Our People

QTIC is made up of a dedicated team of people who are dedicated to ensuring Queensland’s tourism industry thrives.

Natassia Wheeler
Chief Executive Officer

Natassia implements the organisation’s strategic and operational agenda. She represents the Queensland tourism industry and QTIC to all levels of government, and within the media and wider Australian community.

How I can help:

  • Advocate for the growth and sustainability of Queensland’s tourism industry
  • Connect you with key stakeholders, government bodies and industry leaders
  • Support businesses in navigating opportunities for growth, collaboration and resilience
Melanie Anderson
General Manager – Strategy & Advocacy

Melanie fulfils a key leadership role within QTIC and oversees the organisation’s industry development programs. Melanie acts as an advocate for the tourism sector by identifying and highlighting key industry priorities to government and other industry stakeholders.

How I can help:

  • Advocate to government for funding, streamlined regulation and policies that drive industry success

  • Lead initiatives addressing key industry concerns and challenges

  • Support industry through member consultations and representation in key decision-making forums

Richard Murphy
General Manager – Finance & Operations

Richard oversees the financial management of the organisation, providing practical and insightful support in financial awareness to the QTIC team. Richard facilitates the effective delivery of membership services and contracted milestones while ensuring good governance in systems and processes.

How I can help:

  • Provide support with customer invoices, supplier remittances and financial queries
  • Provide guidance on financial management, governance and business operations
  • Connect you with QTIC programs to strengthen workforce and business resilience
Aimee Cameron
Executive Assistant and Office Manager

Aimee is the Executive Assistant and Office Manager at QTIC. She supports the Chief Executive Officer, the Board, its sub-committees and staff, to assist in achieving company goals and objectives as well as the efficient operation of the office.

How I can help:

  • Arrange executive level meetings on behalf of the CEO and Board
  • Monitor and assist with CEO and Board correspondence
Alice Campbell
Alice Campbell
Receptionist

Alice manages front desk operations, phone inquiries and oversees the scheduling of appointments for various team members and QTIC programs. Alice serves as a critical point of contact between our members, industry and the wider QTIC team.

Dr Nanyi Nicole Yu
Research and Policy Officer

Nicole leads QTIC policy and strategic research efforts, working constructively with industry, government, and academia to ensure informed, representative, and effective advocacy. 

How I can help:

  • Advocate for industry interests through policy development and stakeholder collaboration

  • Deliver research, reports and survey insights to guide strategic decisions

  • Provide industry data and trends to support business growth

Cat Riddle
Communications Manager

Cat is responsible for coordinating and delivering strategic campaigns and communication for internal and external stakeholders on behalf of QTIC. Cat also supports the CEO in media engagement and enquiries.

How I can help:

  • Support with media and advocacy enquires and engagements
  • Promotion of industry initiatives and events with QTIC audiences
Steve Guise headshot
Steve Guise
Commercial & Partnerships Manager

As Commercial and Partnerships Manager, Steve is primarily responsible for identifying and developing QTIC’s team of strategic partners to drive growth and achieve strong mutual outcomes.

How I can help:

  • Discuss potential partnership, collaboration and sponsorship opportunities
  • Provide information on QTIC’s Destination Data Portal
  • Connect you with QTIC’s Corporate Partner network
Jodie Di Russo
Manager – Memberships

As Memberships Manager, Jodie is responsible for proactively driving QTIC Membership and engages directly with members to ensure that QTIC programs and initiatives are tailored to the needs of industry.

How I can help:

  • Guide you through QTIC membership options for maximum value

  • Connect you with networks, advisory groups and key stakeholders

Rebekah Nickelson
Project Officer – DestinationQ

Rebekah facilitates the delivery of Queensland’s premier tourism conference, the DestinationQ Forum. Bek collaborates with industry to coordinate the concept development, management and event planning for the annual tourism conference.

How I can help:

  • Assist with membership inquiries, renewals and account updates
  • Support the Partnerships team with opportunities and deliverables
Toni Kasch
Manager – Major Events

Toni facilitates the delivery of a number of Queensland’s premier tourism events, including the Queensland Tourism Awards, DestinationQ Forum and the Top Tourism Town Awards. Toni is the Queensland Program Manager for the Australian Tourism Awards.

How I can help:

  • Provide guidance with awards programs such as the Queensland Tourism Awards
  • Discuss partnership and sponsorship opportunities with QTIC awards programs and events
Shae Davis
Events Coordinator

Shae is responsible for the coordination of the Queensland Tourism Awards program, supporting tourism businesses in enhancing their operations and nominating for the state’s most prestigious awards program. Shae also supports the delivery of several annual QTIC events.

