Team
THE CREW IN YOUR CORNER
Local Leaders, real
accountability
Our Board of Directors is made up of locals and industry leaders who bring experience, clear thinking and a strong sense of responsibility to the table. Grounded in partnership and regional pride, they’re here to make smart decisions, support our people, and deliver outcomes that genuinely move the region forward.
delivering
ON THE GROUND
Our team is proudly local and deeply connected to the Bundaberg and North Burnett regions, bringing together on-the-ground insight with high-level expertise across marketing, industry development, visitor services and destination management.
We’re a hands-on crew who understand the realities of running a tourism business here, backed by the skills and experience to deliver outcomes that grow visitation, strengthen industry capability and support local jobs.
Practical, approachable and driven by results, we work side-by-side with our operators and partners to turn regional potential into real economic impact.
Board of Directors
DANIEL REEVES
CHAIR
ABOUT DANIEL
As General Manager of the First Nations Bailai, Gurang, Gooreng Gooreng, Taribelang Bunda People Aboriginal Development Corporation, Daniel manages the PCCC Trust community assets and helps with the delivery of educational scholarships and social programs. Daniel enjoys the diverse role and community focus and has been a Director of BT since December 2020.
Cultural Tourism is an excellent avenue for First the Nations Bailai, Gurang, Gooreng Gooreng, Taribelang Bunda People to help achieve many economic and cultural aspirations of the community. With the rich history and strong connection to country across the region, there is a proud story to share with all visitors and guests to our region.
Tina Mcpherson
DEPUTY CHAIR
ABOUT TINA
Tina is the joint owner of Tinaberries. Tina has worked in tourism and marketing for resorts and hotels and tourism marketing for Lindeman Island Resort; The Island Resort, Long Island; Radisson Hotels and Resorts Tina has also farmed in New Zealand, Uruguay, Indonesia and Australia in large scale projects and corporate farming which led to farming in her own right and establishing her now thriving horticulture and farm tourism business. Tina has been the President of Passionfruit Australia for the las 5 years and is currently on the board of Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers.
WARRICK WRIGHT
TREASURER
ABOUT WARRICK
Warrick is the CEO of Inn Style Mensland, holds a Masters Degree in Business Systems and is a CPA.
With over 25 years of success as part of multinational executive teams, including 5 years managing sourcing and distribution for international conglomerates in China, and then the last 20 years primarily working in a CFO capacity in FMCG companies, Warrick brings a strength in financial management and innovative business technology implementation to support decision making and sustainable growth.
Moving to Bundaberg from Melbourne with his wife of 28 years and two delightful children, Warrick has said, without a doubt, that living in Bundaberg with its climate and culture beats Melbourne every day of the week!
Warrick has been an elected Director of BT since September 2022
Jen Cameron
DIRECTOR
ABOUT JEN
Jen, a joint owner and creator of Water Street Kitchen, a fine dining restaurant in Bundaberg’s suburbs, has transformed from a bustling catering business in 2016 to an elevated fine dining establishment. Water Street Kitchen values craftsmanship and shares its knowledge and values. It offers extended lunches and dinners and is passionate about celebrating the richness of its community. Water Street Kitchen prides itself on being a sought-after destination for both locals and travelers alike, a place where they can come together to celebrate.
Jen’s years of experience in the local industry in her hometown, coupled with the success of Water Street Kitchen, have given her the opportunity to build strong relationships with producers and businesses alike. By understanding the economic climate of tourism, she has been able to help her community thrive.
Joey Caruana
DIRECTOR
ABOUT JOEY
Joey is the Owner/Manager of The Windmill Café and The Beach Mill in beautiful Bargara. His love for food began over 20 years ago when he pursued his dream to become a chef, completing his apprenticeship and working his way up the ranks to head chef in Sydney. Joey then completed a hotel management diploma in Hong Kong. After owning two successful restaurants in Australia, Joey secured a position in senior management with Europe’s largest restaurant group in the U.K where he was introduced to the financial strategies required to run a large business.
Joey and his partner Kirsty relocated back to Australia with their two gorgeous kids in 2016 to be near family. This was when the opportunity arose to take on The Windmill Café Bargara. Joey was excited to be able to incorporate his passion for local farm fresh produce into the business with Bundaberg being a region with such fantastic growing conditions. Joey is passionate about all aspects of tourism, aligning himself with many other local tourism operators and tourism accommodation providers.
