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Meet Our Team
The organisation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, providing strategic direction to the Chief Executive Officer. The BT Board comprises up to ten Board Directors plus Observer Director positions. Our Board of Directors meet monthly and give of their time on a voluntary basis. Director positions are based on a two-year rotation and fall due at each Annual General Meeting.
Ross has a background of 30 years in radio broadcasting, finishing with 14 years as Regional Manager of local radio station ABC Wide Bay. Since his retirement in 2014, he has been owner operator of Field of Dreams Media. Ross is a passionate advocate for regional communities and a community volunteer - Ross is a Rotarian, a White Ribbon Ambassador and a member of the local and National Boards of the YMCA.
Teena was CEO of multi award winning Mammino Gourmet Ice-Cream from 1996-2017. Diversifying from sugar cane &; macadamia farming in 1996 to ice-cream manufacturing. During her time at the helm, Mammino's won numerous awards, including Gold Award in the QLD Dairy Awards and induction in the SGBR Hall of Fame. Teena is also the Chair of the Childers Chamber of Commerce and a mentor for the Wide Bay Burnett RIRDC Young Women's Leadership and mentoring programs. Teena also has been a board member on Queensland Rural Women's Networking Board. Teena has been on our Board of Directors since 2017/2018 and was Deputy Chair in 2018/2019
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.
Duncan is the Bundaberg Rum DTC Marketing & Experience Manager and has been responsible for leading large scale, successful local tourism initiatives such as the redevelopment of the Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience and creating of The Spirit of Bundaberg Festival. Prior to working for Bundaberg Rum, Duncan worked for a number of marketing agencies based in Sydney and London developing award winning advertising campaigns for a wide range of clients including Hamilton Island. Throughout his career in tourism, Duncan has built strong professional relationships with key tourism bodies including Tourism & Events Queensland and Government officials at a Federal, State and Local level.
As the General Manager of Port Curtis Coral Coast Trust, Daniel helps manage Native Title matters for the First Nations Bailai, Gurang, Gooreng Gooreng, Taribelang Bunda People Aboriginal Corporation. From managing the PCCC community assets through to the delivery of educational scholarships and social programs, Daniel enjoys the diverse role and community focus.
Cultural Tourism is an excellent avenue for PCCC to help achieve many of the economic development aspirations of the community. With the rich history and strong connection to country across the region, the PCCC has a proud story to share with visitors to our region.
Larine Statham is the founding partner and Editor-in-Chief of Crush Magazine, and co-owner of local public relations and marketing firm, Crush Communications.
The award-winning journalist has 15-years experience in news media, travel writing, community consultation and business public relations. Working as a Correspondent for Australian Associated Press, both in Australia and overseas, Larine covered some of the biggest news events of the past decade and contributed to The Australian newspaper’s travel and indulgence section.
Larine worked as a senior media and policy advisor in the Queensland and Federal Parliaments, and actively assisted local politicians to promote Bundaberg and attract investment to the Region, including creating the successful HMAS Tobruk Military Dive Wreck campaign. Together, Larine and her husband, Dr Charles Blair, also own Kaleidoscope Skin Cancer Clinic.
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!
Brett Lakey founded Lady Musgrave Experience in 2015 after seeing the need for a high standard tour operator to depart from Bundaberg Port to Lady Musgrave Island on the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Backed by over 28 years of marine tourism experience running superyachts from Brisbane to the Great Barrier Reef, Lady Musgrave Experience has enjoyed unprecedented growth during the 8 years of operation drawing over 40k visitors to the Bundaberg Region annually. Brett hopes to apply his experience and real industry insights to the Bundaberg Tourism board in a hope to facilitate regional growth. Brett is passionate about promoting the assets of Bundaberg Region, to both the domestic and international travel markets, and hopes to see Bundaberg recognised as a best of Queensland visitor destination.
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.
