The Board Of Directors
Tourism Whitsundays is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors who bring diverse industry expertise and a shared commitment to the region's success. Representing accommodation, marine tourism, aviation, hospitality, and business sectors, our board members volunteer their time and strategic insight to guide the organisation's direction. Their collective experience ensures Tourism Whitsundays remains focused on sustainable growth, operator support, and positioning the Whitsundays as a world-class destination.
JULIE TELFORD - CHAIR
SeaLink Whitsundays
Julie has called Airlie Beach home since 2004 and co-founded Red Cat Adventures in 2011, earning double Hall of Fame recognition at the Queensland Tourism Awards and four consecutive Australian Tourism Awards gold medals. Now Business Development Manager at SeaLink Whitsundays, she represents the destination at domestic and international trade shows.
Julie brings a background in media, journalism, and marketing to her role. She has served on the Tourism Whitsundays Board for four years, including three years as Chair.
JULIE TELFORD - CHAIR
SeaLink Whitsundays
Julie has called Airlie Beach home since 2004 and co-founded Red Cat Adventures in 2011, earning double Hall of Fame recognition at the Queensland Tourism Awards and four consecutive Australian Tourism Awards gold medals. Now Business Development Manager at SeaLink Whitsundays, she represents the destination at domestic and international trade shows.
Julie brings a background in media, journalism, and marketing to her role. She has served on the Tourism Whitsundays Board for four years, including three years as Chair.
TOM YOUNG - DEPUTY CHAIR
K&L GATES
Tom is a corporate partner based in Brisbane, specialising in aviation and transport, tourism and hospitality, infrastructure and real estate. He brings over 30 years' experience in commercial property law and is a nationally recognised expert in resort and hotel accommodation, liquor and gaming.
Tom has an in-depth understanding of the Queensland, Australian, and Asia-Pacific tourism industries. He actively supports indigenous initiatives across tourism and property sectors, including pro bono work with QTIC.
TOM YOUNG - DEPUTY CHAIR
K&L GATES
Tom is a corporate partner based in Brisbane, specialising in aviation and transport, tourism and hospitality, infrastructure and real estate. He brings over 30 years' experience in commercial property law and is a nationally recognised expert in resort and hotel accommodation, liquor and gaming.
Tom has an in-depth understanding of the Queensland, Australian, and Asia-Pacific tourism industries. He actively supports indigenous initiatives across tourism and property sectors, including pro bono work with QTIC.
ELIZABETH HACKETT - SECRETARY
Whitsunday Skyway Project Airlie Beach
Elizabeth Hackett is a dedicated tourism ambassador with successful businesses in Queensland and 30 years of local experience. She understands the importance of building relationships with all tourism stakeholders in the Whitsunday region. Currently, she is the Executive Chair of the Australian Adventure Tourism Group and Chair of Judges for the Queensland Tourism Awards. Her strategic, goal-oriented approach and commitment to eco-tourism and First Nations tourism aim to benefit all members and bring experience and vision to Tourism Whitsundays.
ELIZABETH HACKETT - SECRETARY
Whitsunday Skyway Project Airlie Beach
Elizabeth Hackett is a dedicated tourism ambassador with successful businesses in Queensland and 30 years of local experience. She understands the importance of building relationships with all tourism stakeholders in the Whitsunday region. Currently, she is the Executive Chair of the Australian Adventure Tourism Group and Chair of Judges for the Queensland Tourism Awards. Her strategic, goal-oriented approach and commitment to eco-tourism and First Nations tourism aim to benefit all members and bring experience and vision to Tourism Whitsundays.
RY COLLINS - MAYOR
Ry was elected Mayor at the 2024 Queensland Local Government election, bringing over two decades of experience in management and governance. He moved to the Whitsundays in 2018 and previously served as CEO of Bowen Gumlu Growers Association, leading the region's $1 billion agricultural sector.
Ry holds a post-graduate qualification in Business Administration and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. His vision focuses on sustainable growth, prosperity, and resilience for the Whitsunday region.
