Contact us

The New South Wales Government's regional and international network of investment specialists provide assistance and advice to prospective investors.

Meet our team

As Australia's only investment promotion agency dedicated to regional areas, we combine deep local knowledge and connections with extensive industry expertise to deliver exciting investment opportunities across New South Wales.

We live in the regional communities we represent and intimately understand the investment opportunities available. We know the right people to talk to when you need to get things done.

Talk to us today about how we can help you establish, expand or relocate your business to regional NSW.

Ian Smith

Executive Director

Based in Dubbo, Ian has more than 25 years’ experience in international trade and investment and previously served as Australian Trade Commissioner for the mid-west region of the United States.

Areas of expertise: Investment attraction, export, regional economic development, strategic partnerships

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Mark McClean

Director, Investment and Industry

Based in Newcastle, Mark has more than 15 years’ experience in marketing and investment attraction, working with investment promotion agencies in the UK, Norway and Australia.

Areas of expertise: Regional development, investment attraction, advanced manufacturing, construction and defence

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Industry specialists

Dominic Kennedy

Manufacturing and Procurement – Senior Investment Manager

Based in Wagga Wagga, Dominic’s 25-year career includes ensuring energy reliability for tier IV data centres in Colorado, as well as developing and implementing an economic recovery plan for the city of Wagga Wagga following COVID-19.

Areas of expertise: Investment attraction, regional economic development, strategic partnerships and process efficiency

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Daniel Murphy

Defence and Technology – Senior Investment Manager

Based in Bega, Daniel has more than 10 years’ experience across international banking, regional development and attraction. He supports business growth through strategic advice, strong networks and innovation-based programs.

Areas of expertise: Government incentives and support, regional economic development, client services and partnerships

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Chrissy O’Brien

Clean Economy – Senior Investment Manager

Based in Newcastle, Chrissy has more than 20 years’ experience in banking and finance across multiple industries, including leveraged and property finance, with a focus on providing sustainable finance solutions for customers.

Areas of expertise: Clean economy (including hydrogen), investment attraction, regional economic development and relationship management

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Darren Keegan

Agrifood – Senior Investment Manager

Based in Tamworth, Darren has more than 24 years’ experience working in state government economic development and investment attraction roles, and in multinational listed companies and professional service firms.

Areas of expertise: Investment attraction, export, regional economic development, strategic business case development, community development and infrastructure

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Jo Winship

Manager, Strategy and Operations

Based in Albury, Jo has extensive business development and investment attraction experience across the Riverina Murray region, including more than 10 years in local government facilitating property sales and development, planning concierge, regional partnerships and major project development.

Areas of expertise: Regional economic development, investment attraction, stakeholder engagement and project management

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Location specialists

Cherie Holdsworth

Precincts – Senior Investment Manager

Based in Lismore, Cherie is an investment attraction and strategic partnership specialist with expertise in local and state government, including property activation.

Areas of expertise: Investment attraction, local government, property, regional economic development

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