Our Committee
Business Singleton represents the business community within the Singleton area in the Upper Hunter Region, NSW. An elected committee meets formally once a month to manage Business Singleton matters and initiatives.
Business Singleton holds an alliance with Business NSW, which provides additional benefits to our members. We encourage and foster close relationships with other local industry bodies such as Business Hunter, Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue, Hunter Defence, Broke Fordwich Tourism Association, Around Hermitage, Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce.
We initiate informative seminars and networking events. These events allow interaction with other local business owners and often feature guest speakers in areas such as leadership, business development, marketing, motivation and WHS, which help support and encourage our members in business.
President
Anita White
Anita White is a seasoned HR professional and dedicated community leader based in Singleton, New South Wales. As HR Business Partner at Liebherr-Australia Pty Ltd, she plays a pivotal role in supporting the company's operations in the Upper Hunter region, focusing on fostering a positive and productive work environment.
Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Anita is deeply committed to community service. Since moving to Singleton in 1999, she has been an active member of the community, serving in various leadership roles. Notably, current board member with the Rotary Club of Singleton and president of Business Singleton.
Anita's dedication to both her professional and community roles exemplifies her commitment to making a positive impact in the Singleton region.
Vice President
Brooke Moore
Brooke Moore is the dedicated owner-operator behind Buck Yeah Equine, a boutique saddlery nestled in John Street, Singleton.
Brooke brings a wealth of commercial knowledge, including 15 years of experience in both retail and online business. Her background spans industries from promotional products and photography to mining and retail, giving her a well-rounded perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing businesses in the Hunter Valley.
Brooke is a strong advocate for small businesses, and her resilience is evident in her successful navigation of drought, the COVID-19 pandemic, and economic uncertainty. She places a strong emphasis on social media marketing and possesses a keen passion for graphic design and photography.
Outside of her professional life, Brooke enjoys the rural lifestyle with her family, horses, and cattle.
Secretary
Maxine Smith
Maxine Smith currently works as a Disability Services Manager at Jo Bailey Quality Care based across the Hunter Region. Maxine has been part of Quality Care for 2 ½ years, and has managed a number of different roles over her time within the company.
Maxine first became involved in the industry when she was 21, Maxine was successful in a position at the Home Care service of NSW, while working at Home care, the company encouraged her to take on full time study, and further her career. While studying Maxine looked at aged care, families and disabilities. During one of her Disability workshops, Maxine listened to a CEO called Chris Morris, Chris spoke about her work, and role, this inspired Maxine to focus on the disability Sector. After 10 years at the Homecare service, with 12 months of that being part of the United Kingdom Home Care service, Maxine got an opportunity to work with Chris Morris at the then Newcastle and Hunter Community Access, now called Connectability. Maxine loved being part of this organisation, and loved being part of a dynamic sector. After 10 years at Connectability, an opportunity came to manage a region with Challenge Community Services, and work with CEO Barry Murphy, this gave Maxine the opportunity to expand her skills, and take on new opportunities which the CEO encouraged. In Feb 2013, NDIA started its engagement and slow role out. Maxine and Challenge Community Services were very successful in transitioning over all of their then clients from ADHC block funding, to individual, person centred NDIA funds, it was exciting times.
Treasurer
De-Arne O'Toole
De-Arne O’Toole is the Principal of Ink Finance, with over 15 years’ experience in residential and commercial lending. Her practice is built on a strong understanding of regional and rural Australia, where she specialises in providing structured, reliable financial solutions for individuals and businesses. Drawing on extensive industry knowledge and a commitment to integrity, she support clients in navigating complex lending environments and achieving practical outcomes through local expertise.
She is also an Australian Native and South Proteaceae flower grower.
Committee
Rachel Baigent
Rachel Baigent is the Chief Executive Officer of Witmore Limited, a not-for-profit disability service provider that has been supporting the Singleton community for over 60 years. She has had the privilege of working with Witmore for more than a decade, a journey inspired by her brother Nathan who lives with a disability and continues to motivate her lifelong commitment to inclusion and advocacy. She is deeply committed to building a community where people of all abilities are empowered to thrive and where diversity is not only accepted but celebrated.
