Andrew Donoghue
Business Development Manager

Born and raised on his family's property 40 km North of Coolah, NSW. Andrew Donoghue spent ten years running his family’s property using Practical Systems software before joining the company in May 2009. Andrew attended Marcus Oldham College (Dux 1999) and has practical experience with Stud and Commercial Cattle, Sheep and Cropping.

Vernon van Duijnhoven
Senior Programmer

Vernon van Duijnhoven started with Practical Systems in March 2001.  He has been primarily responsible for the construction and development of Cashbook Plus!  He has also been responsible for development and maintenance of some of the company’s other products including FarmMap, Stockhand and Agrisphere.

Vernon's role covers all aspects of the software development from initial product development through to product release and maintenance. Prior to working for Practical Systems Vernon has had software engineering roles in laboratory automation and radio telemetry systems fields.

Richard Kiehne
Program Development Manager

Richard Kiehne has been with Practical Systems for seven years, starting in 2003 in a support role. After working in support for four years Richard has now taken over the Software Development role. Having grown up on a property 25 km north of Glen Innes and also managing his own farm, Richard has an in-depth understanding of farmers requirements as well as the ability to communicate this in 'geek' to our programming team to ensure farmer’s needs are met.

Dale Curtis
Consultant, Software Development

Dale has been developing computer software for over 35 years, most of which has been in the agricultural sector.
Applications range from single-user desktop systems through to large-scale client-server systems that have international exposure, both via dedicated software and internet browser-based access.

He has consulted to UN projects.

Dale was previously a director of Practical Systems for 7 years.  He has now returned to the company fold, eager to apply his skills and experience, and to enjoy the benefits of direct involvement that a smaller business offers.

Dale has a wife and 3 grown-up children. He enjoys music, cycling and bush-walking. Watch out for his bush dance/German drinking/music hall etc band.

Alison Turnbull
Sales/Marketing/Events

Alison Turnbull grew up on her family farm on the outskirts of Armidale gaining experience in Stud Cattle, Sheep and Wool Broking. Alison joined Practical Systems in September 2009 starting in the role of administrative assistant. Alison has since taken on the role of coordinating Practical Systems’ attendance at field days and assisting the sales team.

Sharon Vickery
Reception/Administration

Sharon Vickery has lived in area for over twenty years running sheep and cattle with her husband Michael, producing fat lambs and beef. For more than a decade Sharon and her husband have been using Cashbook Plus! to manage their business. In early 2009, to create contrast with her life on the farm and to indulge her enjoyment of customer relations, Sharon joined the administration team at Practical Systems working two days a week, bringing the company her extensive knowledge of Cashbook Plus and farming.

Julie Hayes
Finance Officer

Julie Hayes is responsible for maintaining the company’s financial administration. Julie and her husband Trevor owned and managed the local supermarket and liquor store in Uralla for 19 years.

Julie is actively involved with the Uralla community and more specifically with Youth Ministry and has done so for many years. Julie and Trevor have five children and five grandchildren yet she still finds time to attend art classes.

Wendy Griffiths
Office Administrator

Wendy Griffiths is a local Armidale girl who has been part of the Practical Systems team since April 2009. Prior to this time, Wendy worked as a music teacher in both classroom and individual environments.
Wendy’s role as Office Administrator is as broad as the title. She ensures that everything behind the scenes operates smoothly by assertively encouraging (nagging) everyone else. 
Wendy is a birthday and baking enthusiast, insisting on making cakes throughout the year to celebrate birthdays and every other event possible. This consequently led to the Practical Systems Great Weight Debate which failed miserably as the participating staff preferred to eat cake not carrots. 
When Wendy is not baking or studying new recipes she plays double bass in two bands, dabbles in gardening and lives happily on five acres with her with partner Gary, four chickens (Betty, Basil, Bob, Billie) and freakishly fabulous cat (Gato).