The make-up of the new Destination Kiama Advisory Committee not only includes experienced local operators but also includes people not involved directly in tourism businesses.

Joining Craig Hardy, GM of The Sebel Harbourside, and Kate Mather, owner of South Coast Experiences, as industry representatives are Leah Hill and Anthony Body.

“While I’m not working in the industry at the moment, my background is in tourism,” says Ms Hill, who works in a head office role for Mission Australia, writing tenders and submissions to provide funding.

“I’ve been here six years and I’m always showing the area off to people and getting them to come down.

“I really love the place, and thought I would be able to make a contribution.

“I’m hoping I can bring a different perspective with my age and experience in business events.”

Anthony Body is Regional Director – Illawarra Shoalhaven for the Department of Regional NSW, but is joining the board as an individual.

Given his interest in culture and the arts, he has been on the Arts Board and sees being involved like this as giving back to his community.

“I understand government so I want to help the Council think big around tourism – think beyond what we have always done to what we could do. I’ll try to encourage using a bigger brush.

“There are great things happening all around us that we need to take advantage of.”

Other members of the new Tourism Advisory Committee are Councillor Matt Brown (Chair), Councillor Warren Steel, Council CEO Jane Stroud and Kiama & District Business Chamber representative, Cameron McDonald.

Cllr Brown says the community members were selected based their industry experience, ties to the local community, level of ambition and ability to enact objectives of the committee, with twelve applications for the four positions.

“We have been very fortunate to have received applications from an exceptional field of candidates, all that would have been invaluable to our committee, however we could only select four.

“We now have a group of people with the breadth of skills and depth of experience to help guide our local tourism sector meet post-pandemic challenges and also realise the opportunities on offer.”

It has also been announced that Sally Bursell has been confirmed as the Tourism Manager, after acting in that role for some time.

The Tourism and Events Strategic Plan 2022-2026 was endorsed at the June Council Meeting.