DESTINATION BYRON
Who are we?
Jingi Walla! Welcome to Arakwal country.
We acknowledge the Arakwal Bumberlin people of Bundjalung Nation who are the Traditional Custodians of this land which we live, work, and stand on.
We acknowledge their continuing living culture, connection to land, waters and community; we ask that you help look after and respect country.
We acknowledge and extend our respect to Elders both past and present and upcoming future leaders.
Vision
To maintain a forum to educate and instigate positive and sustainable change on all matters Byron visitor economy related
Mission
To maintain a committee of industry skills-based board members to represent all major sectors of Byron Shires Visitor Economy.
To hold events that are meaningful to those involved in the Byron Visitor Economy.
To collect, interpret, and disseminate Byron’s Visitor economy data and research.
MEMBERSHIP
Destination Byron offers FREE membership to all Byron Shire businesses and service providers who participate in the regions tourism industry. Just subscribe to our newsletter to keep up to date.
MEET THE TEAM
Destination Byron (Destination Byron Visitor Industry Association Incorporated) is managed by a skills based board of ten people.
Jeanie Wylie, Pres
Co-founder of Frida’s Field – a regenerative farm, restaurant and event-space in the Byron Bay Hinterland. She is passionate about using business as a force for good in the world.
Petrina Maxwell, VP
Owner of Agent 86 Experiences, a local event experience agency and DMC (Destination Management Company). 20+ experience in Communications and Business Events.
Sarah Anderson, Sec
Sarah is the founder and MD of GTI Tourism, a multi-awarded destination representation, marketing and PR agency. At Destination Byron she’s working to build a thriving visitor economy that better supports the Byron community and regenerates the natural environment.
Rick Slater, Tres
Publisher of byronbay.com since 1997, a long-standing digital platform supporting Byron’s visitor economy.
Margot Natoli
Has an event management company that specialises in producing major outdoor food, wine and cultural events in unique and environmentally sensitive public spaces and parklands.
Suzie Bradley
Founder of Adhere Marketing and publisher of Byron Inside Out, Byron Bay’s trusted in-room visitor guide. She works with local businesses and accommodation providers to share useful information and inspiration that supports the region’s visitor economy.
Matt Leedham
Tourism and media executive with more than 25 years’ experience and founder of Karryon, a leading Australian travel industry media platform. Based in Byron Bay, he supports sustainable tourism and a strong visitor economy.
Nicole Spencer
Founder of Lionsgate Events and co-owner of Heartwood Farm Byron Bay. With more than 30 years’ experience in business operations and client service, she supports a high-quality visitor experience while respecting the Shire’s character.
Dean “Dingo” Hampel
Founder of Localing Australia, with 18+ years in tourism, arts and culture. He specialises in tailor-made touring and strategic collaboration, focused on delivering meaningful, locally led experiences that strengthen regional visitor economies.
Cr Sarah Ndiaye
As the Mayor of Byron Shire, Sarah Ndiaye is a dedicated advocate for equality, environmental protection, and vibrant public spaces. A former high school teacher and ABC radio producer, Sarah is passionate about creating an inclusive, caring environment for all residents.
Destination Byron is the ‘Local Tourism Association’ (LTA) for Byron Bay. The organisation was formed to fill a gap in the visitor economy normally occupied by a council/government funded ‘Local Tourism Organisation’ (LTO).
The ‘DESTINATION BYRON VISITOR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED’ – INC9897433 (aka ‘Destination Byron’) is committee comprised of four office bearers (with voting rights), six committee members (with voting rights), and five ex-officio board roles (non-voting). All roles are volunteer based with no remuneration. The committee is governed by its very own constitution, a board members code of conduct, and operates under the ‘Associations Incorporation Act 2009’. There are currently over 500 members of Destination Byron. Destination Byron is not funded by any level of government, as many local tourism organisations (LTO’s) are. Membership is currently complimentary thanks to local business sponsors whom offset Destination Byron’s operating costs. Membership is easily done on the website destinationbyron.com.au. Members typically receive invitations to six events hosted by Destination Byron, and a monthly email newsletter full of industry news.
The committee manages Destination Byron’s affairs during ten board meetings per year, each of two-hour length. They are currently held between 4.00pm-6.00pm on a weekday. A requested minimum commitment of seven meetings per annum is asked of committee members, along with a single annual general meeting per annum.
Destination Byron is supported by a paid marketing sub-contractor, events sub-contractor and bookkeeper.
Committee roles are: –
President: Owns the strategic direction of the organisation. Manages the board members unique roles and responsibilities. Proactively manages the replacement of board resignations and prospects new interest annually. Oversees the annual strategy document, ensures income and expenses are managed to ensure financial stability and sustainability. Chairs the monthly meetings and annual AGM. Manages all media requests including written and radio. Attends industry events on behalf of the organisation. This is the most hands-on role on the board and requires the greatest investment of time to achieve the current strategy. A two to three-year term commitment is desired but not mandatory.
Vice President: Works directly with the president in curating and executing the annual strategy. Substitutes the president as required for representation moments and media relations. This person ideally is interested in becoming president in the future.
Treasurer: It is the duty of the treasurer of the association to ensure: (a) that all money due to the association is collected and received and that all payments authorised by the association are made, and (b) that correct books and accounts are kept showing the financial affairs of the association, including full details of all receipts and expenditure connected with the activities of the association.
Secretary: This role is governance centric and is responsible for taking minutes at all meetings, organising and distributing meetings and their agendas. Manages the organisations email account. Liaises with the three paid sub-contractors on behalf of the committee. Chases outstanding task as per meeting minutes. The secretary’s personal details are kept on file with Fair Trading and this role is responsible for ensuring annual financial forms and board member details are submitted.
Committee Member: These six voting roles should collectively represent the broader visitor economy in committee meetings, and vote on motions during the meetings. Committee members ideally contribute a skill set that assists the committee with a specific initiative, such as organising events, marketing, administration etc. Time contribution outside of the monthly meetings is promoted, which allows the committee to achieve its missions.
Ex-officio board roles: These five non-voting roles are allocated to regional chambers of commerce so they can participate in board meetings.