Narelle Pearse - Chief Executive Officer

Narelle was born and raised in Mackay, before moving to Townsville for university. She spent a few years in Brisbane working as a Chartered Accountant and later as CFO for a freight forwarding company before returning to Mackay.

Narelle holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Masters of Commerce, Executive MBA, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology and is currently completing a Masters of Economic Development through RMIT.

As CEO, Narelle is responsible for the management of REDC and ensuring that the organisation achieves its overall strategic goals.

Melanie Woodman - Office Coordinator

Melanie was born and raised in Walkerston. Melanie began her training with the Economic Development division of the Mackay Tourism and Development Bureau before settling into her role with REDC as Office Coordinator in 2003.

Melanie has studied a Cert IV Frontline Management with Central Queensland Institute of TAFE.

In her role as Office Coordinator, Melanie ensures the efficient running of the REDC office, by providing secretarial, financial and administration support to the REDC team and its associated entities. Mel deals with enquires, and liaises with members and REDC partners on a daily basis. Melanie also coordinates registrations for the Zonta Club of Mackay’s ‘Women in Business’ events.

Laura Sorensen - Economic Development Project Manager

Laura was born and raised just a short drive down the road in Rockhampton. She spent a short time in Emerald before moving to Mackay in 2006.

Laura completed a Certificate III in Business at Central Queensland Institute of TAFE and a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) with Distinction at CQUniversity.

As Economic Development Project Manager, Laura is responsible for managing the Project Team and ensuring the on-time delivery of REDC projects. At present, Laura is managing the Regional Skills Attraction Project, the Seasonal Labourforce Attraction & Retention Project and the Coal to Coast Jobs website. Her other responsibilities include the analysis of regional statistical data including preparation of the Regional Economic Report, facilitation of economic development in the region, event planning and design of the REDC website and promotional material.

Martin Homisan - Regional Investment Attraction Manager

Martin was born and raised in Czechoslovakia before traveling extensively. He spent a few years living in New Zealand before settling in Australia. Martin is now located in sunny Bowen.

Martin holds Australian and overseas qualifications in Advanced Management and Strategic Management of Industrial Enterprises.

Based in Bowen, Martin is responsible for providing a strategic approach to investment attraction across the entire Mackay-Whitsunday-Isaac region.

Ashleigh Howland - Research & Communications Officer

Ashleigh is a born and bred Mackay-ite with strong ties to the local area. She graduated from St Patrick’s College in 2005 and completed a Bachelor of Professional Communication (Human Resources) at CQUniversity.

As Research & Communications Officer, Ashleigh assists with the collection of regional statistical data and is responsible for the preparation of the Regional Development Register.

Ashleigh also coordinates REDC’s media, marketing and communication activities.

Claire Christensen - Project Officer

Claire was born in Victoria and raised in Yeppoon. She graduated from CQUniversity in 1997 with a Bachelor of Arts/Business (Human Resources & Psychology).

Claire spent several years working for CQUniversity before going on maternity leave. She has now returned to work on a part-time basis for REDC.

As Project Officer, Claire is responsible for the facilitation and co-ordination of Study Mackay initiatives. She also assists the Economic Development Officer with the co-ordination of events and the delivery of projects.

Marcus Ng- Australia-China Development Representative

Marcus, was born in Hong Kong, and raised in England from the age of 13.  Marcus graduated with a Bachelor of Social Science Degree (Majoring in Accounting and Finance) from the University of Southampton (UK).  He is a Professional National Accountant (PNA) of the National Institute of Accountants, Australia.

During the years from 1999 to 2002, Marcus was a Director of a Mainland Chinese owned media company based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  Between the years 2003 and 2008, he worked for a Hong Kong based firm of Certified Public Accountants as their Chief Respresentative based in Beijing. Marcus is now the Managing Director for Yanjian Group ( Australia ) Pty Ltd based in Brisbane. 

Marcus has a position in REDC as Australia-China development representative and he is responsible for promoting the investment opportunities in the Mackay-Whitsunday-Isaac Region ("the Region") to the potential investors from the P.R. China.   His duties include providing assistance and keeping all channels of communication wide-open to the investors / potential investors from the P.R China.