Johnathan Thurston, Chris Mills appointed to Tourism and Events Queensland board

NRL star Johnathan Thurston is one of five new industry representatives chosen to replace outgoing members including Gold Coast Tourism chairman Paul Donovan on the board of Tourism and Events Queensland.

NRL star Johnathan Thurston is one of five new industry representatives chosen to replace outgoing members including Gold Coast Tourism chairman Paul Donovan on the board of Tourism and Events Queensland.

Thurston, Gold Coaster Chris Mills, Nancy Bamaga, Sarah Kelly and Brenda LaPorte will join the TEQ Board today.

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Johnathan Thurston. Picture: Annette Dew

Mr Mills, the CEO of Queensland Airports Limited, has more than 25-years’ experience in diverse industries including tourism, leisure, retail, finance and property planning and development.

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The incoming board members replace Julieanne Alroe, Paul Donovan, Anna Guillan, Judith McLean and Gary Smith, who end their tenure under TEQ’s governing Legislation having served two consecutive terms.

Brett Godfrey will continue as chair of TEQ, while two of the existing board members, James Dixon and Karen Hanna Miller, will return for a second consecutive term.

Cairns based Mr Dixon will become the board’s deputy chair.

Gold Coast Tourism chairman Paul Donovan. Picture: Scott Fletcher

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Mr Godfrey thanked the outgoing board members.

“They have played an instrumental role in the development of our strategic direction and the evolution of TEQ into the organisation it is today,” he said.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the new board had the skills and experience to take tourism and events in Queensland to the next level.

“JT is a much-loved Queenslander, an influencer and a leader both on and off the field,” she said.

“I am looking forward to hearing his advice and insights as to how we can grow an industry that is vital to regional communities.”

Queensland Airports Limited CEO Chris Mills loading luggage during one of the busiest days ever at Gold Coast Airport. Picture Glenn Hampson

TEQ’S NEW BOARD

Brett Godfrey, chair: A 25-year career in the aviation industry, initially holding senior finance positions in small airlines, moving to flag carriers and culminating in conceptualising, establishing and leading, Virgin Australia for its first 10 years.

James Dixon, deputy chair: Co-founded Down Under Tours Australia in 1990 and has extensive industry experience and background in operations, particularly in Cairns and Tropical North Queensland.

Johnathan Thurston: In addition to his record as a professional rugby league player, he is a shareholder of Collings Aviation Holdings and has been awarded the Australian Human Rights Commission Medal for his work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities.

Chris Mills: CEO of Queensland Airports Limited with more than 25-years experience in diverse industries including tourism, leisure, retail, finance and property planning and development.

Tourism and Events Queensland chairman Brett Godfrey. Picture: AAP Image/Mark Calleja

Brenda LaPorte: Served as General Manager — Strategy, Planning and Workforce for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 and is currently a Non-Executive Director on the board of Athletics Australia. She has extensive experience in the business of sport and worked on the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games.

Nancy Bamaga: Founder and Director of Black Drum Productions working with government, business and the community sector to deliver a wide range of cultural events. She has extensive knowledge and experience in indigenous community cultural development, and the retailing of indigenous art and craft.

Sarah Kelly: An Associate Professor of Marketing and Law at the University of Queensland, Deputy Chair of the Brisbane Lions AFL Club and an experienced consultant in sports, governance and marketing.

Karen Hanna Miller: 22-year broadcast media career and a leader in television and commercial production. She has been the driving force behind television shows including the Great South East, Queensland Weekender, Creek to Coast, Broncos Insider, Maroon Zone, and Brisbane’s annual LIVE spectacular, Riverfire.

Damien Walker: Ex-officio member and Director General of the Department of Innovation, Tourism Industry Development and the Commonwealth Games.