Chairperson

Ms Rachel McLennan

Rachel is a chartered accountant with over 25 years of experience. She has worked in public practice for 20 years and has ran her own Management accounting and bookkeeping business for 5 years.

Rachel holds a Bachelor Commerce and is a Chartered accountant C.A

Rachel is the current President of Inverell Picnic Race Club (5 years) and committee member for 16 years (outgoing treasurer for 10 years), as well as sitting on the committee of Holy Trinity Parents and Friend, Inverell Netball Association, and the Local Private Ancillary Charitable Trust.

Director

Mr Les Moulds OAM

Les has been a Director of BEST since its inception and also since the commencement of Inverell Skill Training Inc.

Les brings broad marketing and local government expertise to BEST. Whilst now enjoying a busy retirement, Les was the Tourism Manager with Inverell Shire Council for over 25 years and prior to this was the Marketing Manager with Arnott’s Biscuits for 26 years.

As an active member of the community, Les’s tireless community work includes 27 years with the Copeton Dam State Trust, 25 years with New England and North West Tourism, 23 years with Inverell East Rotary, 34 years with the Inverell Pioneer Village and 22 years with Apex.

Director

Mr Peter Gaukroger

Appointed to BEST's Board in 2010, Peter provides extensive experience in all aspects of business management, retail operations and financial control. Peter was the owner/manager of a highly successful hardware store in Inverell and following the sale of the business, now enjoys his time as a part-time grazier.

Peter’s community involvement has included involvement with the Copeton Dam State Trust, Rotary Club of Inverell, Inverell Pony Club and 12 years on the Advisory Council of Home Hardware.

Director

Mr Andrew Simpson

Andrew and his family moved to Inverell in 2018 from Singapore, following a distinguished 25-year career in the international meat industry. Covering responsibilities of corporate strategy, logistics and commerce across the supply chain, Andrew has been instrumental in the ongoing transformation of multiple sites and sustainability of 1400 staff for the Bindaree Food Group. Alongside this, he also sits on the Board of the Australian Meat Industry Council.  

With a degree in Agricultural Science, an MBA, and a deep passion for agriculture, Andrew’s driving agenda remains focused on creating opportunity in regional Australia. 

Director

Ms Amanda Green

Amanda is a former employee of BEST Employment within the Finance department. She holds a clear understanding of BEST’s values and ethics along with the commitment to support the community.

As a local business owner for the past 6 years within the real estate industry, Amanda understands the importance of a people centred approach which is integral to the success of all organisations.

 A lifelong resident of Inverell, Amanda is passionate about giving back to the community. Both she and her business actively contribute to local groups through sponsorships and donations.

Retired Chairperson

Mr Jon Watts OAM

Jon has been part of BEST since 1978. Jon was part of the original Sapphire City Youth Committee, then a committee member of Inverell Skill Training Inc. the organisation from which BEST grew.

Jon provides BEST's Board with extensive legal and social welfare expertise. Jon has been a solicitor for over 25 years and prior to this worked in social welfare delivery in public notary, child protection and residential care. Jon has a Dip. Social Studies, Assoc. Dip Social Welfare and is a member of the Barristers Admission Board.

Jon is also involved in various other community activities and has been on the executive of the Inverell Harness Racing club since 1980. He has previously served on Boards and committees such as Inverell Women’s Refuge Northern Roads Activities Van, Community Housing, Inverell Show Society and McLean Care. 

Chief Executive Officer

Ms Anna Watt

Anna commenced with BEST on Monday, 23 October 2023.

Previously Anna was the Director of Corporate and Community Services at Glen Innes Severn Council for eleven years leading a substantial and diverse portfolio.

Prior to this Anna worked for Carter Holt Harvey Ltd, Wood Products Australia where she was the Commercial and Human Resources Manager, at the Structaflor Site in Oberon for five years.

Anna is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, has attained an MBA, is a Chartered Accountant and has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Otago.

Chief Corporate Services Officer

Mr Roger Abbott

Roger commenced with BEST in 2003 as an Employment Consultant and has since fulfilled a number of varying roles including Complementary Work Coordinator, Quality and Projects Coordinator and Business Excellence Manager, the role he currently holds alongside the role as Chief Corporate Services Officer.

Roger has a Diploma of Project Management and qualifications in Training and Assessment and Auditing Management Systems. Roger also has extensive experience in the implementation and maintenance of ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems, the Quality Assurance Framework (Employment Services), National Standards for Disability Services and NDIS Practice Standards.

Chief Finance Officer

Mrs Katrina Garrett

Katrina commenced with BEST in 2016 as a Finance Officer. Prior to this Katrina worked at a local accounting firm as a Senior Accountant for 14 years. Katrina has a Degree in Financial Administration and is also a board member at Inverell District Family Services. Katrina was appointed Chief Finance Officer for BEST in September 2019.

Chief Human Resources Officer

Mrs Julie Sills

Following ten years of experience in the financial sector, Julie originally commenced with BEST in 1999, supporting the delivery of Employment Services contracts across the Gwydir Namoi Area.  Julie worked in various roles in the area prior to progressing to Regional Manager in 2004.

Julie left BEST in 2009 to commence a career in HR with a large state-owned corporation as a HR Business Partner.  In this role, Julie provided HR and IR leadership, strategic direction and support to senior leaders across the North Coast, New England, North West and Far West of NSW.  

Julie returned to BEST in September 2019 to fulfil the role of Chief Human Resources Officer.

Chief Operations Officer

Mr Andrew Dyer

Andrew commenced with BEST in 2010, and has worked across frontline program delivery, team leadership, staff training, quality assurance, senior leadership and executive positions. He has completed a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Marketing, postgraduate qualifications in Psychology and qualifications in Training and Assessment. 

Andrew currently oversees the Operations Division at BEST which includes delivery of the Workforce Australia contract, Disability Employment Services, Community Services, Disability Services and BEST Social Enterprises.