Meet Our

Committee

Meet the Youth Tourism NSW Committee

James Oliver

Tourism Adventure Group

President

With over a decade of experience in the youth tourism industry, I have dedicated my career to creating exceptional travel experiences. I am currently the General Manager for Nomads Sydney and The Scary Canary where I oversee all operations to ensure guests and patrons have unforgettable experiences. Previously, I served as the Property Manager at Sydney Harbour YHA and the South Island Operations Manager for Tourism Adventure Group. My work has taken me to diverse locations across New Zealand, Queensland, and New South Wales, fueling my passion for fostering environments that help travelers create lifelong memories.

Anna Menting

Somerville Hospitality

Vice-President

I was born and raised in Germany. Luckily enough, I can now call beautiful Australia my home since 2014. I’ve been working in the Hospitality, Travel & Tourism sector for the past 12 years. Always having a passion for travel and adventure, this led me to an amazing opportunity at Somerville Hospitality.

Currently the Operations Manager and very passionate about my role, I still enjoy everyday working in the youth tourism industry. Priding myself on being friendly and approachable with an extremely strong work ethic. Given my time over the past 8 years at Somerville Hospitality, I have gained extensive knowledge in the industry. I’m very excited to be a part of the committee for YTNSW.

Felix Bray

iRock Entertainment

Treasurer

I’ve been in the entertainment and hospitality sector for 14 years, and for the past six years, I’ve led iRock Entertainment as General Manager. My focus has been on creating epic experiences for young tourists, running Sydney’s biggest weekly events specifically designed for backpackers and transient young people. Through innovative event concepts and a deep understanding of youth tourism, I’ve helped connect international visitors with Sydney’s vibrant nightlife, ensuring their time here is truly memorable. My mission is to enhance the social and cultural experiences of young travellers while showcasing the best of what Sydney has to offer.

Eleonora Kisser

Wake Up!

Secretary

I have over seven years in the hospitality and tourism industry, having arrived in Australia as a backpacker from Germany in 2017. I quickly fell in love with the country and made it my home. Over the years, I’ve worked in various backpacker hostels, including Nomads, YHA, and currently as Guest Service Manager at Wake Up! I’ve also gained experience with Happy Travels and managing the Travel Up! Traveldesk. Having personally experienced the challenges young travellers face, I feel a deep connection to youth tourism. Passionate about its potential for cultural exchange and personal growth, I’m thrilled to bring my knowledge and enthusiasm to Youth Tourism NSW.

Carine Anceaux

WanderBuddies

I bring to the YTNSW Committee over a decade of experience across the travel, events and consulting industries. Originally working with luxury brands in Paris, I re-located to Sydney where I managed Adventure Travel Bugs, Happy Travels, and Work n’ Holiday travel agencies. I later joined the Business Transformation team at EY and the Customer, Brand, Marketing & Sales Advisory team at KPMG. In 2024, I founded WanderBuddies — the first travel, social, and dating platform to connect locals, expats, and travellers through curated activities, meaningful experiences, and epic trips around the world. Its focus is on community-building and creating meaningful connections through travel and events.

Deon Carstairs

YHA Australia

With eight years of experience in the tourism industry, I’ve dedicated my career to enhancing the travel experience for guests. Starting at Hostelworld, I developed a deep understanding of the travel and hospitality sectors. My journey continued at Skydive Australia, where I embraced the excitement of adventure tourism. Currently, as the Assistant Manager at YHA Sydney Harbour, I manage daily operations and guest services, ensuring each visit is memorable. My diverse roles across the industry have fuelled my passion for creating environments that help travelers forge unforgettable memories.

Evie de Groot

Hero Travel

Originally from the Netherlands, I arrived in Australia on a Working Holiday Visa planning to stay for one year – but like many others, I fell in love with the country and I’m still here! I joined Hero and found myself rolling straight into the tourism industry, and I love how passionate everyone is about showcasing the best travel experiences across Australia. At Hero, we help travel agents do exactly that – providing the tools they need to offer and book unforgettable Australian experiences. Over my time there, I’ve worn many hats, including General Manager. It’s been a great journey and I’m excited to keep supporting this industry through being on the YTNSW committee.

Peter ‘Sconzey’ Killick

Spaceships Rentals

I joined the Youth Adventure Tourism sector 20 years ago as a surf instructor on Sydney’s Southern Beaches. As a Driver Guide for over 16 years, I lead tours for Oz Experience and G Adventures showcasing Australia’s wonders, accommodation, activities and backpacker bars to young enthusiastic travellers. I’ve enjoyed surf guiding in the Maldives and managing a surf camp in Portugal along the way. I’m currently the National Training & Development Manager for Spaceships Rentals. We supply campervans to the youth travel sector and my role involves hiring and training staff as well as developing best practice across our nationwide network of depots.

Josh Mayer

WeTravel

I have been working within the tourism technology space for over six years now, helping tour operators big and small embrace technology to help increase their bookings and automate their operations. It’s a perfect job for me as I love tech and also love to travel and discover new experiences!

Andy Teuma

Happy Travels

With 18 years in tourism, I’ve built my career across Happy Travels, YHA Australia, Skydive Australia, Wayoutback Safaris, Stray Travel, and Tourism Adventure Group. I specialise in product development, industry relations and events, creating meaningful travel experiences and strong partnerships. I’m passionate about shaping youth tourism and delivering impactful solutions that inspire adventure and connection.

Silke Kerwick

Secretariat

I’ve worked in youth tourism and cultural exchanges on several continents, including as marketing and corporate affairs manager for YHA, promoting a global network of youth hostels, and for the British Council (developing bilateral arts and educational exchanges). I’ve also worked in student travel in Europe for USIT, and in New York for CIEE (Council for International Educational Exchanges) as well as being a Rough Guides writer. I love sharing my experience through lecturing and tutoring at UNSW and am also a Teacher of English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). Additionally, I’m currently the Secretary for the Backpacker & Youth Tourism Advisory Panel (BYTAP) and was honoured to be named ‘Industry Legend of the Year’ at the 2023 Adventure Tourism Awards for my services to the sector.