28 March 2026, NSW – Introducing our Community Reference Group (CRG) for 2026, with four new members joining the panel to lend their expertise to the New England Solar Social Investment Program (SIP).
Lawyer Blake Dyer, former Uralla Mayor Isabel Strutt, store manager Jason Pickersgill and Madeleine Price, an aged care and social welfare worker, have been selected for the panel. They join the two members continuing from last year, past ZNet Uralla president Carol Shantal and venue manager Ned Duggan.
Together they bring transparency and local insight to the assessment of community applications for grants and donations through the SIP.
Four members of the 2025 CRG reached their maximum of two years on the panel, Susan Wilson, Grant Clark, Steven Ahoy and Darlene ‘Georgie’ McNaughton.
The CRG panel is chosen from expressions of interest from community members, to represent the community as broadly as possible, including various parts of the Uralla district and surrounds, and a range of cultural and business backgrounds and interests.
This year’s CRG met for the first time this month and has been busy assessing Round 1 SIP applications and confirming the grant recipients, who will be publicly announced soon.
The panel will also consider and select a second round of recipients for 2026, with applications for Round 2 set to open in June.
Our 2026 CRG comprises (from left): Jason Pickersgill, Carol Shantal, Isabel Strutt, Ned Duggan, Madeleine Price and Blake Dyer (absent from photo).
2026 CRG member bios:
Blake Dyer
Blake is the Group Manager Community Services at Uralla Shire Council, as well as its in-house lawyer, after previously working as a Special Counsel for a national law firm. The Invergowrie resident is a member of the Rotary Club of Uralla and has a long history of volunteering, including the Freshwater Surf Life Saving Club.
Carol Shantal
Carol is a past President of ZNet Uralla and has many years’ experience working in health, small business and farming. She has been active in community education, including measures to prepare for climate change, and was the cofounder of an intentional community focused on affordable housing and living in balance with nature. Bioregional Futures is her current area of interest.
Isabel Strutt
A resident of Uralla for 31 years, Isabel served as a Uralla Shire councillor for 17 years, including one year as Mayor. Isabell came to the area when she was appointed to the Salvation Army Uralla Corps and she continues to serve on a number of community organisations, including the Lions Club of Uralla, Uralla Neighbourhood Centre, Red Cross Uralla Branch and the CWA Uralla branch.
Jason Pickersgill
Jason is a department store manager who previously worked in landscape and garden design, as well as senior roles in communications and marketing for research and business organisations.
A relatively new arrival to Uralla Shire, he is a member of Uralla Rivercare Group, Uralla Community Garden and ZNet.
Madeleine Price
Madeleine works at McMaugh Gardens Aged Care Facility and in local retail. Her previous employment included roles with Tablelands Community Support, working as a Homelessness and Tenancy Support Worker in Far North Queensland, and as an employee and volunteer at a Bondi Beach drop-in centre in Sydney.
Ned Duggan
An insurance claims manager, former venue manager and volunteer in bush and nature restoration. A relative newcomer to the district, Ned brings a fresh perspective and strong commitment to contributing to the Uralla Shire, including volunteering with the Rural Fire Service.