New UniSA chief

PIRSA regional development lead Peta Crewe is joining the University of South Australia to head up its Mount Gambier campus as new regional manager.

From forestry to vines, livestock and community, Crewe’s connection to the Limestone Coast region spans a quarter of a century including roles in government, at ForestrySA, and on strategic working groups and committees.

Her current role is SA’s Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) Regions general manager, where she oversees regional development across 11 regional offices.

Crewe will commence in her UniSA role on March 3.

UniSA Vice Chancellor Professor David Lloyd is delighted to welcome her to the University community.

“Peta has an outstanding track record delivering successful regional programs and addressing the key issues in regional communities, including workforce shortages, lack of affordable housing, industry development, and community capacity building,” Prof Lloyd said. “Her experience and connections in the Limestone Coast region, a region of enormous social, cultural and economic significance to SA, will be a great asset to our University and the local community.”

Current regional manager Ian McKay will retire on March 14 after eight years in the role.

“Ian has been a wonderful advocate and ambassador for UniSA and has made a significant impact in the Mount Gambier community,” Prof Lloyd said. “UniSA’s regional engagement and connections to the Mount Gambier community have greatly expanded under Ian’s leadership. On behalf of the University, I thank him for his contributions and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”

Crewe has an agriculture degree from the University of Adelaide and a Master in Forest Science and her previous roles include PIRSA’s regional coordinator for the Limestone Coast.

Among her many community roles and professional memberships, she is team manager for the Blue Lake Soccer Club senior women’s team.