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
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.
Ian Lewis

TREASURER
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
Ian Oloan

GOVERNANCE
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.

Juliet Tripodi

INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE
Holly Le

INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE
Vyras Thach

INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE
Navtej Bal

INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE
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.