Email: katherine.reid@bundabergregion.org
The Board-appointed Chief Executive Officer since October 2015, Katherine also held the position of Marketing Manager 2013-2015. Bringing to the team a holistic understanding of regional tourism and business having been heavily involved in the destination development of the Town of 1770 - Agnes Water as President of the LTO, and owner, operator of eco-tourism business, 1770 LARC tours for 17 years. Winning numerous regional and state awards for Cultural and Heritage Tourism, Eco-tourism, Visitor Attraction and a Tourism Champion Award for outstanding contribution to the tourism industry.
With a passion for community, sustainability and the Great Barrier Reef, and a mother of two adventurous, happy kids, Katherine loves getting out and about to explore the pristine natural environments of Bundaberg, the North Burnett and the Southern Great Barrier Reef….as long as there’s good coffee!
Email: katie.davis@bundabergregion.org
Talk to me about: General enquiries; membership; corporate communications and events
Whilst not Bundy born and bred, Katie certainly feels that way having lived here for most of her life and she proudly declares herself a Queenslander and an avid Maroons supporter, though originally from NSW! Having worked in the finance industry for nearly 20 years, Katie sees tourism as a new and exciting opportunity and is very much looking forward to seeing what the future will entail as we see the growth of the Bundaberg region continue.
Katie is married with 3 children and is kept busy across the families’ activities and volunteers for one of the region's sporting clubs in her spare time.
Email: ellie.tonkin@bundabergregion.org
Talk to me about: Our destination marketing campaigns, PR and media opportunities, Bundaberg and Southern Great Barrier Reef branding, market research, visitor services and regional statistics
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 15 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 and her husband have two loud and energetic little boys who love getting out and about exploring the Bundaberg region.
Email: jon.mcpherson@bundabergregion.org
Talk to me about: Our destination website, SEO, digital marketing and graphic design
Jon is our Digital Marketing Specialist and started with Bundaberg Tourism early August 2017. Jon has a Degree in Multimedia and years of experience in web development, media and graphic design. What does Jon love about our region? I love how much nature Bundaberg and surrounds has on offer. Our reef is perfect, islands are incredible, and our national parks are very accessible.
Email: connie.rixon@bundabergregion.org
Talk to me about: Destination culinary opportunities, cultural tourism and digital marketing
Connie Rixon is a passionate marketer - in her role in destination marketing, she has developed specialties in digital marketing, culinary and cultural marketing and development, content creation and data analysis, contributing to the growth of the regions visitation and tourism offering. Over the past 18-months, Connie has worked extensively with Taribelang Bunda Cultural Tours on the marketing and launch of this exclusive offering.
On her days off you’ll find Connie exploring the beautiful beaches lining the coral coast and tasting the regions freshest produce.
Email: grace.boothman@bundabergregion.org
Talk to me about: Destination summer campaign, social media, event marketing and corporate communications
Grace has experience in marketing within the hospitality and events industry, executing direct marketing campaigns, digital marketing strategies and promotions. A dedicated and honest marketing professional who is driven by brand, Grace is driven by community and the opportunity to make a difference. Having made the move from the Sunshine Coast, she is seeing our beautiful Bundaberg Region through fresh eyes.
Grace brings to the table her passion for adventure and the ever-evolving world of Destination Marketing. This sense of adventure means that on her days off, you’ll often find her exploring our regions beaches with her dog.
Grace is a fabulous mix of Joanna Lumley and Ricky Gervais and is the ultimate famil host
Email: loni.hammond@bundabergregion.org
Talk to me about: Trade development opportunities, experience development and sustainability
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.
Email: info@bundabergregion.org
Talk to me about: Visitor services, the Bundaberg VIC, promoting and selling your product to visitors in-region
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.
