28 | Mid-Western Living | SUMMER 2025 5 minutes with Bart Sykes Regional Economic Development Manager, Squadron Energy Bart Sykes is helping shape the future of renewable energy in the Mid-Western Region - not from afar, but from within. Based in Dubbo and with a strong family connection to our patch of NSW, Bart brings a grounded, community-first perspective to his role with Squadron Energy. Tell us a little about yourself - where did you grow up, and what brought you to this part of the world? I was born in Griffith but moved to Dubbo when I was still in nappies. Dad was an agronomist with the Department of Primary Industries and transferred here in the mid-80s. I did all my schooling in Dubbo, and some of my tertiary study too. I’ve left a few times for career and personal challenges, but I’ve got deep roots here - and now my own kids are at school in Dubbo. Some of the same teachers are still there! What’s your family connection to the Mid‑Western Region? I’m one of five boys, all raised in Dubbo. Mum and Dad still live here, as do two of my brothers. The other two are now in Newcastle. Mum started as a nurse and midwife, but retrained later in life and became a specialist in communications and succession planning. That role took her across Australia and overseas, mostly working with farming families. My wife Alli’s family is also from the region - her mum’s from Dubbo and her Dad’s family has country north of town, now run by her brothers. Where would we find you on a weekend - any favourite local haunts or routines? Our office is just across the road from a great café, so I’m often spotted there. I’m also a big fan of the river track - I try to get around it a few times a week. It’s a great way to clear the head. Can you tell us a bit about your career and how you came to work with Squadron Energy? My background’s pretty broad. I studied social science, then went back and did further study in leadership and asset management, eventually completing a Master of Business Administration. I’ve worked in university management, most recently managing the CSU Dubbo campus, and later in operations for the NSW Rural Fire Service’s State Training Academy. I was working with the NSW Government when the opportunity to join Squadron came up - and honestly, it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. What does a typical day look like in your role? It’s always different - and that’s what I love about it. Some days I’m working with local businesses to make sure they’re aware of upcoming opportunities and helping them prepare to compete for work. Other days I’m collaborating with councils on infrastructure - wastewater facilities, accommodation villages, telecommunications, planning agreements - or supporting our development and procurement teams when they’re out in the Central West Orana region.
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