Subtropical Dairy Team

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

Based in Biggenden in rural Queensland, Michela values regional communities and listens to industry voices. She works with farmers, the Board, regional groups, extension staff and industry partners to advance a resilient, sustainable and prosperous northern dairy industry. 

Brad specialises in subtropical environments, with a career in the applied science of dairy herd nutrition and the development and extension of whole dairy farm systems. His management experience extends through dairy supply management, senior business roles and strategic project and organisational oversight.  

Passionate about the northern dairy industry, Brad is committed to positioning Subtropical Dairy as a trusted source of high-quality services and information for the industry. 

Belinda has been dedicated to Queensland’s dairy industry since 1995, following the completion of her Agricultural Science degree. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with dairy farmers and their businesses, including a decade as a farm liaison-extension officer with the Department of Primary Industries and Dairy Farmers in the Darling Downs and South Burnett regions.  

Belinda also supports broader industry projects and plays an active role in natural disaster response teams.  

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

Maree is 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. 

Howard commenced as Regional Extension Advisor for Far North Queensland in September 2026, bringing more than 30 years’ experience in the tropical dairy industry. He previously served on the Subtropical Dairy Board, having joined in 2021. 

Based in Malanda on the Atherton Tablelands, Howard began his career as a Dairy Husbandry Officer with the Department of Primary Industries before spending more than 25 years in farm services with Bega Dairy and Drinks. His career has centred on extension and adult education, supporting dairy farmers through practical advice, knowledge sharing and strong industry relationships. He has worked closely with research teams at the former DPI Kairi Research Station and subsequently at Gatton. 

Howard has also been actively involved in his local community, with interests spanning the Malanda Scout Group, Rural Youth, Tablelands Toastmasters Club and Malanda Theatre Company. Howard and his wife Deb live outside Malanda.