CDU appoints new director for Katherine region

A former executive officer for the Purnululu World Heritage Area (Bungle Bungles) in northern Western Australia is Charles Darwin University’s new Director for the Katherine Region.

Ash Beechey, who has lived and worked across northern Australia for most of the past eight years, also will serve as the Head of School Primary Industries.

With extensive experience in strategic industry, government and community relations, Mr Beechey begins the new appointment today.

“I’m looking forward to building on existing relationships and fostering new ones within industry, government and non-government agencies,” he said.

“I’ll be exploring how we can further develop the status of the Katherine campus and how we can promote it as a training facility.

“I’d also like to strengthen the university’s relationship with traditional owners regarding Mataranka Station.”

Mr Beechey first moved to the Territory in 2006 from Victoria to work on fire management and crocodile trapping projects at Nitmiluk National Park.

He has undertaken high level projects and infrastructure management with the Department of Education with responsibility for the Katherine and Central Australian regions. 

He has also worked with Rio Tinto in Jabiru and Nhulunbuy, and on regional land care and management projects with government, Indigenous and community/industry organisations in Victoria, the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

He replaces Jill Kennedy, who had held the position since 2011.