Southern Queensland Country Tourism (SQCT) announced on Tuesday it has appointed Mrs Joanne Berry of Kingsley Grove Estate as a new board director to represent South Burnett tourism industry operators.
The appointment follows the resignation last month of long-standing board member James Haig, who has accepted a new position in Brisbane with Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.
Mrs Berry, who co-manages her family vineyard, winery and cellar door in Kingaroy, will take up the vacated industry representation board role until the next AGM in November 2016.
SQCT chair Dr Jane Summers praised the efforts of Mr Haig and welcomed Mrs Berry.
“We wish James Haig well in his new role and thank him for a dedicated eight years of board service,” Dr Summers said.
“We’re also very pleased to welcome Jo Berry, who brings with her a range of experience in small business and tourism and a huge enthusiasm for developing our region as a must-visit tourism destination.”
Mrs Berry said she was thrilled to be serving on the board.
“I’m passionate about tourism in the South Burnett and the wider Southern Queensland Country region and very excited about the opportunity to make a contribution to the SQCT Board,” she said.
“I’m pleased to take up this position as an industry-based board member and continue the good work of Shannon Scott, from Taste South Burnett, who stood down in November 2015.”
Mrs Berry has worked in tourism since 1989.
She began her career managing restaurants and working in guest services at Dreamworld, then spent many years as Liaison Officer at the Sydney Convention and Visitors Bureau, linking tourism operators with professional conference organisers.
Jo learned the accommodation side of the industry managing the Palmerston Towers holiday apartments in Southport and the Big 4 Caravan Park in Kingaroy.
She holds a Bachelor of Psychology and a Bachelor of Leisure Studies, Tourism.
