MEET THE TEAM
Where passion meets purpose, and industry education meets learned expertise.
THE FACES BEHIND THE NORTHERN ADELAIDE PLAINS FOOD CLUSTER
Here, you'll discover the passionate individuals and dedicated board members who drive the Northern Adelaide Plains Food Cluster. Each member brings unique expertise and a shared commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability, and community growth.
Get to know the faces behind our mission and learn how their diverse talents contribute to our success.
Joe Coluccio
Joe has recently joined the Northern Adelaide Plains Food Cluster with a background as the Business & Industry Advisor for the Virginia Horticulture Centre, Joe has been instrumental in fostering the growth of the Food Cluster.
Beyond his professional experience, Joe brings a passion for farming, winemaking, and gastronomy, which enriches his approach to this role.
CLUSTER MANAGER
Mobile: 0413 208 182
Email: joe@northernadelaideplains.com.au
CONTACT DETAILS
Nicolette Colangelo
Nicolette has a background in both agricultrue and marketing. Growing up on the family farm, Rainbow Fresh, she developed a deep connection to farming, with many of her fondest memories rooted in farm life. With over three years of marketing experience within the industry, Nicolette brings a unique blend of practical farming knowledge and strategic marketing skills. She is passionate about advancing the agricultural sector and finding innovative ways to grow and promote the industry.
MARKETING AND EVENTS OFFICER
CONTACT DETAILS
Mobile: 0404 526 565
Email: nicolette@northernadelaideplains.com.au
Barrie Lloyd
CHAIRPERSON
Ian Lewis
TREASURER
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Ian is a seasoned market development and value chain specialist with extensive experience delivering food and agribusiness projects across Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. For the past 15 years, he has operated his own consultancy, working with a diverse portfolio of clients across the industry.
Ian is also a contributor to Asiafruit and Produce Plus magazines, where he researches and writes in-depth business stories.
Earlier in his career, Ian held various roles at PIRSA, most notably as Program Manager, Market Development. In this position, he was responsible for planning and delivering the market development program under South Australia’s State Food Plan (2002–2007), with a strong emphasis on export growth.
Christine Walela
INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE
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Dr. Christine Walela is the founder of Hands-on Recruitment and Consulting, a company dedicated to bridging the gap between skilled talent and workforce needs. With a PhD in Soil Science and more than 20 years of experience as a Research Scientist, Environmental Consultant, and Agronomist, Christine has built her career on solving agricultural and environmental challenges through science, innovation, and leadership.
In 2020, she launched a Hi-Tech Hydroponic business in South Australia, where she discovered that technical expertise alone isn’t enough—success also requires resilience, business acumen, and a strong people-first approach. Facing challenges in sourcing job-ready talent, she recognised the widespread struggles of skilled migrants and set out to create solutions.
As a migrant herself, Christine understands these barriers and is committed to connecting capable candidates with employers, building inclusive workforces, and empowering individuals with confidence and dignity. In 2025, she was honoured as Africa Day Professional of the Year.
Ian O’Loan
GOVERNANCE
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Ian O’Loan OAM is a sixth-generation farmer and irrigation expert from Pt Gawler with over 30 years’ experience in agriculture and regional development. He played a key role in advancing horticulture on the Adelaide Plains as Chair of the Yorke Regional Development Board in 2007. Passionate about water management, Ian has worked closely with the NAIS program, NAPFC, and SA Water since 2019.
He is a registered company director and accredited livestock biosecurity auditor, with deep ties to the saleyard industry. Ian continues to manage his family’s broadacre and pastoral holdings at Mallala and Burra.
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Barrie is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Accountants of Australia and New Zealand and has over 50 year’s experience providing advice to the Accounting Industry as a Tax practitioner and Company Auditor.
Over my working life I have always given back to the community in which I have lived serving as Treasurer and chairman of various Not for Profits and sporting Boards.
In my Role as chairman I bring to the Board experience chairing meetings, understanding Financial Statements, governance and as an owner and operator of a Protected Cropping Farm on the Northern Adelaide Plains I have working knowledge of how to maintain a sustainable Protected Cropping Farm.
Juliet Tripodi
INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE
Holly Le
INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE
Vyras Thatch
INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE
Navtej Bal
INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE
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Navtej Bal is the CEO and Managing Director of Ironwood Institute, bringing over 18 years of experience in international education and college management. A postgraduate of RMIT University and a former international student himself, Navtej is committed to supporting the next generation through education — particularly in preparing students for careers in the agrifood sector.
He is passionate about fostering innovation, positivity, and strong leadership among students. Navtej is a recipient of the Industry Future Leaders Award from the Premier of South Australia and holds several professional credentials, including Certified Education Manager.
In addition to his executive role, Navtej serves on several industry boards, including ITECA, NGISA, and Protected Cropping Australia, where he continues to contribute to the advancement of education and agribusiness in Australia.
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Juliet Tripodi is deeply involved in her family’s horticulture business, Rainbow Fresh, which has been growing fresh produce for over 50 years. As a second-generation salad producer based in the Adelaide Plains, she has played an integral role in expanding the Rainbow Fresh brand, developing strong distribution networks, and promoting the “paddock to plate” message.
With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Juliet has witnessed and adapted to the changing demands, complexities, and consumer expectations within horticulture. While her family background sparked her career path, she also pursued other interests, earning a Bachelor of Social Work. This training has been invaluable in managing people and problem-solving—essential skills in a tight-knit agribusiness community.
Juliet also spent 10 years collaborating with Indigenous growers on sustainable business development, creating employment opportunities and partnerships under the brand “Matjarra.” She is a proud advocate for women in business, recognising the unique perspectives and contributions women bring to the horticulture industry.
Passionate about building and strengthening community and leadership strategies, Juliet is committed to making a meaningful impact within the horticultural sector.
“This industry is the backbone and future of the country… it will never run low on opportunities or growth.”
MEET THE GROWERS
Harvesting Quality, Cultivating Community