What Does It Mean to Be a Bundaberg Tourism Director?

As Bundaberg Tourism approaches our Annual General Meeting (AGM) and calls for nominations to the Board of Directors, it’s timely to reflect on the role of our Board and the responsibility carried by every director.

At its heart, the Board exists to set the direction of the organisation. Directors are entrusted with shaping Bundaberg Tourism’s strategic path, making decisions that define where the organisation is headed, and ensuring those decisions are accountable, considered, and in the best interests of our members, stakeholders, and community.

The Role of the Board 

“The Board sets the strategy. The management team delivers it.” 

The Bundaberg Tourism Corporate Governance Manual outlines that directors focus on strategy and governance, while day-to-day operations are managed by the team.

The Board’s role is to:

  • Set the Strategy: Shape and approve Bundaberg Tourism’s long-term direction, ensuring alignment with regional priorities, industry trends, and stakeholder expectations
  • Make Decisions Collectively: Directors bring diverse skills and perspectives to the table, but once a decision is made, it is owned by the Board as a whole
  • Provide Oversight: Balance compliance (legal, financial, and governance obligations) with performance (ensuring outcomes, impact, and return on investment for the region)
  • Uphold Fiduciary Responsibility: Act with care, diligence, and integrity, always in the best interest of Bundaberg Tourism above personal or sectional interests

The Responsibility of Directorship 

Serving on a Board goes beyond simply attending meetings. Directors play an important role in supporting good governance and guiding the organisation’s success. This involves:

  • Preparation: Being well-prepared for every meeting, having read all papers and briefings in advance
  • Engagement: Actively participating in Board discussions, asking questions, constructively challenging ideas, and supporting collective decisions, either by email outside of a meeting schedule, or in meetings. 
  • Strategic Discipline: Ensuring all decisions are aligned to Bundaberg Tourism’s Destination Management Plan and Business Plan, evidence-informed, risk-aware, and transparently documented
  • Ambassadorship: Acting as a strategic ambassador for Bundaberg Tourism -representing the organisation with credibility and integrity, and helping build confidence across the industry and community 

Bundaberg Tourism’s strength comes from both the expertise of its team and the guidance of its Board. A committed and knowledgeable Board helps build confidence among members, partners, and the community, supporting the organisation to remain well-led and focused on the future.

A director role is both a privilege and a responsibility. For those considering nominating, it is an opportunity to shape the future of Bundaberg’s visitor economy and contribute to the continued growth and prosperity of our people, place, and produce.

Who’s on the Board currently – click here

INTERESTED IN NOMINATING? 

Nominations for election to the Bundaberg Tourism Board open annually in the lead-up to our AGM, however EOI’s are open all year round, as the Board has the ability to fill ‘casual vacancies’ to fill a skills gap or position.  If you’re passionate about contributing your skills, experience, and perspective to guide the future of tourism in our region, we encourage you to consider putting yourself forward. 

 

A Note from the CEO… 

As CEO, I am privileged to work alongside a Board that helps set the direction for Bundaberg Tourism. The role of a director is not only to provide governance, but to engage, challenge, and support, ensuring that together, we are making the best possible decisions for our region. 

When directors come prepared, participate actively, and commit to the responsibilities of directorship, the whole organisation benefits. It means that as CEO, I can lead the team with confidence, knowing that the Board has my back and that our strategic direction is robust, considered, and shared. 

At Bundaberg Tourism, our values guide how we work: gratitude, respect, collaboration, and trust. We live these values in the way we lead, partner, and deliver for our community. For directors, this means showing up with integrity, listening with curiosity, and contributing with a genuine commitment to the greater good of our people, place, and produce. 

Strong governance is the foundation of a strong organisation. As we look to the future, I encourage those considering nomination to reflect not only on the responsibility, but also on the privilege of being a Bundaberg Tourism director, helping to safeguard our region’s future and ensuring we continue to thrive together. 

Katherine Reid 
From The CEO 2