Our Committee
Business Mudgee represents the business community within the Mudgee Region in Central NSW. An elected committee meets formally once a month to manage Business Mudgee matters and initiatives.
Business Mudgee holds an alliance with the Business NSW, which provides additional benefits to our members. We encourage and foster close relationships with other local industry bodies such as Mudgee Region Tourism, Mudgee Fine Foods, Mudgee Wine Association, Gulgong Chamber of Commerce, and Rylstone and Kandos Chamber of Commerce.
We initiate informative business seminars and networking events. These events allow interaction with other local business owners and often feature guest speakers in areas such as leadership, business development, marketing, motivation and OH&S, which help support and encourage our members in their business.
Committee 2023-2024
President
Vice President
Adam Edwards
Adam is a solicitor with local firm Hannaford Cox Connellan & McFarland, where he focuses primarily on commercial law, conveyancing and civil litigation. Prior to this, Adam lectured in law at the University of New England, where he still does some lecturing on a part-time basis. Adam also owns a small superfine merino stud, although this enterprise has assumed hobby status in recent years. He is on the board of Kanandah Retirement in Mudgee. Adam holds a Masters in Law (Distinction) and a Graduate diploma in Legal Practice (Merit) – both from ANU – plus a Bachelor of Laws (Hons I) and a Bachelor of Arts, both from UNE.
Treasurer
Amy Eggleton
Amy is the Local Finance Manager for Westpac in Mudgee and has worked in the finance sector for a number of years, both in customer lending and in corporate and small business banking. Amy has completed a Bachelor and Masters in Business Management and has worked in a number of regional towns throughout Australia, where she has been involved with local organisations and sporting groups. Amy’s passion is growing and supporting regional businesses, and she hopes that she can contribute to the growth of Mudgee Business’s through her position on the Committee.
Secretariat
Anne Cleary
Anne is the proprietor of The Pampered Lady and moved to the Mudgee region in 2017.
Prior to becoming a beauty therapist, Anne spent 18 years in the legal arena as a secretary, training officer, recruitment consultant, HR co-ordinator and personal assistant to 2 barristers before moving to the USA for 5 years. After returning to Australia with her family in 2010, attended Ella Bache College and gained a Diploma of Beauty Therapy.
Committee member
Beth Cheetham
Beth is the owner/operator of Flowers by Beth.
Committee member
Katy Henderson
A Mudgee local born and bred, when Katy finished her schooling she headed to sunny Queensland for 12 years. Returned to Mudgee over 20 years ago and having been an aged care nurse since she was 17 years old, Katy decided for a lifestyle change and purchased Willow Collective (formally Vintage Rose) six years ago. Katy is excited to be a part of the Business Mudgee committee and is keen to see what the Committee can achieve for our wonderful Mudgee region business community.
Committee member
Donna Hughes
Donna is the owner of The Inside Shop and has been a Business Mudgee Committee Member for 2 years.
Committee member
Grant Gjessing
Grant is the Managing Director and a part owner of Strait Up Cranes & Rigging. He started working for Strait Up in 2009, became a part owner in 2013 and became Managing Director in 2017. Grant has over 12 years’ experience working on mine sites and over 27 years’ experience working in the construction industry. He also has 3 years’ experience working as a coal miner underground.
Since becoming Managing Director, Grant has concentrated on the mining and construction industries whilst also expanding the business to encompass the renewable energy sector by supplying cranes to wind and solar farm construction in the local area.
Grant grew up in the Mudgee Region and moved to London for 10 years before returning home to Mudgee in 2009 to start a family. Grant has a strong emphasis on community and local engagement, and is excited to be part of the Business Mudgee Committee.
Committee member
Emily Parker
Emily is the owner of Airtime Media Solutions.
Committee member
Rebecca Redfern
Rebecca, a true born and bred local, completed her schooling at St Matthews Central School and Mudgee High School. Following the HSC, Rebecca completed an Advanced Secretarial Studies course at Mudgee TAFE and was awarded Dux of her year. Rebecca worked for several local law firms before spreading her wings and moving to Sydney and then on to London, working for a variety of law firms. Returning to Australia in 2001, Rebecca spent a couple of years in Sydney at a law firm and then returned to Mudgee to work for a Senior Partner in a local law firm for 15 years. Rebecca decided on a change of career and is now the Village Manager of Oak Tree Retirement Village, a position that she thoroughly enjoys. Oak Tree Retirement Village is Mudgee’s only independent living for over 55’s. Rebecca is also a member of the Mudgee and Districts Relay for Life Committee and enjoys giving back to the vibrant Mudgee community.
Committee member
Alyse Pilley
Alyse has been an integral member of The Property Shop as a lead sales agent since 2014. With a strong understanding and focus on transparency and good communication, Alyse is committed to integrity and getting the job done.
Alyse understands business and holds a Bachelor of business accounting. Mudgee is Alyse’s home town. Having grown up on a large sheep property, she is extremely passionate about the region and what it has to offer. Alyse is excited to be a part of the Business Mudgee Committee and is keen to bring fresh and exciting ideas forward and to see our business community grow.
Committee member
David Lowe
David represents the sixth generation of the Lowe family, graziers who settled in 1824 at ‘Tinja’ Mudgee. He attended Mudgee primary school, Hurlstone Agricultural High School in Sydney and Roseworthy Agricultural College, South Australia, where in 1979 he graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Oenology).
He was appointed winemaker for Rothbury Estate at the Hunter Valley in 1980 until leaving in 1991 to start his own business. Between 1989 and 1995 David worked in Bordeaux France as a flying winemaker.
David has held several key positions including President, NSW Wine Industry Association; Vice President of the Winemakers Federation of Australia, and was previously President of the Mudgee Wine Grape Growers Association. He is a supporter of smart farming, rural land custodianship and regionalism.
David jointly established the Lowe vineyard in 1973 and built the winery in 2000. In 2003 the farm was converted to organics. He is managing director of Tinja Pastoral, which includes The Zin House restaurant, The Pavilion function centre, Lowe Family Wine Company, Althea bakery and the 400ha farm Tinja.