Steady Hand at the Helm: Brett Stonestreet Appointed RDA Riverina Chair

In Short

• New Chair: Brett Stonestreet PSM succeeds Dianna Somerville as Chair, appointed by the Minister for Regional Development, the Hon. Kristy McBain MP.
• Proven Track Record: Stonestreet brings 40 years of local government experience, including a high-profile tenure as General Manager of Griffith City Council.
• Returning Talent: This marks a homecoming for Stonestreet, who previously served on the RDA Riverina committee between 2012 and 2018.

Regional Development Australia (RDA) Riverina has announced a significant shift in leadership, with Brett Stonestreet PSM appointed as the new Chair to drive the region’s economic and social priorities.

The appointment, made by the Hon. Kristy McBain MP, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, sees Mr Stonestreet succeed Dianna Somerville, who served in the role for nearly five years.

Mr Stonestreet is a familiar name to many across the Hay, Carrathool, and Griffith shires. With a career in local government spanning four decades, he is perhaps most recognised for his 14-year tenure as General Manager of Griffith City Council, which concluded in 2025.

In 2023, his dedication to the region was formally recognised with a Public Service Medal (PSM) for outstanding service to the Griffith community.

RDA Riverina noted that Mr Stonestreet’s leadership has always been defined by practical outcomes. From building private hospitals to spearheading regional housing initiatives, his focus remains on community-led success.

"He is equally inspired by the Riverina itself, its people, its ingenuity and the river systems that sustain the region," an RDA Riverina spokesperson said. "Brett’s work reflects a deep respect for place and a commitment to leaving the region stronger for future generations."

This is not Mr Stonestreet’s first stint with the organisation; he previously served as a member of the RDA Riverina committee from 2012 to 2018. His return is seen as a strategic move to leverage his deep understanding of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA) and the broader Riverina infrastructure needs.

As Chair, he will oversee RDA Riverina’s mission to connect local businesses and government with the funding and programs necessary to foster a resilient regional economy.