Joining the Business Singleton Board reflects her belief in the power of collaboration. Rachel sees this as an opportunity to contribute more broadly to our region, connect with local business and community leaders and advocate for a more inclusive and empowered community. By working together, she believes we can create lasting impact and a stronger, more connected Singleton for everyone.
Committee
Adele Cashion
Adele is the CEO of Ourcare Services Ltd and joins Business Singleton with over 25 years as a Director and Executive Leader in corporate, government and non-government organisations. Adele has a passion for community services and a genuine interest in supporting local business to be the best they can be, so that Singleton continues to thrive.
Committee
Stewart Chapman
Stewart "Stew" Chapman has lived in Singleton for the past 10 Years, moving with his family in 2015 after owning land in the Hunter Region for over 15 years. Previously in the Royal Australian Navy, Stew has extensively travelled the world as a Director, Business Development and Program Manager in the Defence & Aerospace Industry, and now works in the Waste & Sustainability Sector. Stew has been the President of Star Club Equestrian Program since 2019, and the Not For Profit Association has had substantial growth and success under his leadership, due to his background in Defence, Aerospace, Disability Services, Equine, Council Grounds Management, and Sustainability and Waste experience. He prides himself on being understanding, approachable, passionate and strongly advocates for diversity, inclusion, equality and accountability, to achieve positive outcomes for all of Singleton.
Committee
Scott Keesing
Scott Keesing is the General Manager for Singleton Neighbourhood Centre, a not-for-profit organisation supporting the community of Singleton LGA with support, advocacy and information, referral, and access to support such as emergency pantry relief, NILS loans, WDO's, Electricity Assistance and OpenDoor provides a sit in meal, along with free access to bread, fruit and vegetables.
Scott is a qualified Nurse and comes to the Board with over 30 years experience working in the nursing and the community services sector and Scott is always dedicated to ensuring the community has access to services that are committed and responsive. Scott fosters and empowers the need for inclusion and acceptance and is very committed to collaboration between services and businesses to ensure a well connected and support community.
Committee
Karen McRae
Karen McRae is the co-owner of Wine Country Lavender, a boutique lavender farm nestled in Singleton, just five minutes out of town, cultivating a variety of medicinal, culinary, and fragrancing lavender. The farm produces premium small-batch products for clinical and personal use, and offers immersive agritourism experiences through accommodation, farm tours, and creative workshops.
With more than 20 years of experience in higher education, leadership, and professional training, Karen brings a unique blend of academic insight and practical creativity to her business. She integrates her expertise in adult learning and sustainability into every aspect of Wine Country Lavender, reflecting her passion for lifelong learning, community engagement, and regenerative farming. Her husband Martin, a healthcare practitioner, helps develop product ranges and uses them in a clinic setting as a physiotherapist and chiropractor.
Wine Country Lavender has won first place in The Australian Lavender Growers Association (2025) Excellence in Tourism Award, and has been named a finalist in the 2024 and 2025 Hunter Local Business Awards, the 2025 Singleton Business Awards, and Hunter Region Tourism Awards.
Committee
Janine Thomson
Janine has had the privilege of being the Retail Manager for Charter Hall / Singleton Square for the past 9 years. She currently oversees 3 centres – Singleton, Tamworth and Mudgee. Her passion is ensuring that the centres are a safe space for retailers and tenant customers.
On a personal note, she is married and has a wonderful family, including 3 daughters and 7 grandchildren, her house is also over run by spoilt dachshunds.
Member Services Coordinator
Laura Kelly
Laura moved to Singleton 6 years ago with her family, to be a part of the Singleton community. Over the past 20 years, Laura has been working in the Administration and Business departments of both small and large businesses, specifically in Mining and the Construction industries. She has owned a small business of her own and has taken on the role at Business Singleton, excited to be working so closely with Singleton businesses and the community.
Laura has been a keen traveler for many years, travelling to all different parts of the world, and has now settled in Singleton with her husband and 3 children.
Administration & Marketing Officer
Kirby Egan
Kirby was born and raised in Singleton and is excited to have the opportunity to continue to engage with the local community through her role. Kirby is a recent graduate of the University of Newcastle where she completed a Bachelor of Media and Communication with a double major in Media Production and Public Relations. She is excited to begin her career with Business Singleton.