designed for.

“I will also be looking at sharing information more collaboratively with the NT and QLD as I feel there is lots of opportunity to learn and share from each other,” she said.

The CRC for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA) will be investing $75m of Commonwealth funds over the next ten years to support industry-led research collaborations. The funding will develop new technologies, products and services which address industry issues in Northern Australia within three areas – agriculture and food, tropical health service delivery and Traditional Owner led business development.

The first funding call for the CRCNA is currently open and closes 31 October 2017. Visit crcna.com.au for more details.