Destination Southern Tasmania Board Members
Professor Anne Hardy
CHAIR
Professor Anne Hardy is an Associate Professor of the University of Tasmania. She is a specialist in sustainable tourism, the tourism experience and the design of innovative methods to collect data in tourism. She is the author of over 100 publications, including four books, and she is the lead researcher on the Tourism Tracer project. Anne’s research has been conducted both in Australia and overseas, including in Canada, the United Kingdom and the Pacific region. Her research has influenced tourism policies and plans around the world- it is featured in Thrive 2030, and she has provided advice to multiple international tourism organisations. Anne’s current research is focused on Antarctic tourism, including issues related to the impact of the tourism experience, and the use of citizen science.
Daniel Aitken
DEPUTY CHAIR
Daniel is the Head of Marketing for MONA. As a Tasmanian-born marketer, Daniel is passionate about the continued growth and sustainability of tourism in Tasmania and believes our industry is at its best when we work collaboratively. Daniel is passionate about cultural and events tourism, brand development, research, and all things Tassie wine and beer. Daniel is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Jennifer Bett
VARIETY
Jennifer Bett is a strategic and values-driven leader passionate about connecting people, places, and purpose through meaningful engagement and sustainable growth. With experience in global stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and destination development, Jen has forged strong partnerships across government, industry, and community sectors. As Marketing & Communications Manager at the Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority, she helped position Tasmania’s World Heritage sites on the international stage. Now, as Head of Marketing, Communications and Fundraising for Variety – the Children’s Charity Tasmania, Jen is dedicated to uniting businesses and communities to create lasting, positive change for Tassie kids.
Andrew Hennessy
PENNICOTT WILDERNESS JOURNEYS
Andrew is the General Manager for Pennicott Wilderness Journeys which operates in Hobart, Bruny Island and the Tasman Peninsula. During his 18 years in Tasmania’s tourism industry, Andrew has developed strong connections with tourism operators, industry partners, government and stakeholders. He has a passion for technology and previously operated a web design consultancy, working with a variety of tourism clients across southern Tasmania. Andrew believes it’s important that we work collaboratively to create a strong, sustainable tourism industry. Andrew holds an MBA and welcomes the opportunity to contribute with his experience and skills in tourism operations, sustainability and strategic management as part of the Destination Southern Tasmania Board.
Alice van der Woude
ON BOARD
Alice is a Tasmanian-born marketer and tourism operator with diverse experience working within the Tasmanian tourism industry, including many years as an operator running a small-medium brand-aligned tourism business, three years in the marketing team at Tourism Tasmania, and as a member of the Women in Tourism & Hospitality Committee. Alice currently works as Director, Marketing & Experience at On Board and is leading the launch and design of their bespoke and immersive wilderness experience. Alice has had advisory and management roles in this family business since its launch in 2016. Alice worked at Tourism Tasmania, responsible for managing and implementing marketing programs. Prior to this, Alice was an account manager for a Sydney-based advertising agency and marketing consultant. She has a Business/Law degree from UTAS.
Scott Christie-Johnston
OLD WOOLSTORE APARTMENT HOTEL
HADLEY'S ORIENT HOTEL
Scott is currently the Group Manager - Sales & Marketing for The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel and Hadley’s Orient Hotel and has been an active collaborator in the Tasmanian tourism scene for almost 20 years. During this time Scott has travelled with work domestically and internationally, including as part of trade activities with Tourism Tasmania and Business Events Tasmania. As a founding member of the Tasmanian chapter of the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) he has regularly represented Tasmania at Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) and ATEC Meeting Place. Tasmanian born, he has a strong sense of connection to community and within his role looks after a portfolio of partnerships and community support programs.
cally lyons
RATHMORE
Curiosity, passion, positivity and resilience shaped Cally’s business ventures, from travel consultancy, corporate catering, events, international accommodation and now Rathmore.
Cally settled in the Central Highlands after living in QLD. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors with Graduate Diplomas in Finance & Investment, Financial Planning & Technical Analysis. She has worked in communications, equities, financial planning, philanthropic investing and property development.
Cally understands and values small business and community networks.
A visionary entrepreneur, Cally is fascinated with people, history and nature. She advocates strongly for a focus on Tasmania’s heritage and environment in rebuilding visitation, supporting vital regional diversity and energising our tourism industry.
Edwina Morris
TOURISM TASMANIA
Edwina has an executive leadership role at Tourism Tasmania as Director of the Office of the CEO. She leads the agency’s corporate strategy, board services, strategic communications, government relations and advice.
Her career began in the tourism industry, capturing 'old-time' tourist photographs in Richmond, Tasmania, then gaining international experience working and living in Europe, Asia, and USA. Returning home she moved into the arts and cultural sectors, producing film festivals, developing cultural tourism marketing platforms and strategies and a six-year tenure as State Manager of the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. Her passion for travel and human connection is perfectly aligned to the tourism and hospitality sector and the rich opportunities it delivers for the community and our visitors.
George van Deventer
GRANDVEWE
George was the owner of a high-end tour operator and is currently involved in developing a regional luxury accommodation project. George is highly active in financial markets and has previously advised high-net-worth individuals, corporates and not-for-profits at a leading investment advisory firm. Earlier in his career, he worked on the commercialisation of a low-carbon concrete technology. George values the collaborative spirit of southern Tasmania’s tourism industry and is a strong advocate for operators working together to deliver exceptional visitor experiences.
Ian Nelson
CLARENCE CITY COUNCIL
Ian Nelson is CEO of Clarence City Council, one of Tasmania’s largest and fastest-growing municipalities. He leads the strategic direction and delivery of services for more than 63,000 residents and 4,800 businesses, with a strong focus on economic development, tourism and community outcomes.
Under Ian’s leadership, Clarence has advanced key visitor economy initiatives, including growth of the Clarence Jazz Festival, upgrades to the Clarence Mountain Bike Park, new golf course developments at 5 Mile Beach and 7 Mile Beach, and cultural investment at Rosny Farm Arts Centre. He has also overseen the Clarence City Heart Plan, guiding urban renewal and placemaking to enhance both community and visitor experiences.
Michael Stretton
CITY OF HOBART
Michael Stretton began his career in local government with the Sorell Council in 1995.
With a keen interest in development and planning, Michael went on to work at the Glenorchy, Central Coast, Launceston and Waratah-Wynyard Councils. He returned to the City of Launceston as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in 2017 and was a driving force behind the success of the Launceston City Deal. Michael commenced in his current role as CEO at the City of Hobart in February 2024 and hit the ground running with a focus on modernising the organisation and its practices, refining the governance structures of the Council and improving its engagement and delivery of community priorities. Michael has Masters Degrees in Business Administration as well as Applied Science (Environmental Health).