About Bendigo Tourism Partners
Bendigo Tourism Board Inc. is an independent, registered not-for-profit incorporated membership body, governed by 10 volunteer representatives.
As an industry representative body, the Board meets with local government representatives on a monthly basis to advocate, plan and deliver strategic objectives that support the needs of members and the broader industry.
The Bendigo Tourism Board Inc contributes approximately $175,000 each year to specific initiatives that support the promotion of the destination, and the growth and development of our member’s businesses.
Future-focused, we work strategically to ensure our members have access to training, networking, and industry development, whilst providing industry representation to government at all levels.
Our unique partnership with the City of Greater Bendigo Destination and Experience team ensures that we are able to provide operational delivery of a range of essential services to our members.
Meet the board
Kath Bolitho
Chair
Member Appointed
chair@bendigotourismboard.com.au
0407 422 052
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.
Membership: Tough Cookie Marketing, Lost Cause Events, Central Stay Apartment.
Kathryn Mackenzie
Vice Chair
COGB Appointed
hello@bendigotourismboard.com.au
Kathryn has spent her working life developing Regional Victoria’s tourism industry and creating new opportunities for regional tourism to thrive.
Kathryn has held several roles throughout regional Victoria culminating in her current role with the Victorian Tourism Industry Council. Prior to this role, Kathryn spent five years with Echuca Moama Tourism as CEO and over 20 years realising the tourism potential of Bendigo and the Goldfields region.
In 2016, Kathryn was awarded the State Award for Outstanding Contribution to Tourism as an individual; in 2017 Bendigo Tourism created a new industry award in Kathryn’s name for Outstanding Contribution by an individual to the Bendigo Tourism Industry and in 2021 Kathryn was awarded the Order of Australia for her dedication and work in developing Victoria’s regional tourism industry.
Membership: NA
Alisa Van Soest
Secretary
Member Appointed
secretary@bendigotourismboard.com.au
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. Alissa’s background in Science Communication has taken her around Australia and the world but, since the beginning of 2016, she has called Bendigo home and loves the community and beauty of this vibrant city.
Membership: Discovery Centre
Hamish Riley
Treasurer
COGB Appointed
treasurer@bendigotourismboard.com.au
Hamish has been actively engaged with Bendigo’s thriving tourism scene, particularly through his involvement with Bendigo Beer, Bendigo on the Hop and most recently, Nimbus Rooftop Bar. As a member of these organisations, Hamish has played a pivotal role in organising and executing numerous successful tourism events, ranging from independent beer festivals, cultural and community events and more. These experiences have granted invaluable insights into the intricacies of event planning, community engagement, and fostering positive visitor experiences.Hamish’s passion for tourism, coupled with his hands-on experiences, inspired him to seek a role within the Bendigo Tourism Board.
Membership: Nimbus Rooftop Bar
Séamus Haugh
Communications Officer
COGB Appointed
comms@bendigotourismboard.com.au
Having grown up in Bendigo, Séamus returned in 2013 to continue his career in public sector communications and engagement in the transport, planning, and environment portfolios.
Séamus has also immersed himself in community-based organisations including Rotary, Eaglehawk Festivals Inc. and is currently a Director on the Board of the Eaglehawk United Friendly Societies.
Séamus is passionate about where he lives and looks forward to contributing to the success of Bendigo and the region and its reputation as a renowned tourism destination.
Membership: NA
Cr Abishek Awasthi
COGB Dep. Mayor
COGB Appointed
As a new Councillor, Abhishek is focused on supporting initiatives that create a healthy environment, including more footpaths and shared walking and cycling paths, improving food security, delivering more events, boosting local businesses and attracting new flights from Bendigo Airport.
Abhishek also looks forward to advocating for funding for more mental health services and development of more affordable homes in Greater Bendigo.
Abhishek has lived in Kennington for more than 14 years and has been an active volunteer with various local organisations.
