Our People
Board of Directors
Peter Whip
Chairperson
Peter has always had an affinity with the land and an interest in the creative ways we can work to benefit from its richness. Over the past 16 years, Peter has shared his wealth of agricultural knowledge by consulting to producers to assist with the implementation of sustainable strategies to improve farm profitability and efficiency. Alongside his business consultancy, Peter owns and runs a beef grazing enterprise in Longreach and Aramac with his wife Raeleen and two sons, Toby and Sam.
Nathan Donovan
Director
Nathan is Director and Principal Lawyer at Donovan Knapp Lawyers. His experience in conflict management means he is regularly identifying core issues in disputes and developing creative solutions. As a commercial advisor, Nathan assists business owners manage relationships with employees, customers, investors and business partners. Nathan is also an experienced advisor to a range of organisations in the charitable sector. Nathan brings risk management and legal knowledge to the board, both of which have been critical during the recent period of growth for Outback Futures.
Simon Gomersall
Director
Simon has worked as a teacher, youth worker, lecturer, pastor and consultant. He has a Masters in educational leadership and post graduate qualifications in theology from Oxford University. Simon has taught in urban and Outback Queensland schools, pastored churches and is currently engaged as a lecturer of theology in a tertiary college in Brisbane. Simon brings extensive experience in community and individual engagement, delivering pastoral support to diverse communities and assisting professionals with facilitating their own well-being and professional journey. Simon is a founding member of Outback Futures.
Wayne Middleton
Director
Wayne is an agricultural engineer with experienced upper level manager at Seqwater and formerly the CEO of Geoimage Pty Ltd, a small business providing satellite imagery and geospatial services across Australia. Before this, he served for 25 years in the water and wastewater industry in both the UK and Australia. Wayne’s professional experience and understanding around corporate governance structures and processes has strengthened Outback Futures’ governance and opportunities for sustainable growth. As a founding member of Outback Futures and previous CEO, Wayne’s connection to the original vision and values helps ensure we remain true to our original purpose.
Tony Simmons
Director
Tony and his wife Helen farmed cattle and grain in the Theodore area for 28 years, before moving to Julia Creek, and then again to Emerald where they now reside with their ever-growing family. The Simmons family now keep busy by owning and working seven cattle properties with their children which is driven by a lifelong passion for the land and its people. Tony’s connections to community and understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with rural and remote life are invaluable in helping Outback Futures maintain a bush-informed agenda.
Sue Vandersee
Director
Sue is a connector in both city and bush settings, deeply involved with supporting not for profits in partnership with her husband Bruce through their business Vanderfield and personally. Sue has been a director on her church board for the last 20 years and has seen it through many transition periods. Through her vast experience with Vanderfield, Sue brings understanding of, and networks within rural and remote communities across Queensland. Sue also offers a wealth of knowledge around fundraising, community engagement and strategic business and community partnerships.