About Us

Who We Are

At RFF, we are enablers of ethical and impactful investment in regional Australia. Our mission is to provide professional services and advice that drive sustainable growth and prosperity while enjoying the process.

We are passionate about developing comprehensive strategies that secure government and stakeholder support, funding, and regulatory compliance to empower private, community, and government investments in regional communities. By doing so, we create meaningful benefits for regional economies, Indigenous people, communities, and the environment.

Simply put, we are expert advisors on all things regional Australia. We work with our clients to transform ideas into reality through persistent engagement and leadership. Whether it’s developing targeted actions, conducting research, or navigating complex regional challenges, we’re here to help.

We are proud of our track record of successful project delivery and deeply value our roots in regional Australia, embracing both its unique possibilities and challenges. Our reputation stems from our passion for tackling and interrogating challenging concepts. We are flexible, transparent, and dedicated to adding value to broader project teams, delivering results that matter.

What We Do

At RFF, we specialise in five key service streams that enable impactful regional development

Land Access, native title and aboriginal heritage

We navigate the complexities of land access, heritage, and native title to foster respectful and compliant partnerships with communities and stakeholders. Our expertise includes:

• Native title negotiations

• Cultural heritage management

• Regulatory and legal compliance

DEVELOPMENT MANGEMENT

We provide comprehensive project management services to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. From planning to execution, we offer:

• Stakeholder coordination

• Resource management

• Quality assurance and reporting

GIS SERVICES

RFF Australia delivers reliable GIS services that help clients understand place, manage constraints, and make informed decisions. Our services include:

• Spatial mapping and analysis

• Site suitability and constraint mapping

• GIS data management

• Customised map outputs and reporting

• Project support across property and infrastructure planning

Social, Economic, and Community Development

We collaborate with communities to design and implement programs that enhance social and economic well-being. Our focus areas include:

• Community engagement and capacity building

• Social impact assessments

• Regional economic growth strategies

Our Team

Owen Hightower

DIRECTOR - Executive Management Team

Owen is a passionate advocate for advancing Australia’s regional communities and First Nations. With a background in land use planning, his career has expanded to include public policy, government relations, social infrastructure, and land tenure. Owen’s dedication to fostering impactful investment drives economic growth, social parity, and environmental sustainability.

Jane Hightower

CEO - Executive Management Team

Jane leads RFF as CEO, guiding the company’s strategy, performance, and growth. With a background in business management, her role encompasses strategic leadership, organisational performance, and team development. Jane’s focus on strengthening the business and supporting the executive team drives high-quality outcomes for clients and sustainable growth.

Margi Faulkner

coo- Executive management team

Margi brings over 20 years of leadership experience in operational management, governance, and service delivery across WA. She specialises in risk management, stakeholder engagement, and process improvement. Margi’s expertise supports RFF’s operational performance and the effective delivery of regional development initiatives.

Tom Willday

Senior dm - executive management team

Tom Willday brings over 15 years of experience in civil engineering, development management, and project delivery across major infrastructure and urban development projects. He specialises in stakeholder engagement, project leadership, and delivering complex projects from planning through to implementation. Tom’s work supports high-quality outcomes through strong technical expertise and practical, delivery-focused solutions.

New Team Member!

People & Operations Manager

Details coming soon!

Antonia Vakhos

Office assistant

Antonia brings over 12 years of experience in administration and office management across Australia and the UK. She specialises in process coordination, communication, and team support. Antonia’s work ensures the smooth and efficient operation of RFF’s day-to-day activities.

New Team Member!

Senior Book Keeper

Details coming soon!

Simon Davis

Senior Advisor

Simon brings over 20 years of experience in native title, cultural heritage, and approvals. He specialises in integrating Traditional Owner knowledge into land use planning and project development. Simon’s work supports sustainable regional development and strong project outcomes.

Caroline Ngunjiri

Senior Advisor

Caroline brings almost 20 years of experience in land access, native title, tenure, and approvals across Western Australia. Legally trained, she specialises in navigating complex regulatory and stakeholder environments. Caroline’s work supports the development of practical strategies and effective project delivery.

Ren Lee

Development Manager

Ren brings over 10 years of experience in development management, business case development, feasibility, and commercial advisory. He has contributed to major WA precincts including Elizabeth Quay, Yagan Square, and Subiaco East. Ren’s work focuses on translating complex projects into practical, investment-ready outcomes that support confident decision-making.

Noah Scott-McDonald

Senior Regional Planner

Noah brings over 10 years of experience in strategic, precinct, and statutory planning across metropolitan and regional Western Australia. He specialises in structure planning, scheme amendments, and infrastructure-related planning. Noah’s work supports effective project delivery through strong stakeholder engagement, clear reporting, and practical planning outcomes.

Danial Broderick

Senior GIS Analyst

Danial Broderick brings over 7 years of experience in GIS and spatial data analytics, supporting planning, approvals, land access, and infrastructure projects. He specialises in spatial analysis, mapping, and data visualisation, combining complex datasets to produce clear, decision-ready insights. Danial’s work supports informed decision-making through accurate, accessible, and high-quality spatial outputs.

New Team Member!

Senior Regional Planner

Details coming soon!

Campbell Green

Regional Planner

Campbell Green brings over 5 years of experience in urban and regional planning across private sector consultancy and development projects. He specialises in planning legislation, report writing, stakeholder engagement, and project coordination. Campbell’s work supports the delivery of clear, well-structured planning outcomes through strong analysis and effective communication.

New Team Member!

Development Manager

Details coming soon!

Charlotte Slaughter

GIS Analyst

Charlotte Slaughter supports GIS and spatial analysis across planning, approvals, land access, and infrastructure projects. She specialises in mapping, spatial data management, and environmental datasets. Charlotte’s work contributes to accurate, well-structured spatial outputs that support project delivery.

New Team Member

Assistant Development Manager

Details coming soon!