Patrick Bedford - Chairperson (Emu Run Experience)
As the Managing Director of Emu Run Experience, a local tour operator, Patrick has a wealth of knowledge and experience working within the tourism industry in Central Australia. His passion for the region, along with his energy and enthusiasm, is the driving force that led him to take on the demanding role of Chairperson of TCA Board. Patrick's unique skill set allows him to be an effective member of the board and work with stakeholders to enhance growth and success of the tourism industry in the region.
Karl Bajzik - Deputy Chairperson (Yubu Napa Art Gallery)
Karl has lived in the Northern Territory since the age of one. He spent much of his younger years living in remote communities, including two years on Christmas Island. Later years of his life took Karl to Darwin, Brazil, Adelaide and Perth. Karl’s motivation to establish Yubu Napa, was driven by his recognition that the local indigenous art sector held endless opportunities that had not yet been captured. His deep passion for the Northern Territory and its people is reflected in the strong relationships he has established with artists, and in his active promotion of the region to visitors and clients.
Jodie Summers - Treasurer (Charles Darwin University)
Jodie is originally from North Queensland and is a descendant of the Mamu people. She has lived in Alice for 25 years and held several senior hospitality management positions. In 2005 Jodie moved into the not-for-profit sector at Desert Knowledge Australia, General Manager Corporate Services & Precinct. She then worked at Alice Springs Town Council and project managed the delivery of the successful myAlice voucher program. Now Regional Operations Manager for Charles Darwin University, Jodie hopes to establish a strong relationship with Tourism Central Australia and ensure CDU’s training and education delivery supports the region’s tourism industry.
Andrea Lehman - Secretary (Outback Ballooning)
Andrea has been involved in the tourism industry for over 35 years and in Alice Springs since 2000. Her roles have included product development for wholesalers here in Alice Springs, Melbourne, and in Tasmania. Andrea has worked in management positions in car rentals, communications, marketing manager at the Cultural Precinct and now running her own business as general manager for the last 8 years. She is a passionate advocate for Central Australia attending many trade shows throughout the year both in Australia and overseas, always flying the NT banner proudly.
David White (Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia)
David has over 35 years’ experience in Tourism, Hospitality and Resort Operations. The majority of the roles were at General Manager level and required oversight of all operations and full responsibility for financial performance, reporting, strategic planning, and implementation of key business initiatives. David has fulfilled these roles at the Ayers Rock Resort, Sanctuary Cove Resort, Sheraton Mirage Resort, Nifsan Developments and Master planned Community. He has been Chief Operating Officer at Ayers Rock Resort since 2018.
Mark Swindells (Uluru Segway Tours)
Mark’s industry expertise in Northern Territory Tourism was gathered from the ground up after entering the industry as a tour guide and working up to company owner. Having been involved in three start-up businesses, he has acquired a great understanding of product innovation, development and launch, and a great understanding of the difficulty and challenges that any new tourism operator in Central Australia will have to overcome. During his 26 years in Central Australia, Mark has worked collaboratively with large government organisations on a state and federal level and both large and small tourism operators across the NT, Australia and international markets.
Raelene Ohlson (Alice Springs Turf Club)
Raelene has lived in the Northern Territory for over 30 years and during that time has experienced life in Darwin, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs. Previously Raelene was employed in Destination Marketing with the Business Events unit of Tourism Northern Territory and has worked in leading MICE hotels throughout Australia. Raelene enjoys working with local industry to create iconic guest experiences in order to promote Central Australia as a key tourism destination. As General Manager at Crowne Plaza Alice Springs, Raelene is responsible for the day to day management of the hotel; delivering hotel targets, as well as ensuring a positive guest experience.
Stephen Baldwin (Outback Caravan Park)
Steve’s involvement with Tourism began with the Bark Hut Inn on Arnhem Highway from 1980 to 1985. He has operated the Outback Caravan Park in Tennant Creek since 2006 and, more recently, the Top of Town Café and the Larrimah Wayside Inn.
Steve has served in community organisations in Darwin, Nhulumbuy and Tennant Creek for over 40 years. These include NT Chamber of Commerce, Regional Development Australia, Barkly Regional Development Committee, Battery Hill Mining Centre Association, and many others.
Tony McFadzean (Erldunda Roadhouse and Kings Creek Station)
Tony joined Nullarbor Holdings after a long career with Woolworths, spanning over 35 years. After retiring from Woolworths, Tony commenced work as a consultant, and it was during this time he was offered the role as general manager of Nullarbor Holdings Pty Ltd. At that time the portfolio consisted of Erldunda and Nullarbor Roadhouses. Several years on, Tony transitioned from an employee of the company to co-owner, along the way overseeing the acquisition of Border Village Roadhouse, and most recently Kings Creek Station. Tony is a passionate retailer, who has become a strong advocate for tourism and hospitality within Central Australia
Allan Woo (Airport Development Group - NT Airports)
After immigrating from Canada in 2008, Allan has been living and working in tourism regions of Tropical North Queensland and the Hunter Region before relocating to the Northern Territory 3 years ago. He has taken every opportunity to explore and enjoy many of the travel experiences available in both Central Australia and the Top End, and is passionate about promoting the destination to friends, family, and broader network. With more than 20 years' experience in tourism and hospitality – including the positions of General Manager for a Cairns-based dive company, President of Dive Queensland, and currently Aviation Development Manager at Airport Development Group (who own and operate Darwin, Alice Springs and Tennant Creek airports, 2 hotels, various utilities and a diverse property portfolio) - Allan has broad experience and unique perspectives to offer.
Matt Paterson (Mayor Alice Springs Town Council)
Matt Paterson is a passionate sportsperson and local sporting leader, having represented the Northern Territory in the National Indigenous Cricket Carnival. Qualified as an electrician, Matt has an extensive history of working in various communities in Central Australia. This has given him an intimate knowledge of the community. Matt has served as a Cricket Australia Community Ambassador, committee member of the Alice Springs Turf Club and a long-time president of a local cricket club. Outside of sport, he is also heavily involved in many community events and will often be spotted speaking with members of the community. Matt is passionate about providing opportunities for the town’s young people to grow and prosper, as well as connecting meaningfully with the senior community of Alice Springs.
Jeffrey McLaughlin (Mayor Barkly Regional Council)
Jeffrey McLaughlin is currently the Mayor for Barkly Regional Council, a position he was appointed to in September 2020 by a unanimous vote from the elected members of the Council. Before his position as Mayor, Jeffrey was a Patta Ward Councillor since August 2017. Jeffrey has been heavily involved with local artists, musicians and events in the Barkly for many years, and is passionate about introducing the tourism industry and people from all walks of life to the culture and creativity of the Barkly.
Jill Catchlove (Parks and Wildlife NT)
Jill has held a number of tourism roles over the last 25 years having worked within accommodation, hospitality and touring businesses, and facilitating business development and industry standards programs. For the last 16 years, she has worked with the Northern Territory Government focusing on tourism within conservation areas managed by the Parks and Wildlife Commission. Jill has lived in both Darwin and Alice Springs and has travelled throughout much of the Territory over her time here; she believes Central Australia has a unique offering in the global tourism stakes and is delighted to be able to call the Territory home.
John Di Maria (Department of Industry Tourism and Trade)
John commenced his career in hospitality before progressing to a management role in the Qantas office in Central Australia. For the past 22 years, John has worked in a range of different roles within Tourism NT including project management, operational management, sales and marketing and General Manager of Territory Discoveries from 2010 to 2014. John’s current role as General Manager Business Enterprise and Regions oversees the delivery of business support and implementation of the Destination Development Plans within the region.
