OUR PEOPLE
Directors
Glenn Betteridge
Chair
Glenn Betteridge is a third generation cane farmer and has been a Director on the CANEGROWERS Burdekin Limited Board since 2019. Glenn is a member of the CANEGROWERS Queensland Policy Council and Board representing local views at a state level and a Cane Supply Agreement Negotiator.
Rian Swindley
Deputy Chair
Rian Swindley is a third generation cane farmer with his family farming in the Burdekin since 1926, and has been a Director on the CANEGROWERS Burdekin Limited Board since 2022. Rian is a Harvest Management Grower Representative for CANEGROWERS Burdekin Limited.
Owen Menkens
Director
Owen Menkens is a fourth generation cane farmer and has been a Director on the CANEGROWERS Burdekin Limited Board since 2010. Owen is the Chairman of the QCGO Board, a member of the Australian Sugar Industry Alliance (ASA) Board and Australian Cane Growers Council and a member of the CANEGROWERS Queensland Policy Council representing local views at a state level and a Cane Supply Agreement Negotiator.
Steve Pilla
Director
Steve Pilla is a third generation cane farmer and has been a Director on the CANEGROWERS Burdekin Limited Board since 2013. Steve is on the CANEGROWERS Queensland Policy Council, representing local views at a state level.
Charlie Papale
Director
Charlie Papale is a second generation cane farmer with his father cane farming in the Burdekin from 1954. A new Director of the CANEGROWERS Burdekin Limited Board joining in 2022. Charlie is on the the SRA Variety Selection Committee member for CANEGROWERS Burdekin Limited.
Glenn Pola
Director
A new Director of the CANEGROWERS Burdekin Limited Board joining in 2025.
Nick Pucciarmati
Director
A new Director of the CANEGROWERS Burdekin Limited Board joining in 2025.
Staff
Michelle Andrews
Finance & Administration
Michelle joined the team in 2003 when she was employed as an Administration Officer of Burdekin District CANEGROWERS Executive, Michelle is the Finance and Administration Manager of CANEGROWERS Burdekin.
Michelle is a registered BAS Agent and Justice of the Peace with an Associate Degree of Commerce, a Certificate IV in Business Administration and Tier 1 in General Insurance. Michelle’s position encompasses member assistance, administration, accounts and communications, including our fortnightly e-newsletter publication canenews.
T: 4790 3602 | E: michelle_andrews@canegrowers.com.au
Tiffany Giardina
Payroll & Administration
Tiffany joined CANEGROWERS in 2010. She has been operating the CANEGROWERS Burdekin Payroll Service since 2011 which is available to both members and non-members of CANEGROWERS Burdekin.
Tiffany is a registered BAS Agent with a Certificate IV in Accounting, Certificate III in Business Administration and Tier 1 in Insurance Broking. Tiffany regularly attends seminars to keep up to date on recent payroll and insurance matters.
Contact Tiffany on the details below to find out more on the CANEGROWERS Payroll Service.
T: 4790 3601 | E: tiffany_giardina@canegrowers.com.au
Mindi Lennon
Member Services
Mindi rejoined CANEGROWERS in 2022 to assist growers in meeting their regulatory obligations, in particular to provide assistance with the completion of Farm Nitrogen & Phosphorous Budgets.
Mindi is a familiar face with previous roles at CANEGROWERS Burdekin. Mindi has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Agronomy) and has completed her Fertcare C qualification.
Contact Mindi on the details below to find out more on N & P Budgets.
T: 4790 3605 | E: mindi_lennon@canegrowers.com.au
Kahlee Casalegno
Insurance Broker
Joining the team in 2026, Kahlee is an experienced insurance professional.
Kahlee has a Tier 1 in Insurance Broking and is undertaking her Diploma in Insurance Broking.
To find out more on CANEGROWERS Insurance broking service, Solaris Insurance Brokers contact Kahlee on the details below or visit www.solarisinsurance.com.au
T: 4790 3606 | E: kahlee@solarisinsurance.com.au
Maddison McConnachie
Insurance Broker
Joining the team in 2023, Maddison is an experienced insurance professional.
Maddison has a Tier 1 in Insurance Broking.
To find out more on CANEGROWERS Insurance broking service, Solaris Insurance Brokers contact Maddison on the details below or visit www.solarisinsurance.com.au
T: 4790 3606 | E: maddison@solarisinsurance.com.au