It is imperative that a company as large and complex as Murray Irrigation has a board of directors with a broad range of experiences and expertise.
Grower directors bring a unique skillset to Murray Irrigation, understanding the importance of the company’s key objective to provide reliable and affordable water for customers.
Independent directors need to develop their knowledge of customer needs, but can also provide specialised skills that help build a diverse and effective Board.
One of those bringing an impressive background to the Murray Irrigation board is Trisha Gorman, who was appointed in 2021.
Her contribution was endorsed by shareholders when re-appointed in February 2023.
She is grateful that this was further endorsed at the general meeting in April this year.
Ms Gorman said it “is not something I have taken lightly” and wants to “thank the MIL community for its support”.
“I am very fortunate to be working alongside our company’s passionate, committed grower and independent directors," she said.
“Over the last few months we have undertaken critical activities to bring the company in line with constitutional requirements, ensuring the board is fully functioning and compliant.”
Ms Gorman is an experienced information and communications technology (ICT) consultant with more than 20 years’ experience in both the private and government sectors.
She is one of the founding owner directors of L&T Consulting, which provides project management, change management, business analysis, risk management and governance professional services to many clients around the country.
In addition to running the consultancy company, Ms Gorman provides professional and business coaching services, helping clients produce successful results in achieving success in their career.
While she currently lives in Canberra, Ms Gorman has the benefit of a regional upbringing, which she says gives her "a country perspective and an understanding of how rural people and businesses operate”.
She is proud of family connections and success – her father was one of the Taig Bros, and her grandmother was mayor of the town where she grew up.
This combination has instilled strong community and business connections, which Ms Gorman said she harnessed when she spent weeks in the region earlier this year talking with Murray Irrigation shareholders to understand and listen to everyone’s concerns.
“I believe my background in project management, especially the delivery of complex technology programs and projects, as well as change and risk management, brings value to Murray Irrigation," she said.
"My unique mix of expertise can be extremely beneficial at board level, as we have discovered.”
Ms Gorman has also made considerable effort to ensure she is not a remote director without connection to the local community.
“As part of the Murray Irrigation team, I have worked hard to learn about the region’s community," she said.
"I have been fortunate to make many good friends and appreciate the hospitality I receive from owners and staff at numerous local businesses.
"I have valued the feedback from shareholders at local meetings and will continue getting to know local irrigators and discussing their perspectives on what they need from the company.
“I look forward to meeting even more shareholders in the months ahead as the board participates in a range of meetings, as part of our strategy to improve communication and transparency, and ensure our shareholders are aware and supportive of the company’s direction.”
Like her fellow directors, Ms Gorman is committed to retaining as much water in the Murray Irrigation footprint as possible, and working with governments to develop solutions that can limit water buybacks.
“The Murray Irrigation board of directors, with the support of management and staff, is focused heavily on ensuring the company is effectively and respectfully communicating with numerous decision-makers at state and federal level, prosecuting the case for governments to recognise the value of water for food and fibre production.
“Over the years, through my involvement in communities and change management, I have seen some amazing success stories, and I am confident Murray Irrigation will be another in which I have had involvement.
“I understand the local difficulties as governments recover water that is needed to grow our food and fibre, and their priority on a sustainable environment. However, with a united approach across Murray Irrigation and our communities, we can work with decision-makers on solutions that provide an effective balance.
“Unity is the key, and this is understood by the present board of directors. We are committed to unity at board level, and working with shareholders, the broader community and governments to secure our future.
“The company has developed a clear strategy that can guide us in the right direction. It can be the foundation not just for the immediate future, but for generations to come.
"The priority now is to concentrate on its implementation.”
Ms Gorman is excited about being given the opportunity to be part of the next chapter the company is facing.
