Destination Southern Tasmania Board Members
Dr Anne Hardy
CHAIR
Dr. Anne Hardy is an Associate Professor at 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 4 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
PORT ARTHUR HISTORIC SITE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY
Having first arrived as an international student over 20 years ago, Jennifer has had a wide range of experience in Tasmania’s tourism industry from hospitality to adventure tours, interpretive guiding, wildlife park operations, sales and marketing, experience development and special events. In her nine years with Tourism Tasmania, she worked directly with trade and media partners; provided strategic marketing advice to the international consortiums, state-wide organisations and government partners. She re-joined Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority in 2016 as the Marketing and Communications Manager for Port Arthur, Cascades Female Factory and Coal Mines World Heritage Sites.
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.
Mayor Brendan Blomeley
CLARENCE CITY COUNCIL
Brendan is the Mayor of the City of Clarence and CEO of the Tasmanian Racing Club. He also serves as Vice President of the South-East Region Development Association, as a Director of Cancer Council Tasmania and as a Non-Executive Director of the Institute of Managers and Leaders Australian New Zealand (IML ANZ). Brendan holds an MBA and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course and is a Fellow of both the Australian Institute of Company Directors and IML ANZ.
Mayor Michelle Dracoulis
DERWENT VALLEY COUNCIL
Michelle Dracoulis is the mayor of the Derwent Valley. Passionate about community and showcasing the extraordinary beauty and offerings of her 4108km2 electorate, she was elected in early 2022, and is the first female mayor of her region. A professional photographer and fine-art curator, Michelle is currently studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Tasmania. Her professional history includes event design and delivery, and the development of digital assets for print and social media. With a strong focus on inclusion and the nurture of pride in identity and place, Michelle brings a down-to-earth approach and an eye for grass-root impact to the board of DST.
Mayor Sally Doyle
HUON VALLEY COUNCIL
Sally Doyle, presently serving as the Mayor of the Huon Valley, has held a council position since 2018. Sally and her husband Lindsay successfully operated a local excavation business for 38 years before selling it two years ago. Sally’s full-time focus is her mayoral role, and being a sixth-generation Huon Valley resident, her commitment to council and tourism is unwavering. In addition to her involvement in various local sporting and community committees, she also serves on the STCA Audit committee. Her love for the Huon Valley, her home, is the driving force behind her work.