NEW DIRECTORS ANNOUNCED
21st November 2025
The Committee for the Hunter held its sixth Annual General Meeting (AGM) and announced the results of the 2025 Director elections.
The Committee welcomes newly elected Directors, Anita Brown, General Manager, Stakeholder & Communications, High Speed Rail Authority (Australia) and Aaron Johansen, Chief Executive Officer, Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group, who will each serve a three year term.
These appointments demonstrate that the Hunter has grown up and ambitions can be lifted, taking our place on national and global agendas and seizing the opportunities that these horizons offer.
The Committee congratulates re-elected Director Katie Brassil, Non-Executive Director.
We give our profound gratitude and thanks to outgoing Director Hennie Du Plooy, CEO, Port Waratah Coal Services. Hennie has been a founding Director on the Committee for the Hunter Board, essential to our establishment, growth and impact. We recognise his continued civic leadership of the Hunter region.
Anita Brown joins the Board at a pivotal moment for the Hunter’s role in a national high-speed rail network. Her leadership in what is positioned to be the nation’s most significant mega-project strengthens the region’s voice and influence in national infrastructure planning, the benefits the Hunter will realise from high-speed rail and supports long-term, connected growth across Australia’s communities and economies.
Aaron Johansen brings critical insight into the coal sector, global logistics and supply chains. Coal industries remain an important part of the Hunter’s economy and exports, where the assets and capabilities are essential to our future growth and diversification. His expertise and leadership will help guide the region’s transformation, underpinned by the Hunter’s international role in energy and industry.
Since its inception in late 2019, the Committee has served as a leading policy think tank, offering advocacy and thought leadership across sectors through an independent yet collaborative voice, supported by an experienced and diverse Board comprised of the region’s key leadership.
Committee for the Hunter CEO Alice Thompson added:
“The Committee’s convening power matters now more than ever. This Board has both the responsibility and the opportunity to set the agenda for the Hunter’s future—driving thought leadership, shaping our regional vision and narrative and securing the partnerships that will deliver real outcomes for our communities, businesses and economy.”
The new Committee for the Hunter Board:
Katie Brassil, Non-Executive Director
Rodney Henderson, Non-Executive Director
Richard Anicich AM, Non-Executive Director
Anita Brown, General Manager Stakeholder & Communications, High Speed Rail Authority
Morven Cameron, Non-Executive Director
Candice Crawford, Director, Brokenwood Wines
Leanne Holmes, Hunter Workers representative
Aaron Johansen, Chief Executive Officer, Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group
Burcak Sezer, Executive General Manager, People and Communications, Newcastle Airport
Dylan Shoesmith, Youth Committee representative
Zee Upton, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research & Innovation, University of Newcastle, Australia University of Newcastle
Bradley Webb, CEO, Castle Personnel
About Committee for the Hunter:
The Committee for the Hunter is an independent and inclusive champion for the people of the Hunter and their enterprises, providing advocacy, thought leadership and partnerships to build a sustainable and prosperous future for the region.