RY COLLINS - MAYOR
Ry was elected Mayor at the 2024 Queensland Local Government election, bringing over two decades of experience in management and governance. He moved to the Whitsundays in 2018 and previously served as CEO of Bowen Gumlu Growers Association, leading the region's $1 billion agricultural sector.
Ry holds a post-graduate qualification in Business Administration and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. His vision focuses on sustainable growth, prosperity, and resilience for the Whitsunday region.
DANIEL GSCHWIND
QUEENSLAND TOURISM INDUSTRY COUNCIL (QTIC)
Daniel Gschwind brings over 25 years experience in the tourism industry to the Tourism Whitsundays Board. Daniel has served as leader of Queensland Tourism Industry Council for 21 years, representing more than 3,000 regional members.
Daniel has provided expertise to various committees and advisory boards including the Tourism Research Advisory Board, University of Queensland Industry Advisory Board, the Griffith Institute for Tourism Advisory Board, the Bond University Regional Advisory Board, the GBRMPA Tourism Reef Advisory Committee (TRAC) and the Reef and Rainforest Research Centre (RRRC).
DANIEL GSCHWIND
QUEENSLAND TOURISM INDUSTRY COUNCIL (QTIC)
Daniel Gschwind brings over 25 years experience in the tourism industry to the Tourism Whitsundays Board. Daniel has served as leader of Queensland Tourism Industry Council for 21 years, representing more than 3,000 regional members.
Daniel has provided expertise to various committees and advisory boards including the Tourism Research Advisory Board, University of Queensland Industry Advisory Board, the Griffith Institute for Tourism Advisory Board, the Bond University Regional Advisory Board, the GBRMPA Tourism Reef Advisory Committee (TRAC) and the Reef and Rainforest Research Centre (RRRC).
PHIL BROWNE
Whitsundays Sailing Adventures
With over 25 years of experience in the youth and adventure market, Phil Browne has made a remarkable impact. He founded Adventure Travel Bugs in 1999, expanding its reach to multiple locations and serving as General Manager. Phil’s global promotions of the wholesale division were well-received at industry events and expos.
In 2007, he co-founded True Blue Sailing, a renowned Whitsunday tour operator focusing on the youth and adventure market. As a director, Phil managed various aspects, including daily operations, HR, and marketing. His dedication and expertise make him a valuable asset to the Tourism Whitsundays Board. Having lived in Airlie Beach for over 15 years, he is deeply connected to the community and enthusiastic about promoting the region and driving tourism growth in the coming years, particularly in the youth and adventure market.
PHIL BROWNE
Whitsundays Sailing Adventures
With over 25 years of experience in the youth and adventure market, Phil Browne has made a remarkable impact. He founded Adventure Travel Bugs in 1999, expanding its reach to multiple locations and serving as General Manager. Phil’s global promotions of the wholesale division were well-received at industry events and expos.
In 2007, he co-founded True Blue Sailing, a renowned Whitsunday tour operator focusing on the youth and adventure market. As a director, Phil managed various aspects, including daily operations, HR, and marketing. His dedication and expertise make him a valuable asset to the Tourism Whitsundays Board. Having lived in Airlie Beach for over 15 years, he is deeply connected to the community and enthusiastic about promoting the region and driving tourism growth in the coming years, particularly in the youth and adventure market.
Nathan Fleming
Ocean Rafting
Nathan is a seasoned professional with 23 years' experience in Queensland tourism and hospitality. He has excelled as the Sales Captain for multi-award-winning Ocean Rafting for the past decade, with expertise spanning youth/adventure, groups and key market segments.
Nathan is the Whitsunday Region Representative for Visit Gay Australia (GALTA) and a board member of Adventure Queensland. He was honoured as Tourism Industry Legend at the Adventure Tourism Awards in 2018.
Nathan Fleming
Ocean Rafting
Nathan is a seasoned professional with 23 years' experience in Queensland tourism and hospitality. He has excelled as the Sales Captain for multi-award-winning Ocean Rafting for the past decade, with expertise spanning youth/adventure, groups and key market segments.
