The Manidis Roberts board is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Claire Higgins as an independent non-executive director of the company effective 15 October 2010.

Ms Higgins is an experienced company director of 10 years with extensive professional experience in finance, strategy, risk and governance. She is currently the chair of the Victorian State Emergency Service, deputy chair of the Country Fire Authority, and a director of Ambulance Victoria.

Claire has extensive experience in financial reporting, management and company secretarial/governance responsibilities with OneSteel Limited (previously part of The Broken Hill Proprietary Company Limited), its subsidiaries, and associated joint venture companies.

Claire has recently completed nine years serving as director on the Barwon Health board, including holding the positions of deputy chair, and chair of this board since November 2002.

In 2006, Claire was appointed, and remains, an independent member of the Surf Coast Shire Council’s audit committee. In 2009, Claire commenced as the independent chair of the Comcare audit committee.

Claire qualified as a Certified Practising Accountant in 1993 and has been a Fellow Certified Practising Accountant for 6 years. She is a fellow member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Claire is 46 years of age, is married with two children and lives in the Surf Coast Shire.

Manidis Roberts chairman, Philip Manidis, said that, on behalf of Manidis Roberts shareholders, he welcomed Claire to the board of Manidis Roberts.

“Ms Higgins’s appointment to the Manidis Roberts board continues the board renewal and succession planning programme commenced last year, and supports our goal for increased external influence to support our ambitious growth strategy.

“Claire brings a depth of corporate experience and knowledge spanning a range of sectors. The board looks forward to her contribution as an independent non-executive director."