As the fourth generation of a central west farming family, I operate a small grazing property in Nashdale, producing beef cattle.
I am an adjunct Associate Professor in the School of Environmental Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences at Charles Sturt University, Orange, teaching agricultural sustainability and climate change science. I have worked at CSU for the past 20 years, and have mentored many hundreds of young land managers and emergency services students.
I have over 35 years of experience in the study of natural resources and land management, including teaching, research, and Government policy roles. For 17 years I worked as a soil and climate scientist in NSW Government natural resource agencies (DLWC to OEH).
I trained as a soil scientist and have a PhD in viticultural soils. While in the NSW Govt I was involved in numerous research and policy programs, steering committees, and advisory roles.
I am the former Chair of the Upper Molong Ck Landcare Group, which has been highly successful in gaining funding via the Environmental Trust twice in recent years for its weed reduction and re-vegetation programs.
I am the President of the Canobolas Conservation Alliance and have advocated strongly for the protection of the most important conservation and heritage reserve in Cabonne Shire. Mount Canobolas has immense biodiversity and cultural heritage value, and it is the prime tourist destination in our district.
I am a Committee member of the Australian National Field Days, and a member of the ANFD Education Committee. I believe strongly in supporting and developing innovations to improve agricultural productivity and resilience. As a soil scientist, my focus is improving soil carbon levels, which benefits soil condition, reducing the need for expensive inputs, and sustains yields over the long term.
As a current Councillor in Cabonne I am active on numerous committees including the Roads Advisory Committee, the Environment Innovation and Energy Committee, and the Infrastructure (Transport) Committee. I regularly attend the Mullion Ck Progress Association and have been instrumental in rejuvenating the Nashdale Consultative Committee and the Borenore Progress Association. As a Cabonne Council nominee I am a member and Deputy Chair of the Ophir Crown Land Manager Board.
For the last term of Council I have been Deputy Chair and now Chair of Central Tablelands Water (CTW). In 2024 CTW was awarded the Sam Samra award as the most improved water utility in NSW.
My early years and family connection
I grew up in Sydney but have been tied to the central west region all my life as my extended family all come from here.
My dad was born in Orange, and my grandparents farmed around Narromine. I have family in almost all districts in the central west. This was my second home growing up, my actual home for the last 21 years and the home base for my children.
My love of this region translated into an academic interest in landscapes and land management. I studied soil science and geomorphology at university, then did further studies in viticultural soils, while starting my academic career.
Starting a family – my move back to Cabonne
My wife (cardiologist Dr Ruth Arnold) and I have been married for over 30 years. We moved back to the central west – to Nashdale – about 21 years ago in order to pursue a more balanced family life away from the hustle and bustle of Sydney.
Amelia was born in 2000, and has just completed studying Law and Asian Studies at ANU. Our son Will (born 2003) is at ANU studying Medicine. Both our kids have grown up in Nashdale and have a love for their home in Cabonne and the central west region.
My career
My first job was as a Tutor at Sydney University in the Dept of Geography. While there I completed a Masters Degree, and then moved on to a PhD at Newcastle University, where I was able to do fieldwork in the Hunter Valley viticultural district.
While working on my PhD I started as a scientist in the NSW Government, initially managing the NSW soils database, then eventually moving to senior roles in climate change science to support policy on adaptation to changing climates. While working in the NSW Government I was involved in numerous research and policy programs, steering committees, and advisory roles.
Since moving to the central west, I have been working from Charles Sturt University, initially in a seconded role, and now as an adjunct Associate Professor, teaching subjects in climate change science and agricultural sustainability.
When my wife Ruth and I moved back from the city to Cabonne, we were both vitally concerned about the health of rural people. We felt that all people, regardless of location, have a fundamental right to excellent health care. I have long supported Ruth’s campaign to improve medical services in this region.
I would hope to achieve the same level of service to the people of Cabonne, especially in relation to my expertise in soils, land management and climate change.
Rawson 4 Cabonne 