Joined TAC board:

September 2015

Qualifications:

- Bachelor of Arts – Majors Journalism and Literature
- Diploma of Financial Services

Professional Experience:

- 25 years in Retail, Wholesale, Commercial and International Market Trading Foreign Exchange
- 18 years Director and Business owner: FX Products and Services incl Making a Market in FX Contracts
- AFS Licencee (AFSL 342627)
- Speaker and Trainer FX Products and Services

Name your Skills or Area of Expertise:

- Financial International Product and Markets (Triple Tier / IMT SPOT / IMT FORWARD)
- AML / KYC Compliance
- Speaking
- Training

Why do you love The Tweed?

Originally from Far North Queensland I moved here in my early 20s as the natural beauty, the weather and the lifestyle are similar however it offered and continues to offer more educational and business opportunities. The Tweed also continues to develop from an industry and tourism perspective through locals and ‘new locals’ passionate about developing their home in a way that showcases it’s natural beauty while staying true to it’s simplicity. The Tweed regularly takes my breath away as I work, play, eat, drink, live here .. and it is spectacular to return to after international travel. We truly have a piece of ‘heaven on earth’.

Why did you become involved with Destination Tweed?

I believe in organic tourism with integrity and although the finance industry doesn’t ‘always’ operate from a position of transparency I think it will be required to very soon. Being a part of Industry and Operators across all sectors working together for the common goal of developing The Tweed as a world class destination is one of my motivators for becoming and continuing to be involved in Destination Tweed.

Joined TAC board:

7 March 2018

Qualifications:

Tourism, Airline marketing and Airport operations through years of experience.

Professional Memberships

Skal International

Professional Experience:

- More than 40 years within the global airline industry where I held senior management roles with Qantas, Jetstar and China Southern Airlines.
- Seat on BARA – Board of Airline Representatives Australia 2000-2004

Name your Skills or Area of Expertise:

- Managing start-up operations and accelerating business development
- Knowledge of China and Chinese cultures through years of working for China Southern Airlines.

Why do you love The Tweed?

I fell in love with the Tweed 45 years ago when my wife Rosemary and I drove from Sydney to Brisbane through the Tweed. We finally made the decision 5 years ago to move to the Tweed from Brisbane based on the quality of life the region has to offer, living in this massive extinct volcano brings with it some of the best and most fascinating topography and scenery in Australia.
Being absolute foodies we rejoice in sampling the many culinary delights available throughout the Tweed at the numerous world class establishments.

Why did you become involved with Destination Tweed?

I have a passion for sustainable tourism, I have been fortunate to travel extensively but I am even more fortunate to live in a community that offers pristine natural beauty. Being involved in DT gives me the opportunity to take a role in promoting this amazing destination in a highly sustainable manner.

Joined TAC board:

2018

Qualifications:

Solicitor and Chartered Accountant

Professional Memberships

Member of Queensland Law Society and Institute of Chartered Accountants

Professional Experience:

I have worked as an accountant and lawyer advising small business on the Tweed and Gold Coast for approximately 25 years, I also worked internationally as a lawyer in the UK.

Why do you love The Tweed?

I was schooled in Tweed Heads attending both Tweed Primary School and Tweed River High. My family on my father’s side having been on the Tweed for about 3 generations. I participate in sport on the Tweed and loved the outdoors life style whether it be enjoying the beaches or the Tweed river. A large number of my family and friends also live in the Tweed region.

Why did you become involved with Destination Tweed?

I wanted to help others discover and appreciate the beautiful things that the Tweed had to offer.

Over the last twenty-five years I have been a full-time hospitality professional, culminating in a ten-year business partnership on the Tweed coast. During this time, I progressively managed my career from the ground up, learning and mastering each aspect of the industry before moving on to the next. Combining my great passion for hospitality and an excellent work ethic allowed me to move freely from small business to large companies and some of the finest resorts and restaurants throughout Australia. Throughout this time I experienced a multitude of roles and responsibilities that provided me with industry specific experience to make the leap into business ownership.

September 2010, I joined with two other hospitality professionals to become the founding members of the PLB Group. During this ten-year period the group has taken on business leases, reinvigorated and reactivated dining venues and event spaces along the Tweed Coast. The original business in the heart of Casuarina, Sandbar and Grill has been home base for the PLB Group and has evolved and changed along with the Tweed Coast itself. January 2021 an opportunity presented for me to separate from the PLB Group and take a break from the hospitality industry and indulge in some passion projects.

My love of the Tweed region comes from my natural curiosity and love of adventure. I have experienced many of the Tweed’s wonders and look forward discovering many more of the incredible people and places that make Tweed such a unique and diverse region.

Joined TAC board:

January 2019

Qualifications:

- B Business Management (Marketing)
- B Arts (French Language, International Relation)

Professional Memberships

Northern Rivers Food Marketing Committee

Professional Experience:

- Marketing & PR Consultant for 3 years at full service agency Made4Media
- Marketing & Sales Manager since 2015 at Husk Distillers
- Brand manager at Husk Distillers since 2015

Skills & Expertise

Marketing and branding, sales and business growth

Why do you love The Tweed?

