RDA Riverina end of year lunch
L-R: Marg Couch, Manager Griffith Projects and Local Connector, Melanie Renkin, Research Officer, Kayla Cherry, Assistant Communications Officer, Sophie Ackland, Administration Officer, Katie Pastro, Project and Communications Officer, Rachel Whiting, CEO and Director of Regional Development, Sara Johnston, Communications Coordinator, Amanda Cappello, Operations Manager, Jayadev Ajayakumar, Local Connector
Marg Couch, Manager Griffith Projects and Local Connector with Amanda Cappello, Operations Manager
The RDA Riverina team wrapped up another successful and extremely busy year at the Coolamon Hotel for an end of year lunch, squeezing in a tour of the venue’s recently renovated function space and accommodation facilities. As we reflected on the year that was, our heartfelt thanks and best wishes were directed at our Operations Manager, Amanda Cappello, who is moving at the end of the year. Amanda has been a much valued member of our team for the past three years, applying her strategic mindset across the wide range of programs and initiatives run by RDA Riverina, and overseeing an enhancement of internal and external policies and procedures. Although we are fortunate to keep her on staff remotely for the transition period, we will all miss her energetic and enthusiastic presence in the Wagga office.
Lunch was held in The Glasshouse, a stunning space blending natural light with period features and seasonal charm. Local produce featured in delicious bistro-style dishes with the personalised service you can expect from the historic Coolamon Hotel. Sated, the staff were treated to a guided tour of the venue from the owner, starting with the upstairs function space, The Long Room. Thoughtful touches and a blend of modernity with historic elegance gives the space a breezy yet cosy feeling. A cocktail bar with a grand chandelier greets visitors on entry, pressed metal ceilings combine with soft wall lighting, fireplaces, palms and cane chairs to create an inviting room with a capacity of 80 patrons. Doors lead out to the expansive verandah for warm nights sipping cocktails with friends.
The tour ended with a look at the newly opened accommodation, featuring a well supplied communal kitchenette, 4 large bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and more of that timeless style combined with modern conveniences such as in room controls for air conditioning and even the ability to play your own media through the room speakers. The staff were very impressed with the renovated venue and accommodation, all of which is wheelchair accessible, and were excited to consider the prospect of another great Riverina venue for meetings, presentations and forums.
As we wind up activities for the year, we thank all of our stakeholders, partners and collaborators for the work you do to make this region the thriving hub of activity and enterprise that it is. We look forward to seeing what 2026 brings, and continuing to work with you all to develop the region.