Staff & Directors

Executive Director

Dr Patrick Hone

Patrick Hone has extensive knowledge of all sectors of the fishing industry. He has a PhD in marine plant eco-physiology and nutrition.  He undertook post graduate studies on the development of aquaculture feed, with a major emphasis on abalone.  He was involved in the development of several significant aquaculture industry developments including Southern Bluefin Tuna, Pacific Oyster, abalone Yellowtail Kingfish and mussel aquaculture. Over the last 13 years at FRDC he has played a key role in the planning, management and funding of fisheries related research and development in Australia.

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Business Management

John Wilson

John Wilson is the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation's (FRDC) Business Development Manager. John’s role includes Company Secretary and Chief Financial Officer, and Company Secretary of Seafood Services Australia Limited. John is a Certified Practicing Accountant, with an honours degree in Economics from the ANU and a Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Canberra. He is a Justice of the Peace, a director of two family owned companies, and a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

John has been with the FRDC since February 2000. Before that, he worked with Airservices Australia as the Manager Finance & Administration/Financial Controller of the Air Traffic Control Division, and the Business Analyst of the Commercial Operations Group. Previously he was Austrade's Manager, Financial Services and its Manager, Systems Development. John has also been the Manager Corporate Services for the Australian Centre for International Research.

Cheryl Cole

Cheryl joined the FRDC in April 2004 as the Office Administrator and comes from an extensive background in administration and account management. Cheryl is now the Manager for Corporate Services and has responsibility for managing the FRDC's human resource issues, as well as the monthly and annual financial reporting requirements.

Tina Lin

Tina joined the FRDC in January 2008. She holds a commerce degree from the University of Canberra with a double major in accounting and management. Tina started the Certified Practising Accountants course in February 2009.

In her role at the FRDC, Tina works closely with Manager Corporate Services, Cheryl Cole and Business Development Manager, John Wilson to help with financial and accounting tasks.

Outside of work and study, Tina enjoys learning languages and is a keen pianist.

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Programs Management

Crispian Ashby

Crispian joined the FRDC in February 2002, starting as a Project Manager before taking over as the Program Manager in June 2005. Formerly with Victoria's Marine and Freshwater Resources Institute as a senior field scientist, he worked with industry on various FRDC projects assessing bycatch reduction measures in the South East Trawl fishery. Prior to this, he worked with New South Wales Fisheries on bycatch issues in the South East Trawl, estuarine prawn and finfish haul fisheries.

He has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Fisheries Technology from the Australian Maritime College and a Graduate Diploma in Biological Science from the University of New South Wales.

Annette Lyons

Annette has been with the FRDC for over a decade. During that time she has held the positions of Office Administrator and Office Manager. She is now Projects Manager, Finance and oversees the processing of project related payments.

Kylie Giles

Kylie grew up in Whyalla SA, where most of her family are professional fishermen. Her family established aquaculture businesses in Yellowtail Kingfish where she got her ‘hands on’ experience.

Kylie studied Marine Biology at Flinders University and went on to a double degree in Innovation and Enterprise (Business). Based out of SARDI and the Lincoln Marine Science Centre, she completed her honours project looking into the post mortem quality characteristics of abalone.

Kylie moved to Canberra in 2008 to commence the Graduate Program with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry before moving across to FRDC in February 2009.

Carolyn Stewardson

Carolyn grew up on a sheep and cattle property in the Western District of Victoria. Prior to commencing her university studies, Carolyn worked with State Government assisting the local farming community with disease management of livestock.

Carolyn has completed a Bachelor of Science at the University of New England, and a PhD at the Australian National University in the field of marine science. While doing her PhD, Carolyn worked extensively with the South African fishing industry.

From 2003 to 2008, Carolyn work as a scientist at the Bureau of Rural Sciences, in the Fisheries and Marine Sciences Program. In this position, Carolyn also worked on the BRS Fisheries Status Reports and is a recipient of the Alison Furbank Award for Communications Excellence in 2007 for work with the fishing industry.

Over the past 12 months Carolyn has been on secondment with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority working on Marine Bioregional Planning before joining the FRDC in May 2009.

Outside of work Carolyn enjoys teaching Marine Biology and camping with her family.

Jo-Anne Ruscoe

Jo Ruscoe joined the FRDC in May 2007 in the new position of Project Manager - People Development. Her appointment reflects the FRDC's commitment to supporting the development of people who will help the fishing industry to meet its future needs. During 2009-2010 Jo is program managing the development of the FRDC’s R&D Plan and the development of a national RD&E framework for fisheries and aquaculture. Jo’s background includes management and practice in primary industries training programs, educational design and teaching and learning development. She has spent several years in aquaculture working in extension, research and production. Jo holds an Associate Diploma of Applied Science (Aquaculture) from the University of Tasmania, a Bachelor of Arts from Central Queensland University, a Certificate IV in assessment and training, and has undertaken studies towards a Masters of Education. Jo is a graduate of the Australian Seafood Industry Leadership Development Program and the recipient of an FRDC Scholarship for rural women’s corporate governance to undertake the AICD course in 2004.

Neil Garbutt

Neil Garbutt joined the FRDC in June 2009. Seconded from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, he will fill the position of Project Manager - People Development for 15 months whilst Jo-Anne Ruscoe works with Patrick Hone and Board to develop the FRDC's new 5-year Research and Development Plan. Neil will continue Jo-Anne's work on developing people within the fishing industry to meet its future needs.

Over the last decade, Neil has worked on a range of issues related to Australia's primary industries, including drought assistance, electricity reform, fisheries management and market access issues. Recently, he spent 2 years working with the Scottish Government on issues related to climate change adaptation and strategic transport investment. Neil is a current participant of the 2009 National Seafood Industry Leadership Program.

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Communications

Peter Horvat

Peter Horvat commenced as the Communications Manager in late January 2005 and brings with him experience in the field of communications. Peter joins FRDC from the Australian Government Department of Family and Community Services (FaCS) where he managed the development of the National Problem Gambling Awareness campaign. Peter has developed an array of experience dealing with both local and national campaigns.

Peter holds a Bachelor of Arts (Public Relations) from Deakin University, Diploma from the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has been an ACT Council Member for the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA) for the past four years.

Julie Haldane

Julie joined the FRDC in October 2006 as Communications Officer. Julie comes to the FRDC with considerable experience in scientific research organisations including the Australian Geological Survey Organisation now Geoscience Australia, the Australian Centre for International Agriculture Research, the Grains Research and Development Corporation and the Murray-Darling Basin Commission.

Julie studied in Canberra and has a Bachelor of Arts and a Graduate Diploma in Communication from the University of Canberra.