Membership: NA
Tynille Thurlow
Member Appointed
tynille.thurlow@bendigoheritage.com.au
Tynille is the General Manager – Tourism and Marketing at Bendigo Heritage Attractions, a not-for-profit organisation which preserves and showcases three of Bendigo’s iconic sites; Central Deborah Gold Mine, Bendigo Tramways and the Bendigo Joss House Temple. With over 16 years experience within Bendigo’s tourism industry, Tynille has extensive knowledge implementing insight-led strategic marketing plans, product development, event coordination and enhancing visitor experiences.
Membership: Bendigo Heritage Attractions
Steve Vine
Member Appointed
Steve Vine is a versatile musician, educator, and viticulturist/winemaker with over 30 years in the arts and wine industry. He honed his musical talents with the Strathfieldsaye Brass Band, Bendigo Symphony Orchestra, and Melbourne University. As a trombonist, he led the section and soloed for the Australian Army Band of Melbourne, freelanced with major artists, and toured Australia.
Returning to Bendigo in the late 1990s, Steve has been integral to the local music scene, coordinating programs, directing bands, and leading sections in orchestras. Currently, he is the Head of Music at Girton Grammar School. Since 1996, Steve has managed his vineyard, the primary source for Mandurang Valley Wines, learning winemaking under Wes Vine. He is now studying Wine Technology, participates in the Bendigo Winegrowers Association, and is a director of Mandurang Valley Wines.
Membership: Mandurang Valley Wines
Lucy Everitt
Member Appointed
After growing up in Bendigo and leaving in the mid 90’s, Lucy returned to Bendigo in 2009 and has worked in the hospitality, tourism, and wine industries since then.
Balgownie Estate Bendigo is a dynamic destination resort offering accommodation, restaurant, and cellar door experiences. As Assistant Venue Manager, Lucy has a strong understanding of Victorian tourism’s challenges, strengths, and opportunities.
Membership: Balgownie Estate Winery
Jolene Warren
Member Appointed
jolene.warren@bendigostadium.com.au
Jolene Warren is the Head of Marketing and Communications at Red Energy Arena in Bendigo, a prominent sports and entertainment organization that hosts top-tier international and national events.
Jolene’s background includes a Bachelor of Media from Macquarie University, with studies in screen, digital media, writing, business administration, and law. Her expertise lies in brand strategy, marketing, communications, production, and digital innovation. She has held roles at MTV Australia, Foxtel Group, Fremantle Media, and CVGT Employment, and has collaborated with major brands like Telstra and Accor. Jolene is dedicated to community engagement, fostering opportunities for young people in regional cities, and enhancing consumer and visitor experiences through technology and innovation.
Membership: Red Energy Arena
Destination and Experience Team
James Myatt
Manager, Economy & Experience
Glenn Harvey
Destination & Experience Manager
g.harvey@bendigo.vic.gov.au
0447316411
Izabelle So
Destination Marketing Lead
i.so@bendigo.vic.gov.au
0467 724 563
Justine Blacklock
Destinations Membership Officer
j.blacklock@bendigo.vic.gov.au
0418 734 665
Melissa Jensen
Destination Marketing Officer
m.jensen@bendigo.vic.gov.au
0437 502 939
Tanya Cavallaro
Senior Administration Officer – Destination & Events
Liam Daniels
Visitor Services Lead
Jessica Mullins
Visitor Services Officer
The City’s Tourism team is responsible for:
- Marketing Bendigo as a world-class destination and attracting visitors to our region. Encouraging dispersal and building economic benefits to our industry.
- Providing members with access to seasonal destination marketing campaigns
- Attracting and promoting more than 120+ major events in Bendigo, including sporting, cultural, gastronomy and business events.
- Representing members within the Visitor Information Centre, and providing Visitor Services including accommodation and tour bookings, local retail products, heritage and food tours.
- Organising member networking events, product development and training opportunities, including the annual Bendigo NEXT conference.
- Delivering and receiving regular communications with members
- Together, the Board and the City work towards strategic goals and key objectives to support our industry to thrive.