MEDIA RELEASE
DATE: 18 April 2024
District Council of Robe Appoints Viterra Australia’s Chief Financial Officer, Jason Rees to its Audit & Risk Committee
Photo: Jason Rees
The District Council of Robe is pleased to announce the appointment of former Mount Gambier resident Jason Rees as an independent member of its Audit & Risk Committee.
This appointment concludes the Council’s quest for an experienced and highly competent Committee, with Mr Rees joining Phil Southam and Deane Nankivell who were appointed earlier in 2023.
At Councils 10 April 2024 meeting, along with Mr Rees appointment, Mayor Lisa Ruffell was confirmed as Council’s second representative, joining Deputy Mayor Nick Brown, who is also the Presiding Member of the Committee.
The appointment of Mr Rees and finalisation of the Audit & Risk Committee membership comes at a critical time for the Council, as they make strong headway towards a well-defined strategic direction, combined with positive steps to addressing long standing asset management and corporate governance issues.
Mr Rees brings added experience and expertise in finance, risk management, and governance to the committee.
With a diverse background as the Chief Financial Officer of Viterra Operations Australia, Mr Rees has a strong understanding of risk management, compliance, and financial oversight. His role also includes managing various departments such as Information Technology, Human Resources, Property, Procurement, and Environment and Sustainability, providing him with a unique perspective on the committee's responsibilities.
Mr Rees has an impressive track record in non-executive Director roles, including acting Chairman, for Newcastle Agri Terminal. He also has external audit experience with Deloitte, both locally in South Australia and in Canada. Additionally, Mr Rees has previous experience as a management participant of the Board Audit Committee during his time at ABB Grain Ltd, now known as Viterra.
His expertise extends to statutory financial statements, management accounting, strategic plans, business and IT controls, development of policy and procedure, oversight of internal audit reports, and management of external auditors. Mr Rees possesses excellent communication and collaboration skills, which will contribute to effective teamwork and constructive dialogue within the Audit and Risk Committee.
Moreover, Mr Rees holds a strong personal connection to the Robe community and the wider Limestone Coast area, stemming from his annual summer visits to Robe and his upbringing in Mount Gambier.
Regarding his appointment to the District Council of Robe Audit & Risk Committee, Mr Rees said, “I am very much looking forward to supporting the Council in this role”.
“I see this as an opportunity to apply my knowledge and skills to make a positive difference and contribution across a district and community that is very important to me.”
Mayor Lisa Ruffell expressed confidence in Mr Rees's appointment, stating “his expertise, experience, and commitment will significantly bolster the council in attaining its strategic goals while maintaining utmost accountability and transparency, particularly crucial during our rebuilding phase.”
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Contacts:
| Mayor Lisa Ruffell | Chief Executive Officer Nat Traeger |
| mayorruffell@robe.sa.gov.au | ceo@robe.sa.gov.au |
| 0422 445 605 | 0429 799 526 |