Our Board
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of the Association to act as the independent destination management entity recognised by the Victorian Government as the peak official voice for the visitor economy in the region.
The association as the recognised Visitor Economy Partnership has responsibility to deliver towards the following outcomes:
• deliver enhanced leadership and collaboration at a regional level
• tailor industry strengthening support to address regional needs
• encourage increased community support for tourism
• facilitate enhanced visitor dispersal and experiences
• undertake collaborative destination marketing and regional conversion
• provide insights and investor connections that inform a strengthened pipeline and product development
• provide regional context and insights to inform government policy development, decision making and investment priorities
• ensure continued crisis preparedness and support relative to the visitor economy
The Board have a broad range of skills in tourism operations, marketing, financial management, ICT management, strategy and risk management and will be focused on the delivery and advocacy of the Phillip Island and San Remo Destination Management Plan 2033.
Chair
Jeff Webb
Jeff is a Chartered Accountant, graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and certified internal auditor, who has over 30 years’ experience. He is the Managing Director of JNW Strategic Consulting, a boutique risk consulting practice, where he assists Boards, Audit & Risk Committees and Executives, with business governance, risk insights and controls assurance to enable them to confidently take advantage of opportunities and uncertainty, in a risk effective manner. Jeff has assisted listed companies, councils, regulators, small business owners and elite sporting organisations with their corporate governance, strategy development, risk management, internal audit, legislative compliance, supply chain processes, business continuity plans and financial controls. With a focus on sports, entertainment and tourism, Jeff is passionate about making a difference.
Deputy Chair
Kimberley Brown
Kimberley lives in the Bass Coast Shire and has had extensive local Government experience - Bass Coast Shire Councillor from 2012–2016 & Mayor in 2015 and engagement with the local community. She was a member of the Visitor Economy Strategy Bass Coast 2020 reference group and the Australia Day Council and has served on countless committees and advisory groups across the tourism and major event sector. Her current position is General Manager of venues for North Pier Hotel (part of the Saltwater Hotels and Properties group). She is also on the Board of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation. Kimberley is currently President of the Phillip Island Business Network, and Secretary of the Phillip Island & San Remo Liquor Accord.
Treasurer
Simon Manning
Simon has worked in Public Accountancy for over 35 years, and he knows small businesses from back to the front.
A CPA for 27 years and now a member of the Institute of Public Accountants, NTAA, SMSF association, SAPEPAA (Succession, Asset Protection & Estate Planning Advisers Association), and a registered SMSF Auditor. Simon has a Bachelor of Business in Economics & Marketing and a Diploma in Financial Planning.
Simon was born in South Gippsland but has only lived on the Island for 40 Years so is not considered a local yet. He lives in Cowes with his wife Belinda & daughter Rachel.
Outside work, he has many varied interests and is involved with several community organisations, a director of You Are My sunshine foundation, past director & treasurer of Newhaven College, and has been on the organising committee of the Cowes Classic Biathlon & Swim Classic for over 29 Years.
Chair Audit, Finance, Governance and Risk Committee
Catherine Basterfield
Catherine has a passion for both tourism and conservation and enjoys being part of the positive relationship between these two sectors that make Phillip Island a special destination. Catherine brings to the Board experience in tourism, risk management, strategy and financial management. She holds other Board positions at the Penguin Foundation and Not In My Workplace and plays a key role in the Phillip Island tourism industry as Chief Executive Officer of Phillip Island Nature Parks (the Nature Parks). The Nature Parks operates the Penguin Parade and a number of other much loved nature based tourism experiences on Phillip Island and manages a large portion of Phillip Island’s reserves and beaches. Catherine holds a Bachelor of Business, was formerly a CPA and has completed the AICD company directors course.
Secretary / Public Officer
Tina Orr
Tina is a Marketing & Communications Specialist, with over 15 years’ experience working across tourism & destination marketing, cultural events & festivals, global hotel groups and travel businesses. Currently the Marketing Manager at Jigsaw Travel & Mogul Ski World, she works with a wide range of global tourism partners and has a deep understanding of regional, national and international tourism environments. Previously holding senior positions in Melbourne-based Communications Agencies, Tina has worked on multiple PR and Marketing projects for Destination Philip Island, Phillip Island Nature Parks and Bass Coast Shire Council. Since relocating to the Island permanently in 2019, her passion for the region and local community has deepened, and she has become even more invested in supporting the development and growth of our tourism industry.
Chair Development Advisory Committee
Giles Thompson
Giles is an experienced senior executive having led, or been part of, executive teams in the sport & events, media & entertainment and digital & technology industries in Australia, UK, Europe and Asia. He is a Chartered Accountant by background and a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Recent experience as CEO of Racing Victoria exposed Giles to the opportunities and challenges of building a successful visitor economy in regional Victoria and the importance of local businesses and communities working with different levels of government and stakeholders to achieve great outcomes. Giles is passionate about making a contribution to the Phillip Island community by supporting the sustainable growth and development of the tourism industry, strengthening the economy and related employment opportunities and ensuring our natural assets are protected and enhanced.
Bass Coast Shire Council representative
Greg Box
Member
John Dickie
Owner operator of Wildlife Coast Cruises with over 40 years of experience exploring and operating in the rugged Bass Strait and local waters, John has focused the last 25 years on creating new and exciting scenic and wildlife cruises for the enjoyment of locals and visitors from all over the world.
Member
David Bennett
General Manager Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit
Member
Reepal Shah
Reepal Shah is an accomplished technology, strategy and transformation executive with more than 20 years of experience helping organisations navigate change, improve performance and deliver sustainable growth. He brings expertise in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, governance, risk management and strategic planning, gained through leadership roles across a diverse range of industries. Reepal holds a Master’s degree in Information Technology and an MBA and has extensive experience advising executive teams and Boards on complex business and technology initiatives. As an experienced Non-Executive Director, he is passionate about leveraging innovation, collaboration and sound governance to create long-term value for organisations, communities and industry stakeholders. As a Board Member of Destination Phillip Island, Reepal is committed to supporting a vibrant and sustainable visitor economy, strengthening industry partnerships and helping position Phillip Island as a leading destination while preserving the unique character, environment and community values that make the region distinctive.
Member
Jarran Heywood
Jarran has a background in public health and political advocacy. A longtime visitor to Phillip Island, he has worked as a political and policy leader across the community and government sectors.
Most recently, he served as Chief of Staff to the Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events and Environment (2022-2026) and as Senior Adviser to the Deputy Premier of Queensland (2018-2021). These senior roles were responsible for managing key complex and sensitive portfolio areas under various state governments, including Tourism, Sport, Environment and Health, working with industry, community and governments to help grow and sustain a tourism economy.
Jarran understands the contribution tourism and events make to local economies and communities and in joining the board is keen to give back to an industry that has given him so much.