Meet Independent Board Director candidate - Fiona Jolly
2 November 2026
Bringing an impressive skillset to the Murray Irrigation Boardroom
With a diverse background in food regulation, advertising standards and rural counselling, Fiona Jolly has the nous and experience to make a positive contribution to any organisation in which she is involved.
This includes a combination of strategic insight, commercial understanding, legal expertise, practical leadership and extensive Director experience.
Ms Jolly is expected to bring this impressive skillset to the Board of Murray Irrigation, as one of two new Independent Directors appointed by the Board for ratification at the Company's upcoming Annual General Meeting on 19 November.
Two key learnings she has gathered over the course of her career are that “successful farms build big and successful communities”, and “the importance of listening to people, because individuals see things from a different perspective”.
Outstanding professional skills aside, Ms Jolly brings to the Board a genuine interest in agriculture, the food supply chain at domestic and international level, and in sustainability and community resilience.
Based at Wamboin, just outside Canberra, Ms Jolly has a strong association with the Southern Riverina.
“My husband (Paul Groenewegen) is from Finley," she explains.
"His parents were Dutch immigrants who came to Australia after World War Two and ran the Finley Bakery for 30 years, so they became well known in the region.
Murray Irrigation Independent Board Director candidate Fiona Jolly.
“I have been travelling back and forth to Finley for about 40 years, so I know the area quite well.”
While much of her professional background is in the food regulatory environment, Ms Jolly also has many years of experience in rural finance, corporate governance and change management.
Early in her career, she was one of the young lawyers who helped establish the Australian Food Hygiene Standards, which developed her understanding of the food supply chain and the importance of taking care of all parts of it, from ‘paddock to plate’.
Other career highlights include 15 years as CEO of Advertising Standards Australia and, most recently, a six-year stint with the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS).
“With RFCS I became acutely aware of the pressure on farms and the agriculture sector in general, whether it’s climate related or cost-based, for example the cost of transport or energy," she said.
"These have a real impact in regional and remote locations and are especially important for an organisation like Murray Irrigation to understand.”
She believes effectively managing political pressures, and maintaining relationships with governments and regulators, are equally critical to the Company.
“This is a fascinating environment and I want to learn more about the dynamics and how these relationships work,” she said.
“Throughout my career, I have worked with Boards and executive teams to navigate change, manage risk, strengthen governance and deliver sustainable outcomes.
"For me, effective governance starts with understanding the needs and expectations of shareholders and stakeholders, asking the right questions and ensuring decisions are made in the long-term interests of the organisation."
Fiona Jolly
“This all needs to be achieved in an environment where robust debate is encouraged, and Board unity is paramount once decisions are made."
Ms Jolly also possesses strong experience in cyber and AI, and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).
She appreciates the fiduciary duties and responsibilities taken on by Board members to ensure the success of both the company and shareholders.
“For me, effective governance starts with understanding the needs and expectations of shareholders and stakeholders, asking the right questions and ensuring decisions are made in the long-term interests of the organisation," she said.
“I value open communication, constructive challenge, accountability and a collaborative approach to decision-making.
“I have a particular interest in helping organisations respond to emerging challenges, embrace innovation and technological change, strengthen risk management and identify opportunities for sustainable growth,” Ms Jolly said, adding “as a Murray Irrigation Board Director, I would bring independence of thought, sound judgement and a commitment to acting in the best interests of the organisation and its shareholders”.
Online voting is now open ahead of Murray Irrigation's Annual General Meeting on 19 November 2026. More information can be found on the Company's website: www.murrayirrigation.com.au/AGM2026
