Board of Directors

David Lane has been a fixture of the Lightning Ridge community for many years, bringing firsthand knowledge of the opal fields and a genuine commitment to responsible Crown land management. His experience in the mining sector gives the Board valuable on-the-ground perspective on the practical challenges faced by miners and residents every day. David is known for his measured approach to problem-solving and his ability to bring diverse stakeholders together in the interest of the broader community. Outside of his Board responsibilities, he remains actively involved in local affairs across the Lightning Ridge area.

Rebel Black brings a nuanced understanding of the relationship between Crown land users, local government and state agencies to the Board. Her background in community engagement and regional advocacy has been central to building stronger relationships between the Reserve and its many stakeholders. Rebel is passionate about ensuring that the voices of residents, particularly those in smaller communities surrounding Lightning Ridge, are heard in the Reserve's decision-making. She is a skilled communicator and has contributed significantly to the Reserve's community outreach and partnership development.

Barb Moritz has a solid background in governance and organisational administration, which she puts to work in her role on the Board of the Lightning Ridge Area Opal Reserve. Her attention to process, compliance and accountability helps the Reserve maintain high standards of transparency and responsible management. Barb has a long association with the Lightning Ridge district and understands the unique challenges of managing public land in a remote, resource-dependent community. She is committed to ensuring the Reserve operates effectively and in the genuine interest of the people it serves.

Jason Stone brings an active miner's perspective to the Board, offering firsthand insight into how Reserve management decisions affect the day-to-day working life of opal miners across the Lightning Ridge fields. His direct experience with Crown land access, roads and infrastructure has been invaluable in shaping practical, workable solutions to longstanding challenges. Jason is a plain-speaking advocate for the mining community and is committed to ensuring the Reserve delivers real, tangible outcomes for those who depend on it. He is particularly focused on improving access and amenity across the opal fields.

Wendy Spencer has dedicated much of her career to community services in regional and remote New South Wales, and she brings that commitment directly to her role on the LRAOR Board. Her understanding of how community programs can deliver lasting change has been instrumental in shaping the Reserve's education, youth and outreach initiatives. Wendy is a strong advocate for ensuring that all community members, including those in smaller townships like Grawin, Glengarry and Goodooga, benefit from the Reserve's work. She is deeply invested in building the long-term social fabric of the Lightning Ridge region.

Damian Waterford has a background in land and natural resource management, making him a valuable contributor to the Board's deliberations on environmental stewardship, weed control and biodiversity management. He has been closely involved in the Reserve's environmental programs, including the Hudson Pear biocontrol initiative and feral animal management activities. Damian understands the complex interplay between productive land use and ecological health in arid and semi-arid landscapes. His practical knowledge of the opal fields environment ensures that the Reserve's management decisions are grounded in sound land stewardship principles.