Western Australia Team

Meet our team of regional experts who deliver a wide range of services to support Western Australia's dairy farmers.

The Western Australian office is located in the regional city of Bunbury, within the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development building.

Jo Saunders Headshot

Western Australia

Jo Saunders

Regional Manager

Jo is a former dairy farmer, having managed dairy farms alongside her husband in New Zealand before moving to Australia in 2011.

Jo is currently completing a Bachelor of Commerce in Project Management at Edith Cowan University whilst leading the Western Australia team in engaging and supporting WA’s dairy businesses.

India Brockman Headshot

Western Australia

India Brockman

Regional Extension Officer

India coordinates Western Australia's extension portfolio of events, engagement activities and workshops including the annual Dairy Innovation Day and the WA Young Dairy Network.

 

She holds a Bachelor of Science (Anatomy and Human Biology) from the University of Western Australia and has worked on various dairy farms. India is passionate about animal health, calf-rearing, genetics and pasture management. 

 

Dan Parnell Headshot

Western Australia

Dan Parnell

Regional Extension Officer

Dan is an agronomist and manages the Healthy Estuaries WA project, working to improve effluent systems in partnership with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.

 

Dan is experienced in effluent design and works with farmers to produce efficient systems that deliver on-farm benefits as well as improved water quality outcomes within their catchments. He also supports the Dairy Farm Monitor Project, Feeding Pastures for Profit and Top Fodder programs. 

Jane Packard Headshot

Western Australia

Jane Packard

Farm Engagement Lead

Jane Packard joined the Western Australia team in October 2023 in the role of Farm Engagement Lead. Jane has nearly two decades professional experience in the agricultural sector, primarily in grains. She has worked for organisations such as AWB, CBH Group and Farmanco Management Consultants.

 

Jane manages Western Australia's valuable farmer relationships through regular engagement and by recommending the right services and resources to help support profitability, sustainability and best practice on-farm.

Abbie Taylor

Western Australia

Abbie Taylor

Communications Coordinator

After growing up in Adelaide and relocating to Melbourne where she gained her Bachelor of Communications, Abbie Taylor is now based regionally with her husband on their Beachport cattle station. In the south east, Abbie has enjoyed working within the local community, helping to run the family business, and learning more about the agricultural industry. Her communications experience has included creative agency, local media, and agricultural education work, with a strong focus on copywriting and social media management. In addition, Abbie has worked in an accounts and administrative role for two local agricultural enterprises. Abbie is passionate about working with regional, farming, and creative communities to help tell their stories.