Nathan is the Whitsunday Region Representative for Visit Gay Australia (GALTA) and a board member of Adventure Queensland. He was honoured as Tourism Industry Legend at the Adventure Tourism Awards in 2018.
Gus Walsgott
Rural Financial Counselling Service North Queensland
Gus is a Small Business Financial Counsellor supporting business owners experiencing financial stress across the Whitsundays and broader North Queensland region. A chartered accountant by background, he brings experience as a small business owner, business advisor, consultant and CFO, with expertise spanning accounting, finance and law.
Gus has been part of the Whitsundays community for seven years, arriving post-Cyclone Debbie and contributing through the pre- and post-COVID recovery period. He has previously served on the boards of the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Bendigo Community Bank, and holds qualifications in Commerce, Economics and Financial Counselling.
Gus Walsgott
Rural Financial Counselling Service North Queensland
Gus is a Small Business Financial Counsellor supporting business owners experiencing financial stress across the Whitsundays and broader North Queensland region. A chartered accountant by background, he brings experience as a small business owner, business advisor, consultant and CFO, with expertise spanning accounting, finance and law.
Gus has been part of the Whitsundays community for seven years, arriving post-Cyclone Debbie and contributing through the pre- and post-COVID recovery period. He has previously served on the boards of the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Bendigo Community Bank, and holds qualifications in Commerce, Economics and Financial Counselling.
Liza Muller
Cruise Whitsundays
Liza has built a 25-year career spanning PR, marketing and tourism, including senior roles in Melbourne's entertainment industry, destination marketing with Tourism Whitsundays, and now tourism operations with Cruise Whitsundays. Her career highlights include managing Australian tour publicity for artists such as The Rolling Stones, Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift, and leading destination communications during some of the Whitsundays' most high-profile and challenging periods.
A proud fifth-generation Whitsundays local, Liza returned home in 2018 after working interstate. She brings expertise in strategic marketing, brand development, stakeholder engagement and crisis communications, and is passionate about strengthening collaboration across the industry and creating opportunities for young people to build careers in regional Queensland.
Liza Muller
Cruise Whitsundays
Liza has built a 25-year career spanning PR, marketing and tourism, including senior roles in Melbourne's entertainment industry, destination marketing with Tourism Whitsundays, and now tourism operations with Cruise Whitsundays. Her career highlights include managing Australian tour publicity for artists such as The Rolling Stones, Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift, and leading destination communications during some of the Whitsundays' most high-profile and challenging periods.
A proud fifth-generation Whitsundays local, Liza returned home in 2018 after working interstate. She brings expertise in strategic marketing, brand development, stakeholder engagement and crisis communications, and is passionate about strengthening collaboration across the industry and creating opportunities for young people to build careers in regional Queensland.
Kate Alscott
Taste Whitsundays / Gifts Whitsundays / Whitsunday Provisioning
Kate is the Owner Director of Taste Whitsundays, Gifts Whitsundays and Whitsunday Provisioning. She brings extensive business experience including winning the Queensland Export Awards for developing international export markets, and previously worked as New Market Development Officer building tourism relationships with ITOs, agents and tourism bodies across Australia and internationally.
A proud North Queenslander born in Townsville, Kate has marketed and promoted the Whitsundays globally for over 10 years and called the region home for the past five. She was recognised as Queensland's Emerging Philanthropist of the Year 2024 and serves as Chair of the Townsville Fashion Festival Board and Artspace Board.
Kate Alscott
Taste Whitsundays / Gifts Whitsundays / Whitsunday Provisioning
Kate is the Owner Director of Taste Whitsundays, Gifts Whitsundays and Whitsunday Provisioning. She brings extensive business experience including winning the Queensland Export Awards for developing international export markets, and previously worked as New Market Development Officer building tourism relationships with ITOs, agents and tourism bodies across Australia and internationally.
A proud North Queenslander born in Townsville, Kate has marketed and promoted the Whitsundays globally for over 10 years and called the region home for the past five. She was recognised as Queensland's Emerging Philanthropist of the Year 2024 and serves as Chair of the Townsville Fashion Festival Board and Artspace Board.
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