Steve Caville
DIRECTOR
ABOUT STEVE
Steve Caville is the Chief Information Officer and Sustainability Executive at Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, bringing over 30 years of experience in technology leadership, business strategy, and enterprise governance. His career spans senior roles in financial services, food and beverage manufacturing, and the Australian Defence Force, with expertise across technology, cyber security, governance, sustainability, and business operations. Originally from and based in Bundaberg for the past 25 years, Steve is deeply committed to regional growth and community development. He brings a forward-thinking approach to tourism, with a strong interest in leveraging digital innovation and sustainable practices to enhance visitor experiences, promote local assets, and drive long-term economic impact for the region.
Cr Steve Cooper
BUNDABERG REGIONAL COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE
ABOUT STEVE
Steve has been a resident of Bundaberg for over 44 years and a resident of Division 8 for 15 years. Steve is well known for his long association with the hardware business having previously operated an outlet in Bundaberg for 25 years.
He has also been actively involved in various branches of local Rotary, with his most notable achievement as a Group Study Exchange Leader to Canada and America. He took a team of young local professionals to experience similar professions and culture in these countries. Steve was also awarded the highest recognition available to a Rotarian, a Paul Harris Fellowship Award for exemplary service to Rotary. His long and valued service with the Rotary organisation has provided him with a great level of community connectivity and the opportunity to engage with people from all backgrounds, not only in the Bundaberg Region but on a broader national and international level.
He is well credentialled to serve his community as a strong and knowledgeable representative for his division and as a member of a Council team dedicated to the growth and prosperity of the Bundaberg Region. Steve truly believes that the experience he has gained from his achievements in Rotary, along with his determination to serve has provided him with the tools to be an informed advocate around the Council table. Elected to Council in 2018, Steve currently holds the portfolio for Organisational Services which includes financial accounting and management reporting, strategic finance, strategic supply, corporate planning, reporting and governance, internal audit and information technology.
Cr Melinda Jones
NORTH BURNETT REGIONAL COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE
ABOUT MELINDA
Melinda is a multifaceted professional, serving as Division 1 Councillor and Deputy Mayor of the North Burnett Regional Council, overseeing the Tourism, Economics, and Community portfolio. She is also the Chair of the North Burnett Local Disaster Management Group, Board Vice-President for the Burnett Inland Economic Development Organisation, and Vice-President (formerly President for six years) of the Monto Magic Tourism Action Group. Additionally, she is a committee member of the North Burnett Regional Arts Development Fund and part owner of Waratah Longhorns. With nearly 30 years of experience in the Tourism, Economic, and Community Development sectors, Melinda possesses expertise in nonprofit organisations, business and strategic planning, youth and community development, business coaching, grant applications, event management, and tourism and hospitality industry practices. Melinda holds qualifications in Youth Services, Hospitality Industry, Project Management, Business – Governance, Master of Business Administration and is a Justice of the Peace. With a strong passion and commitment to Community and the potential of all individuals. Melinda specialises in enabling and strengthening communities, establishing strong partnerships at a grass roots level and within all levels of government. Melinda also embraces and supports innovation to enact social and economic enterprises that create change for the betterment of regional communities.
BROOKE KIMBERLEY
DIRECTOR
ABOUT BROOKE
Brooke is General Manager and joint owner of Monsoon Aquatics, Australia’s largest and most trusted supplier of wild-caught and aqua cultured coral, fish and marine life. Since it’s establishment in 2009, the company has continued to set industry standards in sustainability, innovation, and quality — earning national recognition as the 2021 Australian Exporter of the Year.
Brooke has helped guide the business through steady growth and new opportunities, including the launch of guided coral farm tours at the Port of Bundaberg in 2023. These tours give visitors a chance to see firsthand the beauty and diversity of Australia’s reefs, while learning about the importance of sustainable reef management.
Brooke and her family moved to the Bundaberg region in 2019 and quickly fell in love with its coastal lifestyle and close-knit community. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys, exploring the natural beauty of the area and appreciating the incredible environment they’re lucky to call home.
Staff
EXECUTIVE
KATHERINE REID
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
EMAIL KATHERINE
ABOUT KATHERINE
Chief Executive Officer of Bundaberg Tourism and a Non-Executive Director of Ecotourism Australia, Katherine brings more than two decades of experience in destination strategy, sustainable tourism, and regional collaboration to BT. Since 2015, she has led Bundaberg Tourism’s holistic approach to destination management, championing product and experience development across the Southern Great Barrier Reef, agritourism, and cultural tourism.
