Regional Development Australia – Central Coast (RDACC) is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Lawrie McKinna as its Chair.

Former Mayor of Gosford City Council and regional sporting leader, Mr McKinna is committed to supporting the organisation in its ongoing efforts to grow the Central Coast as a strong, viable and sustainable economic centre.

“I am extremely honoured to serve the Central Coast as the incoming Chair of RDACC. As a resident of the Coast and an active member of our local community, I am passionate about growing the opportunities for economic development here in our region,” said Mr McKinna.

“We all know how lucky we are to live in this truly unique part of the world, and I am looking forward to working with the RDACC Board & Staff to continue to grow a thriving and prosperous region for the benefit of future generations.”

The appointment was formally announced by Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Hon Nola Marino.

Minister Marino said, “Mr McKinna will lead RDA Central Coast under a refreshed national RDA Charter that focuses on driving investment and local procurement opportunities and through this, creating jobs and economic growth for our regions.

I look forward to working with Mr McKinna and the RDA Central Coast members and staff over the coming years and encourage the community to reach out to their RDA to discuss how it can help business succeed”.

“RDA Central Coast is a highly valued and respected organisation that has successfully partnered with all regional stakeholders to drive economic development in our region and provide critical intelligence back to all levels of government about the key issues impacting our local community.,” added Mr McKinna.

“Regional partnerships such as the recent MOU developed between RDACC, the University of Newcastle and Central Coast Industry Connect have been a huge boost in achieving our region’s goal of growing our local industries, creating new jobs and building sustainable regional business competitiveness.

“Unprecedented collaboration between RDACC and our Central Coast Federal & State members, has resulted in over $750 million in infrastructure funding for essential enabling infrastructure works and in excess of $30 million of National Stronger Regions Funding being secured by the region”

“RDACC will continue to be an important conduit between all levels of government, business and our community to drive further collaboration, innovation and enhanced economic outcomes”, said Mr McKinna.

In addition to his position as RDACC Chair, Mr McKinna is the General Manager of the Newcastle Jets and previously held the positions of founding Manager and then Director of Football for the Central Coast Mariners.