Team Feature: Meet Renata Paliskis, Our CEO at Wheatbelt NRM
Renata Paliskis
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
We are delighted to introduce Renata Paliskis, the dynamic CEO of Wheatbelt NRM, whose leadership has been the driving force behind our organisation’s growth and success. Renata first joined the team as Interim CEO in June 2024 and was confirmed as our permanent CEO in October 2024. Her vision for Wheatbelt NRM’s future is already making a profound impact, inspiring both our team and the wider community with her unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation.
Renata’s path to Wheatbelt NRM has been long and deeply rooted in her passion for the land and its potential. Having sought to join Wheatbelt NRM since 2019, Renata was motivated by her firm belief that sustainable environmental practices can go hand-in-hand with commercial agriculture. As a farmer herself, Renata knows first hand the importance of creating systems that nurture both the environment and the agricultural community. She brings this invaluable perspective to her role, helping us shape programs that enhance farm productivity while supporting long-term environmental stewardship.
Renata’s approach to leadership is grounded in transparency, integrity, and fairness. She’s the first to admit that there’s nothing hidden about her role—she’s open and transparent in her actions. Her leadership philosophy is simple yet powerful: “Be consistent, fair, and firm. The standard that you walk past is the standard that you accept.” This mindset ensures that Wheatbelt NRM remains firmly committed to the highest standards of excellence in everything we do, fostering an environment where both people and projects thrive.
Outside of her role at Wheatbelt NRM, Renata leads a busy life managing a cattle farm at The Lakes. She runs a herd using Black Gelbveih bulls over predominantly British-bred cows to produce high-quality weaners for the feedlot and supermarket trade. Renata’s passion for agriculture extends beyond the farm, as she is also an active contributor to various boards and committees, including the Board of Animal Health Australia (where she chairs its Audit and Risk Committee) and the Biosecurity Council of WA.
In addition, Renata has earned the title of "Trailwalker Legend", having completed the Perth Oxfam 100km walk five times in consecutive years. Walking 100 kilometers over 24 hours alongside three teammates, this incredible achievement showcases Renata’s resilience and determination.
A Love of History and Quiet Moments
Renata’s personal interests reflect her deep curiosity and connection to history. With a particular focus on modern Russian and Lithuanian history, as well as Australian and British true crime, she finds herself engrossed in books that reveal the complexities of our past. Currently, she’s reading “Dead Centre”, a true crime account of the Peter Falconio case.
When she’s not immersed in her books or farming activities, Renata finds solace in the simple pleasures of life, such as attending church each Sunday and enjoying quiet moments with her husband on the verandah after a busy day. Renata’s ties to Lithuania, the birthplace of her father, are also deeply personal, and she hopes to visit the country one day to connect with her heritage.
An Exciting Future Ahead
Renata’s favourite part of working at Wheatbelt NRM is undoubtedly the people. Her leadership is defined by open communication, a genuine interest in staff wellbeing, and a deep commitment to the success of our projects. A particularly memorable moment for Renata was during our strategic planning session, when the team connected their SWOT analysis with our goals and strategies. This collaborative moment not only showcased the strength of our team but also highlighted the clear direction we are headed in.
Renata’s leadership remains focused and unwavering, even when faced with challenges. She often reflects on a conversation with the Chair of the Board before taking on the CEO role, which helped solidify her understanding of the responsibilities she was stepping into. This clarity of purpose keeps her grounded and motivated as she leads Wheatbelt NRM toward its ambitious goals.
Looking ahead, Renata is filled with optimism for the future of Wheatbelt NRM. She is inspired by the talent and capability of our staff, the unparalleled beauty of our environment, and the innovative spirit of our farmers. With these strengths, Renata believes that Wheatbelt NRM is uniquely positioned to continue making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve.
Renata’s journey with Wheatbelt NRM has only just begun, but her passion for both the environment and agriculture already shines brightly in all that she does. We are excited to see how her leadership will continue to shape the future of our organisation and drive positive change in the years to come.
As Renata says: “Never give up.” This motto perfectly captures her determination and resilience—qualities that will undoubtedly continue to propel Wheatbelt NRM to new heights