Meet Our Team

Dean Kirkwood
Dean Kirkwood
General Manager

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 Strachan
Kelly Strachan
Finance Manager

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 Lawson
Ashleigh Lawson
Marketing & Communications Manager

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 freelanced, worked with a local agency, and run her own business for six years, supporting hundreds of small businesses and not-for-profits. She has also taught 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.

Hannah Lewis
Hannah Lewis
Events & Membership Officer

Hannah manages relationships with RIN’s member organisations, ensuring services are delivered as promised while also growing the membership base. She develops and oversees value-add member services and helps deliver an exciting calendar of innovative events.

Her background includes three years as a marketing assistant, a year in business administration, and five years in customer service. She has also gained hands-on event planning experience as Publicity Officer with the Mackay Musical Comedy Players, bringing a creative and community-focused perspective to her role.

Hannah enjoys planning successful events that help RIN members increase their leverage, impact, and legacy in the MIW region. She was drawn to RIN for the chance to do something different and loves being part of a collaborative team where no two days are the same.

Fun fact: Hannah has two sphynx cats, Fester and Grimm.

Matt Gakowski
Matt Gakowski
Admin & Events Coordinator

Matt supports RIN through coordinating key events, handling day-to-day administration, and serving as MSIC Officer. He plays a vital role in delivering RIN’s signature initiatives and ensuring smooth operations behind the scenes.

With more than two years’ experience in not-for-profit event coordination across organisations such as MHF, Magpies Sporting Club, and North Mackay Saints, Matt also brings a background in sales, administration, and venue management. His career has included roles with SCA, Red Bull TSV, and Griffith-KWSS, as well as research and organisational management projects.

Passionate about events and community engagement, Matt particularly enjoys working on large-scale initiatives and collaborating with the MECC to bring RIN’s projects to life. He values being part of a team that delivers meaningful outcomes and innovative opportunities for the region.

Fun fact: Matt can play three instruments.

Andrew Kirkwood
Andrew Kirkwood
Administration Officer

Andrew provides administrative support to RIN, managing MSIC appointments and assisting with event set-up to ensure everything runs smoothly.

He recently completed a business administration traineeship, gaining a year of experience in administration and MSIC processing. Andrew enjoys the friendly work environment and the opportunity to contribute to RIN’s events and services.

Fun fact: Andrew featured as the lead role in a musical he didn’t even audition for.