Director Spotlight: Leanne Small

Director Spotlight: Leanne Small

18 June 2024

This includes more than 40 years in the vocational education sector, culminating in a senior management position with TAFE NSW, alongside her experience in the farming sector.

Leanne is partner and business manager for the Small family’s large-scale farm enterprise that was established in the early 1950s and is currently being managed by her son Josh, the fourth generation on the farm. The mixed winter cropping, summer cropping and livestock operation includes holdings in the Murray Irrigation region, as well as dryland farming in Murray River Shire and a cattle farm in the Bega Valley.

“I believe this combination can bring a unique skillset to the Murray Irrigation Board of Directors,” she said.

Leanne is recognised for possessing high level communication and negotiation skills as a team player and strategic thinker with demonstrated experience in strategic planning. 

As a team leader she has had responsibility for developing, operationalising and monitoring business strategic plans through to team and individual levels. 

She also has high level business and financial management skills with formal qualifications in Leadership, Business Management, Administration and Finance, as well as a long history contributing to community and business development through involvement as a committee and board member on a number of organisations.

Leanne is currently Chair of the Country Universities Centre (CUC) Steering Committee working to gain government funding to establish CUCs across four shires in this region, and a Director of Deniliquin Newspapers Pty Ltd, which publishes the Deniliquin Pastoral Times.

Her numerous community involvements have included a role on the (former) Deniliquin Council’s economic development advisory committee.

During her career with TAFE NSW her roles included Manager Business Community and Partnerships, Institute Business Strategist, Head of Campus Deniliquin/Finley/Hay, Business Development Manager and Campus Administration manager. Leanne was recognised with two TAFE NSW Riverina Institute Staff Excellence Awards for commitment to client service, leadership, professional support for colleagues, marketing ability and strategic planning.

“I want to use my experience for the benefit of MIL as a company, and in particular its shareholders,” Leanne said.

“We have a diverse Board of Directors, which is extremely important. I don’t believe all shareholders fully understand the importance of a diverse Board and skilled independent Directors.”

Leanne is keen to see a collaborative approach to working with governments, in particular relating to water reform and the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

“It’s about moving forward from a position, rather than continuing to argue the same points. If we promote the same arguments over and over and we are not being heard, the approach may need to change.

“Perhaps we should be asking the question: ‘How can we work with governments and convince them to take a different approach?’ We want win:win situations where both sides can walk away in the knowledge they have achieved something, with both parties feeling they have seen a benefit from the negotiations.”

Leanne is not in favour of the negativity which she has seen towards some advocacy efforts.

“For too long there has been anger and negativity, with one side pushing back and the other side closing doors. This attitude doesn’t achieve anything, and nor do we have the respectful collaboration. 

“It needs to be about constructive conversations and investigating all the options … what hasn’t been thought of in the past and what can we do better. “

In her short time on the Murray Irrigation Ltd Board of Directors, Leanne has started learning more about the company and how it operates, and wants this learning experience to continue so she has the knowledge to be a champion for the company.

“That is very important to me. I want to be seen as a leader in the community and a champion for what MIL is doing for this community, as well as the service it is providing.

“As a shareholder I have often listened to criticism of MIL but have not been armed with sufficient information to counter that criticism. This is something I want to change.”

Leanne is keen to ensure shareholders are provided with the information they require to gain a better understanding of how Murray Irrigation operates and the benefits and services it provides.

In particular, she hopes people can move on from some of the negativity that she believes has been detrimental to the company and our community.

“We should be proud of what is being achieved and work hard to develop an understanding and respect for everyone’s perspective. If we disagree on something, that’s okay, but none of us should hold a grudge. Let’s move on in a respectful manner and do what we can as a united community to fight for what we need to secure our future.

“I’m passionate about building the understanding of various roles that organisations and individuals play, making sure we are working together and, as a priority, always maintaining the right level of respect.

“I hope during my tenure on the Murray Irrigation Board that I can play a role in achieving these goals,” Leanne said.