TINA ASTBURY
Chief Executive Officer
With more than 10 years’ experience in compliance and project management, teamed with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Tina’s attention to detail sets her apart when delivering high-quality field research at the Facey Group.
As well as growing up on the family farm in Wickepin, Tina has global experience in agriculture, as far away as Scotland, overseeing quality compliance in a potato processing facility, to soil science right here in WA as a Quality Manager at Baileys Fertilisers. Tina leads the Agricultural Research and Extension team and is heavily involved in the funding, planning, and execution of research projects.
Tina ensures the projects remain robust, relevant, and useful to our members and the wider industry.
FRANCO RENTERIA
Agricultural Research & Extension Coordinator
Franco grew up in Lima, Peru & relocated to Perth in 2022 to extend his background and knowledge in sustainable agriculture.
He recently completed a Bachelor’s in Agricultural Science from UWA and has experience in environmental project management and economic valuation of natural resources.
He is passionate about pasture systems, soil amelioration, and building drought resilience in our region. His commitment to connecting vital research with sustainable farming practices will be a tremendous asset to our team and members.
Franco is also our Regional Node Lead for the WA Drought Hub Project with the Grower Group Alliance.
ERIN MURRAY
Agricultural Research & Extension Coordinator
Erin brings a deep passion for livestock and a wealth of hands-on experience to her role as Agricultural Research and Extension Coordinator. Originally from Canada, Erin has called Western Australia home for the past nine years, living and working across the state.
With a strong background in sheep health, management, and sales, as well as beef cattle sales, Erin has worked on a variety of farms, including dairy, cropping, and sheep enterprises. Since 2022, she has been based in the Narrogin/Wickepin area, where she enjoys working directly with farmers and getting her hands dirty in the field.
Outside of work, Erin is an avid horse lover and rodeo competitor, relishing any opportunity to work cattle from horseback. She also shares her home with two beloved dogs—a kelpie who didn’t quite make the cut as a sheepdog and a big rescue mutt.
Erin is passionate about supporting the local farming community and is always keen to roll up her sleeves and get involved.
RITIKA MENON
Agricultural Research & Extension Coordinator
Originally from India, Ritika moved to Australia in 2022 and completed a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Agricultural Science and Genetics at The University of Western Australia. Her honours research focused on characterising genetic resistance genes in canola against blackleg disease.
Ritika is passionate about supporting sustainable and productive farming systems by connecting scientific research with practical on-farm outcomes. She has a strong interest in soil science, plant genetics, and agronomy, and enjoys working with growers and researchers to ensure valuable research is translated into meaningful, real-world solutions on field.
Outside of work, Ritika enjoys reading, listening to music, and is a classically trained dancer who appreciates the creativity and discipline that the arts bring to everyday life.
MEL GRIEVE
Administration & Events Manager
Mel resides in Cuballing with her husband, Andrew, on their sheep and cropping farming property. They have three growing boys, two attending boarding school and one beginning his university journey.
She holds a Certificate III in Business and has a varied career background within the education and health sectors. She is a keen squash player and is kept busy running her boys around to various sporting commitments.
Mel brings a wealth of knowledge to the Facey Group and is excited to be joining the team.
THERESE MILNE
Finance & Administration Officer
Therese brings almost 40 years of experience in finance and accounting, with a career spanning banking, local government, state government, the live music industry and the resources sector across both New South Wales and Western Australia.
Originally from Newcastle, NSW, Therese grew up in rural northern New South Wales before beginning her career with the Commonwealth Bank, where she enjoyed several rural postings. After relocating to Perth in 1995, she completed a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Accounting and Administrative Management, and later became a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA).
Therese joined the Wickepin community in 2024 when her husband, Phil, accepted the role of Officer in Charge at the local Police Station.
Away from the office, Therese enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring Western Australia with their two dogs, and making the most of country life. She especially values the opportunity to slow down, cook meals with Phil, and enjoy the strong sense of community that comes with living in Wickepin.
KATRINA GRAY
Communications & Engagement Coordinator
Katrina comes from Harrismith and is part of a family farming business.
She has a Bachelor of Business, Major in Marketing, from ECU and is extremely excited to put this into action promoting both the Facey Group and the agricultural industry in the local and broader community.
Having grown up on a farm in Boyup Brook and being part of various agricultural businesses in her employment career, she has a passion for all things agriculture and is thoroughly enjoying being part the team at Facey Group.
Katrina commenced in her role as Communications & Engagement Coordinator in October 2021.
CLAIRE JOYCE
Communications Support Officer
Claire rejoined the Facey Group team in 2026 as Communications Support Officer, bringing a passion for agriculture, sustainability and community engagement.
Originally from Perth, Claire now lives on a farm in Kukerin with her partner, their young son and two dogs. She recently completed a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management and Sustainability at Murdoch University and previously worked with Facey Group as an Agricultural Research Extension Coordinator (AgREC) before taking maternity leave.
In her communications role, Claire supports the promotion of Facey Group’s research, events and initiatives across a range of digital and print platforms. She enjoys translating technical research into engaging, practical information that helps connect growers with the latest local research, events and industry opportunities.
Claire is passionate about supporting regional communities and values the opportunity to work alongside growers, researchers and industry partners to showcase the impact of grower-led research across the Wheatbelt.
Outside of work, Claire enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the outdoors and embracing the lifestyle that comes with living in the country.