Before relocating to Bundaberg, Katherine spent 17 years shaping the Town of 1770-Agnes Water as an emerging ecotourism destination, earning multiple regional and state awards for Cultural, Heritage, and Ecotourism excellence. A former tourism business owner, she brings a grounded understanding of the opportunities and challenges faced by regional operators.
Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), Katherine has hands on governance experience as a CEO, Company Secretary, and former Director of the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC).
Guided by a strong values-led philosophy, Katherine believes tourism is a catalyst for positive change and community pride. She is passionate about creating meaningful connections between people, place, and culture to ensure tourism enriches both visitors and the Bundaberg Region for generations to come.
KYLIE MINETT
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
EMAIL KYLIE
ABOUT KYLIE
Kylie is our committed Executive Assistant and Office Manager based in Bundaberg. With a background in Event Management and a degree in Hotel and Tourism Management, she brings a sharp eye for detail and excels at planning and managing busy schedules. Outside of work, Kylie enjoys spending quality time with her young family, taking full advantage of Bundaberg’s beautiful beaches and local attractions. Passionate about her work and the region she calls home, she enjoys embracing all the spoils that Bundaberg has to offer.
CALAINE HORNBROOK
ACCOUNTS
EMAIL CALAINE
ABOUT CALAINE
BRAND & MARKETING
ELLIE TRAYNOR
BRAND & MARKETING MANAGER
EMAIL ELLIE
ABOUT ELLIE
Ellie has forged a career in destination marketing and events in regional Queensland, with experience in tourism marketing, community festivals and live performance, and regional business events. Ellie has been promoting the Southern Great Barrier Reef for nearly 20 years, as prior to working for Bundaberg Tourism, Ellie lived in Rockhampton and worked for Capricorn Enterprise. She is originally a Northern Territorian, however has spent most of her adult life in Queensland.
Ellie has two loud and energetic tween boys who love getting out and about exploring the Bundaberg region.
CONNIE RIXON
MARKETING COORDINATOR
EMAIL CONNIE
ABOUT CONNIE
Connie is a passionate destination marketer who thrives on bringing places and people to life through storytelling, strategy, and creativity. With a strong background in digital marketing, culinary tourism, agritourism, and cultural development, Connie supports the growth of the region’s visitor economy through executing targeted campaigns and insight-driven strategies. She’s particularly passionate about championing local producers, makers and distillers, and celebrating the unique cultural experiences that set our destination apart.
Outside the office, you’ll find Connie on the lawn bowls green, where she’s not just a weekend regular, but also a Commonwealth Games bronze medallist.
Experience & Industry Engagement
LONI HAMMOND
INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
EMAIL LONI
ABOUT LONI
Loni Hammond moved from Melbourne to Bundaberg with her family in 2003. The safety of our community is what Loni likes the most about the move as her 2 boys have been lucky enough to grow up here, swimming, fishing, skating and snorkelling. She obtained her Business Marketing Degree (with distinction) back in 2010 and has 17 years’ experience distributing and marketing the Bundaberg Region as a manager of Kellys Beach Resort one of the first trade products for the Bundaberg and Southern Great Barrier Reef Region. She believes the tourism industry is the best industry as it is all about working together to grow the pie rather than competing and fighting over the crumbs.
In 2023, Loni was nominated for the Australian Tourism Export Council’s (ATEC) Excellence Award in the Outstanding Contribution to ATEC category. She has been described as having rapid-fire industry knowledge paired with sizzling wit.
LOUISA HYLAND
VISITOR SERVICES & INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT OFFICER
EMAIL LOUISA
ABOUT LOUISA
Louisa is one of our Holiday Experience Specialists and Supervisor at the Bundaberg Visitor Information Centre and is one of our experts on anything fishing and national parks. One of her favourite things to do is go fishing and bushwalking with her family and you wouldn’t be surprised to hear that her favourite restaurant is Grunskes. Moving from Central coast NSW when she was 13, Louisa spent 10 years living in Childers before moving to Bundaberg and we have been lucky to have her stay permanently in the region since. Her background includes administration, retail and working with children and she holds a Bachelor of Primary Education. Louisa loves interacting with visitors and visiting local school to share the tourism industry with the next generation and believes the best thing about our region is the variety of tours on offer.
Volunteers
Meet the people who turn a visit into an experience.
Our Volunteer Ambassadors are on the frontline at our Bundaberg, Childers and Gin Gin Visitor Information Centres, welcoming guests with local know-how, enthusiasm and a few insider tips you won’t find on Google. They play a vital role in showcasing our region and supporting our tourism industry.