It’s a hidden gem – with unrivalled natural beauty, creative people and beautiful produce. I am disappointed it took me so long to discover this beautiful region!

Why did you become involved with Destination Tweed?

I’ve been working with Destination Tweed for several years ahead of our public distillery opening. I’m very passionate about sharing the stories of the Tweed.

Joined TAC board:

7 March 2018

Qualifications:

FAMI CPM

Professional Memberships

- Australian Marketing Institute
- Tweed Chamber of Commerce

Professional Experience:

C-level leader, with senior marketing roles in leading Australian business including Telstra, Optus and Hutchison. Currently Chief Operating Officer for the Forum Group, a business dedicated to improving the efficiency of Australian businesses.

My other hat is as the proud owner and operator of Potager – A Kitchen Garden, a multi-award winning destination restaurant in the Tweed.

Skills & Expertise

Strategic and commercially driven leader with a successful track record of building brands and creating value for both customers and shareholders.

Why do you love The Tweed?

What’s not to love about living here? I’ve been coming to the Tweed for 40 years since my parents moved to the GC. When it was time to leave Sydney and to get closer to the family, we were fortunate to stumble upon this piece of paradise called Carool. We’ve had our property since 2006 and have never looked back. Since that time we’ve opened Potager, which has allowed us to attract many thousands of people to the Tweed, to showcase its natural beauty, its products and promote the people who make this such a great community.

Why did you become involved with Destination Tweed?

I became involved with DT to be able to contribute to the sustainable development of our region as a premier natural tourist destination.

In doing so, I have the pleasure of working with a fun group of passionate individuals who share the same ideals.

Joined TAC board:

7 MARCH, 2018

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Business (Tourism) from Southern Cross University

Professional Experience:

A review of my professional experience demonstrates that I am a resourceful manager with a sound understanding of corporate and consumer environments and expertise in the hotel/ casino, hospitality, regional tourism, events and leisure industries. I have successfully performed a diverse range of marketing and communication activities that have contributed to setting business direction with an emphasis on strategic planning, sustainable product development, trend analysis and tactical advertising campaigns within companies including QTTC, Tabcorp, ALH, Sky City Entertainment and Twin Towns Clubs & Resorts.

Name your Skills or Area of Expertise:

My senior management roles have required strategic and tactical program planning together with accurate sales and marketing analysis linked to KPO’s while also allowing for timely reactions to market trends and real time sales activity. I have significant understanding and experience with local, regional and national media from developing briefs and assessing creative design through to scheduling and mix to ensure the appropriate reach and frequency for specific campaigns. I have successfully marketed a broad range of products and services while cross leveraging destination or venue wide dining experiences, accommodation, entertainment and events, in conjunction with local government and community, business sector and diverse stakeholder groups.

Why do you love The Tweed?

The region has always held a special place in my mind as an unspoilt and natural destination where you can escape from the “crowd” , mix with the locals, walk in pristine World Heritage forests, enjoy the expansive coast-line and more recently indulge in the amazing local cuisine on offer from the developing food and café culture.
A “sea change” draw me to the region in the early 90’s and the special nature of the area has kept me here since.

Why did you become involved with Destination Tweed?

I was initially involved as a member of the steering committee which formed the original regional tourism body Tweed& Coolangatta Tourism (TACTIC). Since then my career has allowed me to further develop significant marketing and strategic management experience which I believe can contribute along with my fellow Board members to the future development of a quality and sustainable tourism destination which capitalizes on its amazing natural assets.

Tracy has been working within the tourism and finance sector for the past 20 years and has been a small business owner for 35 years.

Tracy has been employed in various roles within Destination Tweed & The Tweed Artisan Collective for the past 17 plus years. Her current role is varied; from day to day finance through to member liaison, Company compliance, governance and social media.

Tracy’s skills have come from owning and operating her own small business and she brings a wealth of knowledge to the Destination. Her strengths are varied from problem solving, to human resources, financial management and day to day negotiations. As Executive Officer she is responsible for all administrative functions of the organisation and reports directly to the Board.

A keen runner, nature lover and active community member she is the Secretary for Twin Towns Social Runners and Walkers Club and active volunteer and participant at Kirra Park Run.

Kylie is an experienced Media Manager, from creating campaigns to writing press releases and crafting social media strategies. Kylie's love of Northern NSW food and her travel experiences are threaded through her projects.

Joined TAC board:

December 2022

Professional Experience:

- Tweed Eco Cruises – International Sales & Marketing
- Destination Tweed – Industry/ Trade development
- Tweed Tourism – Industry liaison officer
- Tropical Fruit World – Sales & Promotions

Name your Skills or Area of Expertise:

- Domestic & International trade sales
- Driving & exceeding Sales targets
- Developing & maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders

Why do you love The Tweed?

It’s a little slice of Paradise that boasts the best beaches, hinterland filled with natural beauty & unique foodie experiences. From the Coast to the Country the Tweed really does have it all. I’m so lucky to be able to live & work in this beautiful region

Why did you become involved with Destination Tweed?

Having previously worked with the organisation, I have a strong understanding of their direction and plans for the future. Excited to be sharing ideas and assisting with promoting this world class destination.