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.
Bronwyn Dew
Deputy CEO
Bronwyn grew up in Corrigin and now lives in Wickepin with her husband, who runs a successful earthmoving business, with their two adult children now grown up and left home to pursue their own careers. With a strong background in local government as well as office management, Bronwyn brings some incredible skills to our group in financial and project management, health and safety, project development and much more. She holds a Diploma in Local Government Administration and Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping. Bronwyn joined our team in March 2022 and is excited to be back in the Facey Group community, having previously worked at Facey Group as the Administration Manager before moving into the local government world with the Shire of Wickepin then Shire of Cuballing. |
Ravi Parmar
Agricultural Research & Extension Coordinator
Ravi holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture science from Navsari Agricultural University. He worked at Green Crop, a seed company in Gujarat, India, where he gained valuable industry experience. Ravi then pursued a master’s degree in Dryland Agriculture Science through Curtin University, which he completed in 2022.
His dedication to well-organized research will ensure members have access to crucial information, contributing to the enhancement of farming enterprises within the Facey Group region. His interests in soil health, cropping timing, fertiliser management, and crop rotation will be an ongoing asset to the team and our members.
Ravi is eager to collaborate with Facey group members and local farmers to contribute significant value to the local community.
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.
Maree Dougall
Innovation Coordinator
Originally from Victoria, Maree now lives in Wickepin with her husband Rick, and two young children.
Maree has a Bachelor of Agriculture from the University of Melbourne & has a background in trials research, sustainable agriculture, animal health & fertiliser. She brings a great deal of diverse knowledge to our group & is excited to sink her teeth into this new role with Facey Group.
Mel Grieve
Administration 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.
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.
