Our Team

Port Augusta Office

Margaret Howard - Director

The Director of the Outback Communities Authority (OCA) provides guidance and direction to the OCA team and is dedicated to establishing positive relationships with individuals, communities, stakeholders and SA Government through effective communication, collaboration and leadership. In addition to offering executive support and advice to the OCA Board, the Director plays a crucial role in developing and managing strategies and long-term plans focused on improving the lives of residents, workers and visitors of Outback SA.

Philip Gibb - Manager Policy and Community Affairs

philip.gibb@sa.gov.au 0436 649 560

The Manager Policy and Community Affairs oversees a small team that provide community support, municipal services, compliance, and asset delivery and maintenance. The Manager also develops and implements policies and programs to support the social, economic and environmental well-being of outback communities by working in collaboration with staff, the OCA Board and other stakeholders.

Simone Brock - Manager Corporate and Strategic Projects

simone.brock@sa.gov.au 0448 415 433

The Manager Corporate and Strategic Projects manages complex projects and strategies in line with the OCA's goals, and also identifies potential partnerships and funding opportunities to provide fit-for-purpose infrastructure and services across Outback SA. Additionally, the Manager facilitates the exploration of innovative processes, technologies and methodologies to support OCA objectives.

Janelle Greatbatch - Executive Officer

janelle.greatbatch@sa.gov.au 08 7133 2225

The Executive Officer provides comprehensive support to the Director and the OCA Board, and collaborates with various stakeholders to coordinate meetings, events, reports, presentations and other functions. The Executive Officer also provides leadership and support to a small team responsible for administrative tasks, office operations and small projects.

Mark Brown - Works and Asset Manager

mark.brown@sa.gov.au 0439 136 271

The Works and Asset Manager manages the OCA’s public facilities such as aerodromes, public conveniences, community wastewater management systems (CWMS), and UHF repeater towers.

Joe Calvert and Racheal Schmerl - Community Partnerships Coordinators

joe.calvert@sa.gov.au 0497 922 745 rachael.schmerl@sa.gov.au (08) 8648 5973

The Community Partnerships Coordinators strive to build open, honest and collaborative relationships with communities and residents, to understand their issues or concerns and, where feasible, offer support and resolution. They provide support and advice on a broad range of topics and issues, including but not limited to governance, grant opportunities, grant writing, project management, training and development opportunities, insurance, and youth, sports and recreation.

Grayson Cooke - Communications and Content Lead

grayson.cooke@sa.gov.au (08) 8648 5958

The Communications and Content Lead develops and manages media content across a range of platforms including the website, social media and newsletters. The Communications Lead works with other members of the OCA team to promote OCA and community events and opportunities, and develop strategic partnerships with communities, businesses, organisations and other Government agencies to increase the profile of Outback SA.

Sandra Spaeth - Project and Administrative Officer (part-time)

oca@sa.gov.au (08) 7133 3581

The Project and Administrative Officer works closely with the Executive Officer and other team members to assist in the management and coordination of projects, and high-level administrative tasks associated with them.

Kathryn Crisp - Finance Officer

oca@sa.gov.au (08) 7133 3500

The Finance Officer provides efficient financial and administrative support to the Executive Officer and performs a range of financial tasks including processing payments, reconciling accounts, preparing financial reports, and assisting with budgeting and forecasting.

Leigh Creek Office

Katharine Lockwood - Acting Town Manager (Leigh Creek)

katharine.lockwood@sa.gov.au 08 8648 5970

The Assets and Works Officer manages the day-to-day management, operations and maintenance of the OCA's assets and services in Leigh Creek. This includes maintaining OCA's asset register. The Officer also provides advice and coordination of the Leigh Creek Transformation process for the OCA and community infrastructure works pertaining to Leigh Creek.