Meet the Team
Chris Wheatcroft- Executive Officer
Chris Wheatcroft, as CEO of NEFF,covers the management and administration oversight of NEFF and RFCSWA. He also works to keep this region on the radar of the key influencing bodies/people who ultimately determine research development and to facilitate the linking of the groups and individuals focused on ideas that could contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of farming within this region.
He was linked to farming as a 5th generation farmer and farmed until his late 20's, followed by work in Community Services, BGC in construction and finance, as a Business owner setting up and managing a Surf Shop, fish breeding & water plants (for pet shops) and mealworms, with farmers/rural businesss/Fishe
Tertiary studies include sustainable development (understanding and integrating economic, social and environmental factors), counseling, community services, training and assessment plus 2 yrs (incomplete) psychology/phil
Andrew Thomas- Chair
Andrew Thomas, along with his wife Tarleah run a farming property South-East of Mullewa which they have been farming for the past 23 years.
Over the past years Andrew has seen vast change in the North East Agricultural Region, especially during the droughts which had a crippling effect on the growers and community alike, and Andrew is therefore very keen to work with local growers, researchers and farm improvement groups to discover improved and alternative farming methods to ensure that farming in the North East Agricultural Region remains viable.
Andrew has been involved with a number of different groups and councils including RFCSWA-Rural Financial Counselling Service WA, WANTFA- WA No Till Farming Association,Shi
Board of Management
The NEFF group is governed by a board of management consisting of two farming representatives from each of the four shires as well as representatives from Mid West Development Commission, Department of Agriculture and Food and the Shires. The NEFF management board meet bimonthly to discuss the strategic direction and management of NEFF, whilst sub committees work at researching and implementing the ideas.
The group has two farming representatives from each of the four shires as well as representatives from Mid West Development Commission, Department of Agriculture and Food and the Shires
Watch this space for more information on NEFF board members..coming soon