Andrew Saunders resigns from Gympie council tourism office

Turmoil continues to engulf Gympie council’s tourism branch, which has already been a lightning rod for controversy with the decision to sever ties with food ambassador Matt Golinski and letting a regional tourism page be taken over by a group promoting glass bongs.

Andrew Saunders has resigned from his job leading Destination Gympie Tourism, creating more turmoil wiithin the council ranks for its tourism branch.

Turmoil continues to engulf Gympie Regional Council’s tourism branch with the abrupt departure of Destination Gympie manager Andrew Saunders after eight years as the region’s chief marketing guru.

Mr Saunders resigned early this week, having stepped into the role in 2013.

His resume upon joining the council included work with Tourism Noosa and transforming Noosa Springs from a golf course to an integrated resort.

During he first four years of his run with the council he served on the Gympie Muster board of directors.

Mr Saunders’ exit has created a vacuum within the council’s tourism branch and raised questions about the long-term promotion of the region.

CEO Shane Gray said the council was committed to ensuring Gympie’s reputation as a tourist destination continued to be promoted far and wide.

“Council would like to thank Andrew for his work as well as his strong passion for the region,” Mr Gray said.

CEO Shane Gray said the council was committed to promoting Gympie as a tourist spot and would be recruiting to replace Mr Saunders in the coming weeks.

“We wish him all the best with his future endeavours.

“Council is committed to continuing to promote the broader Gympie region both near and far.

“A recruitment process to ensure this work can continue will commence in the coming weeks.”

Mr Saunders’ departure is the latest upheaval with the tourism office.

It follows the controversial decision to not renew celebrity chef Matt Golinski’s contract in December 2020. and a decision to let the Gympie Gold Regional Produce website lapse.

The page has now become home to advertisements promoting gyms, fridges and glass bongs.

Mr Saunders’ departure was the latest disruption for the council’s tourism office, following the departure of Matt Golinski as food ambassador and its Gympie Gold Regional Produce page being taken over by a group advertising gym ,s fridges and glass bongs.

Mayor Glen Hartwig said the council would continue exploring new ways to promote the region and its primary producers.

He said the door was not closed on the council’s relationship with Mr Golinski.

“We have enjoyed working with Matt Golinski in previous years and have appreciated his strong advocacy for the region,” he said.

“There may be avenues to work together again in the future and we will certainly consider this within council’s broader strategic plans.”

Mr Saunders ‘exit is the latest in a growing list of departures in the 17 months since the March 2020 election.

The changing of the guard included the loss of all directors from the last term of council and controversial CEO Bernard Smith.

All the executive vacancies have been replaced since new CEO Shane Gray started in July 2020.

Originally published as Andrew Saunders resigns from Gympie council tourism office