Rob Taber

Rob was born in Inverell and had his early education in Ross Hill School.  He lived in Goondiwindi for 2 years before moving to Armidale and attending Armidale High School and later Armidale Technical College.Subsequently, he did share-farming at Northstar and in 1974 started Armidale Auto Electrics.

He started New England Solar Power and  has been involved in the Solar Industry for 30 years. Rob is the current Treasurer of Solar Energy Industry Association of Australia.   He was one of 5 people to start the New England Antique Machinery Club In1983 and served as the president four terms.  Rob has also been a Board member of Jobs Australia Enterprises (not for profit organisation) for 39 years -four terms as chairperson.  He currently serves as Chairperson.

He has been a Legatee with Armidale Legacy for 19 years. Rob ran for the Federal Election in the seat of New England 4 times as an Independent .  He is also a farmer, owning and operating a small farm for 38 years.  Rob and wife Sally have 3 children, 7 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

Rob Richardson

Rob was born in Armidale and is a fifth generation Armidalian. He went to secondary school at The Armidale School and studied at the University of New England (Diploma of Business).

Rob spent 20 years of his career as a retailer and another (almost) 20 years working in the employment and disability sectors. He is currently managing 2ARMFM, a community radio station, transmitting across our region. 

He has had many community involvements, including as president of the Armidale and District Chamber of Commerce, chair of the Armidale Autumn Festival and was a Councillor for almost 10 years on Armidale City Council (1998 to 2000) and Armidale Dumaresq Council (2008 to 2016).

Currently Rob is a director (treasurer) on the board of Jobs Australia Enterprises and on the management committee of the Armidale Regional Ratepayers Association Inc. Rob has a son and daughter from his first marriage and has four grandchildren. He remarried again in March this year to his long-time partner, Heng Sun, and they care for each other, and their three-legged Kelpie X, Eddie.

Siri Gamage

Siri was born in Southern Sri Lanka where he went to primary and high school before entering The University of Ceylon, Peradeniya in 1968. He specialised in sociology and became an Assistant lecturer in 1974.  

He went to University of Hawaii at Manoa to undertake his Master of Sociology degree with wife Lalani in 1977 and returned to his lecturing post in 1980. In 1984 he came to Melbourne to undertake his PhD at Monash University. After conducting field research between March 1985 and October 1986 in Kandy, Sri Lanka, he returned to Melbourne with his wife and daughter Chaturi. When he completed the doctorate, Siri secured a lecturer position at the amalgamated University of New England, Armidale in 1990.

Since then, Siri and his family, including their son Chamira, made Armidale home. At the University, he supervised postgraduate students, taught pre-service education courses for teaching students with a focus on social justice.  Siri presented papers in international conferences and published professional journal papers and books. 

He was an active member of the Tertiary Education Union where he campaigned for fair wages and conditions for the academic and professional staff.  He was a member of the University’s social justice and equity committees. Currently, Siri is the Vice President,Trains North, an organisation campaigning to restore the railway line north of Armidale to Queensland. Siri serves on the Executive Committee of Armidale Regional Rate Payers Association(ARRA).  Willem and Liam are Siri and Lalani’s grandchildren.

Josephine Newberry

Josephine Newberry was born in Moree and lived on a property nearby at Gurley. Education began at Moree  Wards Mistake schools then on to St Marys – Guyra & Armidale. Josephine was a boarder at St. Ursula’s for 5 years and went to O’Connor Catholic High school.

Josephine is a Horticulturalist and sustainable beef cattle producer with a passion for Agriculture, Biodynamics, cattle and sheep. Using her Horticulturist Training Josephine has managed both wholesale and retail nurseries. She has been a member of the Wards Mistake Rural Fire Brigade for over 20 years and was the Secretary/treasurer for 15 years.

Chris Powell is married to Josephine and they share a great love for their dogs, horses, cat, cattle and sheep. 

Andy Berriman

Losing his Mum at a very young age led Andy to become an independent and resourceful person.  His Dad being a vet, introduced him to animals and animal welfare, which has remained one of Andy’s passions to date. Living in New Guinea with his family for six months at the age of seven showed him the benefits and enjoyment of a simple life.

As a teenager, reading Rachel Carson’s ‘Silent Spring’ opened Andy’s eyes to the importance of caring for the environment. During his twenties, he came to learn about respect and admire Aboriginal culture while living and working among Aboriginal people and communities.

Andy had a long and industrious working life as a farm worker and rigger/crane driver, meeting people from all walks of life and cultures.  He has lived out of town near Armidale for the past 17  years with partner Fiona.  He has no children of his own but Fiona has 4 children and now 5 grandchildren. All of them keep both young at heart!

Andy is passionate about sustainable living and community empowerment.