Meet The RIN Team

Dean leads the overall management of RIN, strengthening the cooperative through member engagement and by connecting with buyers, government, and the community. He oversees RIN’s operations and drives business development activities.

With almost 30 years’ experience in senior management, mainly in the fuel and mining industries, Dean has owned and managed businesses as well as led teams across a range of sectors. He holds qualifications in Business (HRM and Management) and Safety, and has been involved with MAIN/RIN for more than 20 years, including the past six as General Manager.

Dean is passionate about helping members improve their businesses and managing projects that create opportunities for the region. He values RIN’s mission of connecting people, developing capability, and promoting growth.

Fun fact: Dean has a long history in hockey - representing Qld Masters multiple times and coaching Souths to two A Grade men’s premierships in Mackay.

Kelly oversees RIN’s finance, administration, and IT functions, ensuring the office runs smoothly and members receive efficient, supportive service. She manages statutory reporting, compliance, invoicing, and project finances, helping RIN and its members meet their obligations with confidence.

With a Bachelor of Business (Accounting), Kelly has worked with engineering firms in Mackay, an office and equipment supplier, and spent three years in London working in five-star hotels and a book publishing company in revenue and royalty accounting. She has also held voluntary bookkeeping roles, run her own business as a Bookkeeper and Registered BAS Agent, and managed body corporates while raising her family.

Kelly specialises in project compliance and financial acquittals, and also enjoys supporting the team with design and office systems to create a seamless member experience. She has been part of RIN for ten years, appreciating the flexibility that allows her to balance work and family, and the supportive, collaborative team culture.

Fun fact: Kelly loves funky house music — and while she works with numbers, she’s just as passionate about creative pursuits.

Ashleigh is a proud Mackay local who leads all marketing and communications for RIN, covering event promotion, member engagement, and digital, print, and media channels.

With a Bachelor of Digital Media from CQUniversity, she has run her own business for the past six years, supporting hundreds of small businesses and not-for-profits. She also teaches at CQUniversity and volunteers with Mackay Pet Rescue Inc.

Passionate about design and storytelling, Ashleigh enjoys bringing a brand’s personality to life and making it easily understood - a self-described “vibe translator.” She was drawn to RIN for its collaborative, multidisciplinary team and the chance to bring fresh energy and expertise to the region.

Fun fact: Ashleigh has a “bag wall” at home, filled with novelty mini bags.

Cherrie supports RIN’s operations behind the scenes while also being one of the friendly faces welcoming members and guests at events. In her role across administration, events, and MSIC processing, she helps ensure everything runs smoothly, from paperwork and compliance to creating a positive first impression at the door.

With a career that began in graphics and events, Cherrie has built extensive experience across social services and the live music industry. Over the past 10 years, she has also successfully run her own photography business, working closely within music and event environments. This experience has given her a strong understanding of logistics, people, and the importance of seamless event delivery.

Cherrie specialises in building connections and delivering exceptional customer service. Having recently joined RIN, she was drawn to the organisation’s strong team culture and the opportunity to work within an industry she knows well and enjoys.

Fun fact: Cherrie is happiest at a gig and is keen to keep capturing moments through photography, just for herself as well as professionally.

Saffron processes MSIC applications and supports RIN’s day-to-day administration. She also helps her colleagues with event planning and setup, bringing a welcoming approach to every interaction with clients.

Her background in customer service and scheduling includes experience at Alice Springs Hospital. She particularly enjoys guiding clients through the MSIC application process and getting to know the people she meets along the way.

Saffron was drawn to RIN by its values and enjoys being part of a small, dedicated team where everyone pitches in.

Fun fact: Saffron travelled to America to play netball for Australia when she was younger.