QTIC's Indigenous Champions Network was founded in 2008. Commencing with 16 tourism businesses, who voluntarily pledged a commitment to increasing the employment and representation of First Nations people within Queensland tourism. These companies practiced inclusive business and actively fostered a workplace culture that sought to increase the recruitment and participation of Indigenous people.
By ensuring that First Nations people are active and valued contributors in the tourism industry, the Champions Network has been helping to affirm the critical importance of Indigenous tourism for more than a decade. The tourism industry looks to this network of Champions as industry leaders and advocates in the engagement of First Nations operators and employees. The Network are regularly called upon to participate in events and to provide input on relevant discussion papers that seek to increase Indigenous representation.
While working towards an increase in the representation of Indigenous people in tourism, the Champions work collectively to identify potential opportunities, support workplace experiences, and invest in the development of resources that assist in the recruitment, employment, and retention of Indigenous people in Queensland's tourism industry.
Meet our Champions
- Adam Jones, Experience Co
- Alan Smith, Outback Aussie Tours
- Anthony Corrie, Brisbane Lions
- Birrunga Wiradyuri, Birrunga Gallery and Dining
- Cameron Costello, Costello Consultancy
- Chern'ee Sutton, Contemporary Artist
- Craig Quartermaine, National Indigenous Culinary Institute
- David Hudson, Didgeralia
- David Williams, GILIMBAA
- Emily Tanna, Compass Group Australia Pty Ltd
- Greg Yong, Dreamworld
- Hailey Brown, Vacayit
- Joe Sproats, Platypus Wealth Institute
- Johnny Murison, Jarramali Enterprises
- Josh Hanley, Accor Hotels
- Karen Hanna Miller, Isa Rodeo Limited
- Katie Lord, SeaLink QLD
- Kylie-Lee Bradford, Kakadu Organics
- Lauren Horner, Village Roadshow Theme Parks
- Lloyd Mills, Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame
- Matt Adams, The Star Entertainment Group
- Michaella Harrison, QMF
- Oriana Wyrozebska, QMF
- Paul Morton, Novotel Surfers Paradise
- Petina Tieman, Complete Business Solutions
- Russell Boswell, Savannah Guides
- Ryan Hanly, Travello
- Serrin Carter, Outback Aussie Tours
- Shannon Ruska, Tribal Experiences
- Stephanie Parker, Southern Queensland Country Tourism
- Tarragh Cunningham, Queensland Art Gallery
- Tracy Kearney, Prestige Staffing Solutions
- Violet Geesu, Sarina Russo Job Access
- Willie Enoch-Tranby, CaPTA Group
Become a Champion
We are continually expanding the Network and are actively seeking businesses and support agencies who would like to join us in proactively supporting the involvement of Indigenous people in tourism. For more information, please contact our Indigenous Program Manager, Rhonda Appo on 07 3236 1445 or champions@qtic.com.au.