Our Board
Statement of Purpose
To act as the peak tourism body for the Phillip Island region, as defined from time to time in tourism industry strategic plans developed by Visit Victoria and Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR) or their equivalent, focusing on the development and growth of the tourism industry in the region, strategic tourism development, marketing and advocacy for the region.
To consolidate the strategic direction of the tourism industry for the entire Phillip Island region and communicate with key partners such as Local Government, Visit Victoria, DJSIR, Tourism Australia, Austrade and other relevant independent legal entities.
To perform the following functions for the Phillip Island region:
- Industry development
- Product development
- Regional marketing
- Strong advocacy and a united voice for the region
- Effective coordination and communication, skills training, leadership and mentoring, networking, identifying investment/infrastructure opportunities, and managing tourism sustainability.
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.
Member
Steve Morris
Steve Morris is an experienced management professional with a wealth of experience in the digital technology space. Steve has a diverse background in IT, which has translated into his exceptional knowledge and respect in the industry.
At the beginning of his career, he worked in the USA & Europe for five years, setting up IT sourcing for large corporate clients. He returned to Australia in the late nineties, developing a first-of-its-kind, internet-based B2B Commerce solution, which was integral to the company going public in 1999. In the early 2000s, after making a sea change to Phillip Island, he founded an innovative Managed IT Services business that successfully sold with staff after 14 years of providing local and surrounding businesses with a complete range of Managed IT Services.
Steve is the CEO of an ERP Software company with staff across Australia and New Zealand and remains a permanent resident of Phillip Island.
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