How I can help:

  • Provide guidance on award nominations and submission processes

  • Share information on upcoming events, registrations and participation opportunities

Rhonda Appo
Manager – Indigenous Programs

Rhonda is a proud Mamu woman. She coordinates the strategic advancement of Indigenous representation and experiences within Queensland tourism and drives the recruitment of Indigenous employees within the industry. Rhonda coordinates the Indigenous Champions Network and Destination IQ and represents QTIC on the National Indigenous Tourism Advisory Group.

How I can help:

  • Provide advice on cultural connections and Aboriginal and Torres Strait tourism operators and tours

  • Offer guidance on partnership opportunities with tourism operators

Seleena Blackley
Project Officer – Indigenous Programs

Seleena facilitates the delivery of several key annual QTIC First nations tourism events, including the Destination IQ Forum. She also implements programs that support the advancement of First Nations tourism and proactively works to improve the operating environment for First Nations tourism businesses. 

How I can help:

  • Connect industry with First Nations operators

  • Provide information on First Nations tourism partnership opportunities

Amanda Ronan-Hearn
Accreditation Business Development Executive

Amanda leads the delivery of the Quality Tourism Accreditation program across Queensland. Through the delivery of the program, Amanda supports critical tourism business growth and elevates industry standards.

How I can help:

  • Assist businesses with building capability through accreditation programs
  • Provide advice and assistance to businesses in the accreditation programs
Shirley Han
Project Officer – Accreditation

As the Accreditation Project Officer, Shirley plays a key role in ensuring that the Quality Tourism Framework accreditation program is effectively implemented, monitored, and maintained. Shirley works closely with tourism operators as they engage with the accreditation program and supports businesses in exceeding their quality standards.

How I can help:

  • Provide information about accreditation programs and benefits

  • Assist with navigating your accreditation dashboard

Natalie Pahor
Program Manager – eLearning

Natalie manages the delivery of the national eLearning project for the Quality Tourism Framework on behalf of the Australian Tourism Industry Council. Natalie coordinates the delivery of the online platform, course content, and reporting systems. Overseeing timelines, stakeholder engagement, and day-to-day operations to support the successful rollout of the program.

How I can help:

  • Share updates and answer questions on upcoming eLearning programs and training opportunities

  • Advise on integrating eLearning into daily business operations

  • Support collaboration on course content and development linked to eLearning programs

Kathryn Moody
Program Manager – Skills Advisory

Kathryn delivers the Industry Skills and Jobs Advisory Program, a Queensland Government initiative. Kathryn engages with employers, small businesses, and industry stakeholders to provide industry advice and intelligence about current and emerging industry direction, regional skills needs and training solutions, job growth, and employment opportunities. Through her role, Kathryn also coordinates the Registered Trade Skills Pathway Program a non-traditional apprenticeship model used to qualify casual cooks working in the tourism industry.

How I can help:

  • Advocate for industry needs in training and workforce policy
  • Support with SAS processes, funding and training quality issues
  • Share insights on VET reforms, skills priorities and emerging workforce trends
Mitch Ryan
Program Manager – Workforce Advisor

Mitch delivers the Industry Workforce Advisor Program, a Queensland Government initiative. Mitch assists tourism businesses in transforming how they engage, recruit and retain a skilled workforce by providing customised one-on-one support.

How I can help:

  • Connect you to skills and education providers and funding
  • Provide advice on HR funding and grants, and recruitment and workforce opportunities
Hayley Sargent
Program Manager – Gateway to Industry Schools Tourism & Hospitality Program

Hayley supports Queensland’s hospitality and tourism industry through the Gateway to Industry Schools Program – Tourism and Hospitality. She works to connect high school students with industry professionals across Queensland, creating valuable opportunities for them to explore and pursue careers in hospitality and tourism. 

How I can help:

  • Support Gateway School Members with training, industry connections and hospitality practices

  • Connect industry with Gateway Schools

  • Discuss potential Gateway membership with Queensland schools

Stuart Kerr
Program Manager – Digital Adaption

Stuart supports tourism businesses in enhancing their digital capabilities by leading the Tourism Business Digital Adaptation Program. Through the program, Stuart connects leading digital technology providers with operators, helping to accelerate the transition of tourism businesses into the digital visitor economy.

How I can help:

  • Talk through details of the Tourism Business Digital Adaption Program
  • Support you through the Tourism Business Digital Adaption Program rebate claim process