Subtropical Dairy Operations TeaM

Michela brings qualified and extensive experience in leadership, governance, organisational management, and project delivery. Her approach centres on building strong partnerships, supporting effective teams and turning strategic priorities into practical outcomes.

Based in Biggenden in rural Queensland, Michela is passionate about regional communities and values listening to the people closest to the industry. Appointed to the role in July 2026, she is committed to working closely with dairy farmers, the Subtropical Dairy Board, regional groups, the extension team and industry partners to support a resilient, sustainable and prosperous northern dairy industry.

Belinda has been actively involved in Queensland’s dairy industry since 1995, following her completion of a degree in Agricultural Science at the University of Queensland. She spent 10 years in farm liaison and extension roles with the Department of Primary Industries and Dairy Farmers, based in Toowoomba and working closely with farmers across the Darling Downs and South Burnett regions.

In more recent years, Belinda has supported the industry through her work with the Young Dairy Network, industry development projects, and natural disaster response teams. Throughout her career, she has built strong working relationships with farmers and values the genuine connections and friendships formed along the way.

Belinda lives in Highfields near Toowoomba with her husband, Mark, and their three children.

Maree Searle is Subtropical Dairy’s Regional Extension Officer for the northern NSW region, which extends from Kempsey to the Queensland border, starting in May 2026.

Maree will be based near Nambucca Heads on the Mid North Coast NSW. Maree’s previous roles include Project Officer/Milk Supply Officer with Norco Co-operative for over 12 years and a part-time Assistant Accountant at HLV Partners at Nambucca Heads. Maree’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Rural Science with Honours (first class, university medal) from the University of New England.

Maree and her family also own a beef property near Warrell Creek.

Specialising in subtropical environments, Brad has built his scientific career in applied dairy herd nutrition and the development and extension of whole-farm dairy systems. He has also broadened his expertise in dairy supply management, both pre and post farm gate, and brings extensive experience in senior business, organisational and project management.

Brad remains actively involved with Subtropical Dairy, managing two externally funded projects delivered by the organisation: the Future Drought Fund Climate Smart Feedbase project and the Queensland DPI Farm Business Resilience Project. He is passionate about supporting the northern dairy industry by providing farmers with practical, high-quality information and services.