Our Team

Mistrel Badesso | General Manager

Mistrel started her role in September 2023 and is thrilled to be part of the BIEDO team.

She has a diverse skill set that includes finance, business development, marketing, food production, disability employment and human services.

Mistrel holds a Bachelor of Commerce and is well versed in financial management and is looking forward to working with the communities of the North and South Burnett to foster sustainable economic growth and prosperity in the Burnett region.

Mistrel is committed to continuous growth and learning and is passionate about the region she lives in. Her vision and hope is that the team at BIEDO can continue to collaborate with primary producers and other businesses, community organisations and governments at local and state levels, to drive economic development, empower communities and create lasting change.

Nikki Briggs | Project Officer

Nikki is a passionate advocate for youth, mental health, growing community and the arts.

She has spent a great portion of her life in an agricultural setting, firstly as a child to a farming family and secondly as the “all things paperwork” of a farming enterprise located at Monogorilby, owned in conjunction with husband Dan.

Nikki’s background includes working in education, events delivery, and volunteering within the community.

She joined BIEDO in 2021 to assist with- the delivery of events focusing on youth and mental health and in publication of media. Nikki is loving her new role and enjoys learning about businesses within our region and talking to adults.

Wendy Thorsborne | Project Officer

Wendy and her husband own a grazing property “TwoSwans” in the Glenrock district of the South Burnett. She has a keen interest in all things agriculture, biosecurity and advocating for rural and regional Queenslanders.

Wendy joined BIEDO early in 2023 to help develop partnerships and deliver projects throughout the Burnett Inland. Wendy has worked in various geographical locations and industries throughout rural New South Wales and Queensland, including a stint working closely with BIEDO in 2005.

She has a wealth of knowledge about the Burnett Inland and has successfully delivered projects for Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG), Blue Wren Connections, Red Earth Community Foundation and Vision Leaders.

Wendy aims to use her accumulated skills, knowledge and connections to assist groups and individuals to realise their full potential and build the future of their Burnett Inland.

Leanne Sippel | Data Administrative Officer

Leanne began working for BIEDO in July 2022 in a part time capacity as the Administration Officer. Her role changed in February 2023 with a successful grant application. She has a passion for helping producers to increase their sustainability within their sectors.

Leanne has a long history on farms, having grown up at Windera on her parents’ beef cattle property, and then living at Redgate on a dairy farm.

She holds a Bachelor of Health Science (Homeopathy) and currently runs a Bowen Therapy clinic when not working at BIEDO.

Alan Broome | Drought Resilience Officer - South Burnett

Alan is BIEDO's Project Officer, servicing the South Burnett.

You'll often see Alan at the many sales taking place around the Burnett Inland.

He is also a wealth of knowledge when it comes to land management, and has become our go-to-guy for latest news on proposed Reef Regulations.

Top Image: Irene Alletsgruber "Sunset Over Dam At Silverleaf", BIEDO Best Shots Comp 2019