ABOUT US
Central Highlands Development Corporation (CHDC) is the lead economic and tourism development agency for the Central Highlands in Queensland, Australia.
We’re a not-for-profit organisation that advocates for a sustainable region and economic growth by:
- Enhancing the region’s workforce
- Promoting the Central Highlands as a ‘region of choice’
- Supporting our region’s businesses
For more than 25 years, CHDC has partnered with industry, business, government and communities to drive growth and empower businesses.
Our rich understanding of the local economic landscape has allowed us to deliver insights and strategic action plans for the region.
In turn, this has contributed to building strong, capable businesses and industries that are supply-chain ready and optimised for expansion.
CORPORATE STRATEGY
CHDC has a six-year vision to drive economic opportunities to support the Central Highlands as a dynamic region of choice.
Our Corporate Strategy 2023-2028 defines CHDC’s purpose and values, and identifies seven priorities and objectives, including business growth, workforce development, and advocacy and promotion.
This important document maps out a clear direction forward for CHDC and underpins all the work we do in our role as the region’s key economic and tourism development organisation.
CHDC’s dedicated staff members are committed to facilitating a wide range of projects and initiatives across the Central Highlands and providing relevant advice, statistical information, workshops and networks to support business, industry, government and community.
Staff
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Whether it's through events, networking, or one-on-one chats, Ashleigh has a knack for bringing people together and making meaningful connections.
She's a proud parent to two amazing teenagers and finds joy in family adventures and hitting the gym.
AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
She has called Emerald home for almost 20 years, working and volunteering across the agriculture industry in different capacities, including but not limited to farm workplace health and safety, business management, organisational governance, project management, event facilitation and system development.
VISITOR ECONOMY
Ms Macfarlane, who came to Emerald from the Gold Coast, has worked extensively in the travel industry across marketing, product, business development, and travel writing.
Her career includes senior roles with JUCY, Adventure World, and 1Cover, as well as editorials for leading tourism publications, destinations, and operators.
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Committed to community growth, she collaborates with various stakeholders to uplift the region, fostering strategic investments.
Passionate about connecting with others, Deb supports industry professionals, innovators, and entrepreneurs in building a prosperous future for the Central Highlands community.
CORPORATE SERVICES
Kelly is extremely passionate about yoga and mindfulness, spending her free time teaching to create community and connections as well as discovering all things yoga!
Other interests include time away at the beach with her husband Michael and cattle dog Red.
ADMINISTRATION
She brings to this role her strong organisational skills, ability to foster relationships and enthusiasm for supporting initiatives that benefit the community.
Sharon has lived in the region for over 20 years and continues to enjoy raising her family in the Emerald community.
COMMUNICATIONS
The mum-of-two now mostly works from her home in QLD's far north but her heart and mind remain in the Central Highlands, with a passion for spreading the word about CHDC's many projects and events.
VISITOR CENTRE
The fluent French, Creole and English speaker holds qualifications in Practice Management and Sales and Marketing Management.
Volunteering at the Visitor Information Centre led to Pamela discovering a passion for welcoming tourists and she has been in her current role since 2019.
The former merchandiser has seen many changes in Emerald since moving here from Victoria in 1976.
She's met many lovely people while working at the VIC and recommends volunteering for anyone with a bit of spare time.
Since then, Delma and her husband have travelled extensively in their van.
Delma enjoys working voluntarily in the community and particularly enjoys her time at the Visitor Information Centre meeting the travelling public.
Sharyn spends a lot of time with her now-grown children and their families, who still live in Emerald, and she also enjoys running and walking the many trails in the area – Emerald Botanical Gardens being her favourite spot.
Sharyn loves to share her local knowledge with tourists in her volunteer role at the Visitor Information Centre.
BOARD
JANICE MORIARTY
With a background in community development and leadership roles across local and state organisations, she holds advanced qualifications in business and regional planning and remains committed to community, family and regional growth.
Cr Moriarty was endorsed as a CHDC Board Member at CHRC’s general meeting in April 2026 before being chosen as Board Chair at her first CHDC Board meeting later that same month.
KAREN NEWMAN
She also runs a consultancy business and is actively involved in several professional associations and local groups.
Cr Newman was elected as CHDC Board Deputy Chair in April 2026.
CHRIS WHITEMAN
His business experience and corporate exposure underpin strong financial, management and decision making skills, with a focus on achieving outcomes while maintaining a strong commitment to family life.
Cr Whiteman was endorsed as a CHDC Board Member at CHRC’s general meeting in April 2026.
He brings a strong track record of success across both public and private sector organisations, with expertise in energy, resources, and infrastructure.
As a passionate believer in regional Australia, Greg has focussed his boutique process improvement and executive coaching business, StepUpQ, towards the regions.
Greg holds an MBA in International Management, accreditations in coaching and mentoring, and is a certified Advisory Board Chair.
Ms Letts holds a Masters in Natural Resources Law and is a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia.
She lives on the Sunshine Coast with her family.
He has worked across urban, regional and rural settings for private, public and not-for-profit organisations.
People, communities and regions are very important to Peter.
GILLIAN WILKINS
She then transitioned into education, completing a Master of Teaching in 2020, and is now working as a relief teacher and tutor alongside her council role.
Cr Wilkins was endorsed as a CHDC Alternate Board Member at CHRC’s general meeting in April 2026.
JOIN OUR TEAM
There are currently no vacancies at CHDC.
To learn about career opportunities in the Central Highlands, tap the blue button.
OUR REGION
The Central Highlands is a robust and diverse region situated at the heart of Australia’s resource and agricultural sectors.
Spanning almost 60,000km2, the region encompasses a significant portion of the Bowen Basin, Australia’s largest coal reserve, and is home to eight metallurgical and four thermal mines.
With the largest cattle inventory in Australia, the Central Highlands stands as a beef powerhouse. It is also characterised by thriving broadacre cropping and horticultural industries, sustained by irrigation sourced from water storage on the Nogoa and Comet Rivers
Our region is a three-hour drive west of Rockhampton and a 1.5-hour flight from Brisbane, and includes the communities of Arcadia Valley, Bauhinia, Blackwater, Bluff, Capella, Comet, Dingo, Duaringa, Emerald, Rolleston, Sapphire Gemfields, Springsure and Tieri.
