Committee

President 

I’ve been working in the tourism and hospitality sector for the past 15 years. During my time at the Millett Group over the last decade, I’ve transitioned from operations to my current role with a key focus on connecting the international youth market to the group’s flagship brand Wake Up! Hostels.

I joined the Youth Tourism NSW committee (formally Backpacker Operators Association NSW) in 2017 and currently hold the position of President. I was lucky enough to take out the ‘Young Industry Legend Award’ at the 2019 Adventure Tourism Awards!

Vice President 

I was previously Operations Manager at a large adventure travel agency. I then co-founded Welcome to Travel – an award-winning tour operator introducing travellers to Sydney and Melbourne. I also helped co-found Adventure Tourism Victoria (ATV), holding the role of Vice President for two years. I was heavily involved in writing submissions and representing ATV in Federal Parliament for an inquiry into the Working Holiday Maker program.

Treasurer

I’m currently working on developing Lylo – a new lifestyle budget accommodation experience operated by EVT, launching in both Australia and New Zealand. My experience in large scale budget hotels and flashpacker hostel complexes including having been the CEO of Base Backpackers for a decade, and before that the MD for Auckland City Backpackers.

Secretary

I’ve been working in the youth tourism space for over a decade, predominantly involved in operations. I’m currently the Property Manager at Sydney Harbour YHA and was previously the South Island Operations Manager for Tourism Adventure Group. I’ve had the pleasure of working in diverse locations Including New Zealand, Queensland and NSW. My passion for creating environments to facilitate unforgettable memories for travellers is what drives my work every day.

Committee Member

Currently I am with the University of Sydney Union as a Business Development Manager, working with youth-focused brands and companies to bring the best experience for the students on campus. I was previously with Skydive Australia for 5 years, which was my first Tourism gig and prior to that, my background was working in hotels. I am still quite involved in the Tourism Industry as I work with tour operators to work with the University.

I was based in Melbourne half of my time with Skydive, where I was a committee member of Youth Tourism Victoria (YTV). I’m stocked to be a part of Youth Tourism NSW as of early 2023 as I am passionate about supporting our Youth Tourism Industry.

Committee Member

Currently at Hopper, I’ve held a variety of key account management roles focusing on different markets across the APAC Region in both Sydney and Singapore. Coming from a hotel background prior to crossing into the technology and online travel space, I spent over ten years in a variety of roles in properties across France, Spain, and New Zealand before relocating to Australia.

Committee Member

Currently I am working with Scape as the Operations Manager for two of their properties, welcoming international students and helping them find their feet in Sydney.

Previously with YHA and Topdeck Europe I have just clocked up my first decade in the youth tourism industry.

This space is so exciting to be in, we are seeing so much flux and change in the industry post covid and it’s great to be part of the platform that continues to bring us all together through it all!

Committee Member

I’m the founder of Local Sauce Tours, an award-winning food, bar and street art tour company. I was previously a corporate lawyer but escaped that path to work in tourism, doing my apprenticeship at Bounce hostels and as a free walking tour guide before starting my own business in 2018.

Committee Member

I’m a mechanical engineer but really wanted to get involved with the Tourism and Hospitality sectors! I joined the Hostelworld team nearly five years ago and work alongside lots of accommodation providers in Oceania to help support and provide them with the best Online Travel Agent experience possible.