Meet The Team
Executive Team
Tanya Cavallaro
Personal Assistant/Membership Administration Support
T 03 5434 6482
E [email protected]
Contact
Visitor Servicing Team
Jemma Docherty
Visitor Services Manager | Bendigo Visitor Centre
T 03 5434 6060 | F 03 5444 4447
E [email protected]
Janet Wicks
Coordinator Heathcote Visitor Centre
T 03 5433 3121
A PO Box 7, Heathcote, VIC 3523
E [email protected]
Marketing Team
Justine Blacklock
Tourism Memberships Officer
City of Greater Bendigo
PO Box 733, Bendigo, VIC 3552
T 03 5434 6123 | F 5434 6200
E [email protected]
Contact
Industry Development Team
Bradd Worrell
Regional Industry Development and Marketing Officer
T 03 5434 6442
E [email protected]
Contact
Meet The Board
Kath Bolitho
Tough Cookie Marketing & Lost Cause Events
With many years of experience working in and for the hospitality, events, and tourism sectors, Kath is the director of Tough Cookie Marketing and Lost Cause Events. Passionate about supporting businesses and growing the industry, Kath is focused on both the recovery process post lockdown and empowering members to deliver excellent visitor experiences.
Finn Vedelsby
The Dispensary Bendigo
Finn was raised locally and has lived in both Melbourne, interstate and internationally. Returning to Bendigo in 2007 after working in some of the county’s best restaurants and bars, he opened a restaurant of his own and sold it successfully a few years after.
With a group of mates, Finn purchased and became Managing Director of Bendigo Icon The Dispensary, well known for its provision of great restaurant food, beverage and service.
Finn passionately shares his knowledge and experience training many Bendigo hospitality professionals and taking international wine tours.
Since joining the Bendigo Tourism Board nearly half a decade ago, and taking on the Chairman role in 2018, Finn’s commitment to representing the local hospitality industry to ensure it continues to thrive and grow is unwavering.
Nicole Walker – Treasurer
Chateau Dore Winery & Receptions
Nicole Walker, together with her husband Glenn, has been owner and operator of Chateau Dore Winery and Receptions in the Mandurang Valley for 9 years. Nicole is also a Chartered Accountant, having worked in Corporate Finance and Restructuring, in both Melbourne and London. Nicole returned to Bendigo in 2003, working in a Senior Management role with the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank for 15 years.
Fiona Rooke – PR Officer
Robe
Fiona is owner and operator of Robe and pioneer and key driver of Chancery Lane Bendigo. Fiona worked alongside the COGB to secure a $100K Victorian State Government grant for Chancery Lane in 2008 as part of the Walk Bendigo initiative. Fiona co-founded the 2014 Marriage Equality Campaign, worked with Believe In Bendigo, delivered the Bendigo Street Festival series as part of the Vibrant Central Bendigo advocacy group and is studying to be a paramedic.
Alissa Van Soest - Secretary
Discovery Science and Technology Centre
Alissa is the General Manager of the Discover Science and Technology Centre. Discovery is a fun, exciting, educational science museum that inspires and entertains students and families whilst celebrating the rich history, culture, industry and amazing community of Bendigo.
Paul Greblo
Sandhurst Ridge Winery
Paul, together with his brother George and their partners, own and operate Sandhurst Ridge Vineyard and Winery. Vineyard plantings began in 1989, with their first vintage produced in 1995. The partners operate a cellar door which is open daily, together with boutique accommodation in the vineyard. Paul is currently on the Bendigo Winegrowers Associaton executive committee, and has also been a past president of the same organisation.
James Reade
Bendigo Heritage Attractions
A born and bred Bendigonian, James Reade is passionate about Bendigo and his local community. James is the CEO of Bendigo Heritage Attractions which operates the Central Deborah Gold Mine, Bendigo Tramways, and the Bendigo Joss House. James was previously a Councillor with the City of Greater Bendigo and has more than 15 years’ experience in the community development, Local Government, State Government, and private sectors.
James is driven by supporting others and driving change that creates communities where all people can belong, contribute, and be valued.
Rhianwen Sieter
MacKenzie Quarters
Rhianwen has a Bachelor and Postgraduate studies in Human Resources and Industrial Relations. She has over twenty-five years’ experience working for organisations in hospitality, business management, human resources, recruitment and event management.
Having grown up in Bendigo, Rhianwen opted to return with her family in 2017 to commence work on a large restoration project and long-term business dream; to convert the former All Saints School, built in 1877, into MacKenzie Quarters.
Based in the heart of Bendigo, MacKenzie Quarters incorporates MsBatterhams; a lounge bar and restaurant, The Residence; boutique accommodation, MacKenzie Hall; a wedding and functions space, and The Courtyard; utilised for ceremonies and events.
Madeleine Marson
Vinea Marson
Madeleine is Assistant Winemaker at Vinea Marson. Together with her parents, she has been instrumental in establishing the winery’s award-winning Cellar Door and is passionate about the growing wine tourism sector in the Heathcote and Bendigo regions. A committee member of the Heathcote Winegrowers Association and founding member of the Heathcote Women in Wine Group, Madeleine looks forward to contributing to the post-COVID recovery and growth of the region as a City of Gastronomy – with a particular focus on visitor experiences that integrate wine tourism with others in the tourism sector.