Manilla

mark Dempsey

Hi there, my name is Mark Dempsey and I am re-joining Hart Rural Agencies after 12 years away from the business as the new Sales and Business Development Manager.

Having grown up on the family farm at Inverell, and attending Farrer Ag High School in Tamworth, my family and I enjoy all aspects of rural life.  

I have been very fortunate to work with some amazing, talented people over my career, and forged long lasting relationships. These include positions with Gallagher Animal Management, Commonwealth Bank, Nufarm and various livestock and farming properties throughout NT, QLD and NSW.

I am really looking forward to meeting and be involved with people in the local communities of Manilla, Barraba and Bingara and working with them to help grow their business.

In my spare time I like to travel and explore the outdoors with my family and enjoy a good chat around the campfire!

JENNY Whitbread

I have been with Hart Rural Agencies Manilla since its commencement in October 2005.  I was a casual employee with Allfarm and Industrial Supplies for four years prior to Charlie Hart acquiring the business.  My role at Hart Rural is accounts payable/receivable with some administrative duties.  I work with a great team and enjoy helping customers where I can.  

One of seven children, I was born and bred in the western suburbs of Sydney.  After leaving school, my first full time job was with an entertainment agency at Glebe (in an administrative capacity not an entertaining one).   I was there for six years before securing the position of Executive Secretary for Wright and Company Pty Ltd, a metal merchant business in Alexandria.  The 80’s saw me travelling with friends to Bali, Fiji, a cruise, America, Europe and Scandinavia.  I think it’s time to go back!

I moved to Gunnedah in the early 90’s, eventually settling in Manilla with my husband and two children in 1998.

Christopher Atkinson

I have worked for Hart Rural since June 2016. My job is Rural and Residential property sales which I really enjoy. I love the interaction with all the different clients you deal with, both good and not so good, getting out there talking to country people and seeing new country.

I grew up on the family property west of Tamworth and have worked in the bush all my life, including jackarooing in Hay and Murrurundi, droving in the Gulf Country and working on ”Killarney”, a cattle station 360kms south-west of Katherine. I managed a cattle operation based at Nundle with the second property at Niangala for eight years and then was contracting before becoming part of the team here at Hart Rural.

I am married to Sarah, who is a manager for a mental health support provider in Tamworth, we have four boys aged between 10 and 19 and are currently living in Tamworth.

BRAD MCARTNEY

I started working at Hart Rural Agencies at the Manilla Store, Merchandise Sales on the 19th February 2022.

I grew up in Coonabarabran then later on moved to Manilla.

There is such variety in the role that no two days are ever the same, that would be what I like most about working at HRA.

I previously worked in a quarry at Coffs Harbour and for 7 years with CRT, also in Coffs Harbour.

I think of myself as an honest, reliable and hard working person. While I’m not at work, I enjoy spending my time out on the water at Lake-Keepit.

Scott wALKER

My job at Hart Rural is Rural Merchandise Manager at the Manilla branch, as well as being the Stihl technician.

I have previously worked as a Scale Technician for Wedderburn Scales.

I started my apprenticeship there, and for the last 10 years have been based in Tamworth servicing Northern NSW.

After being in the same industry for so long I am really enjoying the different aspects of the role here at Hart Rural.

In my time off I enjoy relaxing with the family and hunting.

Brooke Rowe

I started working at Hart Rural Agencies Manilla in early January 2022 and am the Property Manager. I completed my Cert III Property Services in 2016.

I played soccer at state level for a number of years which stemmed from being given a scholarship into NIAS at the age of 12.

I have worked a variety of different jobs but was looking for a more career driven and family friendly hours.

My husband Mitchell and I have three beautiful boys together.

I started working at Hart Rural in August 2022 in Merchandise Sales.

Prior to this I was a contractor driving heavy machinery, excavators and trucks etc. and before that I worked in a similar Agricultural Business for roughly 3 years.

In my spare time I like to go camping, fishing and hunting.

hEIDI LOCKReY

I started with Hart Rural Agencies in February 2024 after returning home to Manilla after being away for 6 years.  

I am a born & bred Manilla girl & grew up on our Family property.  

My position here is Merchandise Sales – which is the perfect position for me because I love all things agriculture & a yarn.   

I love spending my spare time with my family & friends or experiencing new things & new places.