Email: info@bundabergregion.org
Talk to me about: Visitor services, the Childers VIC, promoting and selling your product to visitors in-region
Zoe is our Holiday Experience Specialist based in Bundaberg Tourism Childers Visitor Information Centre. Zoe was born in Bundaberg and has lived here almost her entire life. She loves that we have so many different options of activities to do from going to the beach to 4WD adventures; there really is something for everyone! Zoe now lives (and works) in Childers and loves the quiet little town which offers plenty to do from museums to national parks with Woodgate beach only 25 minutes away. Zoe says the fertile red soil which surrounds Childers is almost edible; in fact Mammino’s Icecream company, based in Childers, produce a “red dirt jaffa macadamia” which she says is definitely worth trying!
Email: info@bundabergregion.org
Talk to me about: Promoting and selling your product to visitors in-region
Jenna was born in Bundaberg and raised in Childers. She loves welcoming people into our Visitor Information Centres and sharing the sights and experiences of the region, especially the food and drink experiences including Water St Kitchen, Grunskes By The River, One Little Farm and the Orchard Table, and Berts. She has many years experience in hospitality and is particularly proud of Bundaberg Region's farm-gate-to-plate philosophy.
In her spare time, Jenna loves escaping to Kinkuna beach to go camping with her family, describing it as a little paradise so close to home. She is also studying a Bachelor of Information Technology.
Crucial to our Visitor Information Centres are our team of enthusiastic and committed volunteer ambassadors. At the frontline of visitor services at the Bundaberg and Childers Visitor Information Centres, the volunteer ambassadors offer our guests local knowledge and enthusiasm as they promote our region, our industry and our members.
If you are interested in volunteering, find out more here
How long have you lived in the Bundaberg Region? 25 years
How long have you lived in the Bundaberg Region? 15 years
What is your favourite thing to do here? Going to the beach to sit and watch the waves roll in
Why are you volunteering? I love talking to people about their travels and telling them the best and greatest places to see in the Bundaberg Region.
How long have you lived in the Bundaberg Region? 2 years
What is your favourite thing to do here? Exploring the region
Why are you volunteering? To support small businesses who in return support the community. It is often small tourism and hospitality business that give our kids their first job.
How long have you lived in the Bundaberg Region? 1 year
What is your favourite thing to do here? Going camping, visiting our National Parks, and enjoying all of the beautiful food
Why are you volunteering? I love seeing our visitors and customers get an appreciation for our region while we help them with their enquiries. I love seeing them leave knowing they have made the right decision to stop by the VIC during their stay here.
How long have you lived in the Bundaberg Region? I have lived in the region for 4 years
What is your favourite thing to do here? Explore the region far and wide!
Why are you volunteering? I like to give back to the community and inform visitors what there is to see and do in the region. The more unusual the better.
How long have you lived in the Bundaberg Region? 1 year but I have visited as a tourist for 23 years
What is your favourite thing to do here? Bush walking, beach combing, and wining and dining
Why are you volunteering? So, I can chat to tourists about the fantastic experiences our region has. I also love wearing the turtle shirt.
How long have you lived in the Bundaberg Region? I was born in Bundy - I moved away for ten years but returned in 2022.
What is your favourite thing to do here? Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience
Why are you volunteering? I returned to Bundy and was looking for a community and an organisation to help with
How long have you lived in the Bundaberg Region? I have lived in the region for 8 years
What is your favourite thing to do here? My favourite activity is riding my bike along the coastal paths
Why are you volunteering? I am volunteering so that I can let visitors (and locals) know about our beautiful region.
How long have you lived in the Bundaberg Region? 2 years
What is your favourite thing to do here? Snorkeling at the Basin and going out to Lady Musgrave Island, or heading to Macadamias Australia to enjoy their coffee and chocolate-coated nuts!
Why are you volunteering? I like living in Bundy and the country vibe! I wanted to give back to the community.
How long have you lived in the Bundaberg Region? I have lived in childers region all my life and I'm 63 years young!
What is your favourite thing to do here? I get great joy from seeing all the brochures in the Visitor Information Centre and sharing my local knowledge of Childers and the region to support our members in the community
Why are you volunteering? I like to keep active and have an input into the community, and I enjoy meeting people and groups that come and stop in our beautiful towns.