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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.
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.
Now in his 28th year with Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, John has been Chief Executive Officer for over 16 years. He is focussed on the commercial growth of the business and its international expansion, whilst remaining true to the company’s family-owned values. John is an energetic business leader, uniting his team and family owners around Bundaberg Brewed Drinks purpose to ‘Treat The World To Bundaberg’. John has held numerous Board positions across not-for-profit, Business and Advisory Committees and is active in supporting his local community and the Australian Family Business community. John and his wife Rae-Lee Fleming proudly call Bundaberg home.
John has been an elected Director of BT since December 2023
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
Duncan has been an elected Director of BT since August 2014.
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.
Submit an expression of interest Application as a Board Director
Email: Reach out to Katherine here
Katherine has led Bundaberg Tourism since 2015, driving holistic destination management and championing product and experience development across the region, including the Southern Great Barrier Reef, agritourism, and Indigenous tourism. With a background in small business and regional tourism development, including 17 years shaping ecotourism in the Town of 1770 - Agnes Water, she understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities of industry. A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), Katherine brings strong governance expertise to her leadership. Passionate about tourism as a force for positive change, she is committed to fostering sustainability, climate action, and meaningful visitor experiences.
Email: Reach out to Kylie here
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.
Email: Reach out to Ellie here
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 has two loud and energetic little boys who love getting out and about exploring the Bundaberg region.
Email: Reach out to Connie here
Talk to me about: Destination culinary campaign and opportunities, cultural tourism and digital marketing
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 targeted campaigns, content creation, and insights-led campaign 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.
Email: Reach out to Grace here
Talk to me about: Destination summer campaign, PR and media opportunities, 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.
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 wandering the coastal trails with a coffee in hand.
Grace is a fabulous mix of Joanna Lumley and Ricky Gervais and is the ultimate famil host
Email: Reach out to Loni here
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.
In 2023, Loni was nominated for the ATEC Excellence Award this year in the Outstanding Contribution to ATEC category. She has been describe her as having rapid-fire industry knowledge paired with sizzling wit.
Email: Reach out to Louisa here
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: Promoting and selling your product to visitors in-region
Email: info@bundabergregion.org
Talk to me about: Promoting and selling your product to visitors in-region
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? 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
