Waters, Angus among new Tourism WA board members

Tourism Western Australia has appointed five new board members, including Perth Airport chief executive Jason Waters and Oolin Sunday Island Cultural Tours owner Rosanna Angus.

The state government has also appointed Kelsian Group WA general manager Andrew Lane, Swan River Seaplanes director Kristy Bailey and hospitality professional Caroline Taylor to the government tourism agency’s board.

Tourism Council WA chief executive Evan Hall said the new board members possessed a variety of expertise across tourism operations, marketing, hospitality, and aviation industries.

“It’s great to see enhanced industry expertise on the board, particularly as a new Tourism WA managing director is recruited,” Mr Hall said.

“The new board members will help steer the recovery of international tourism to WA, which is still 21 per cent behind from pre-COVID levels.”

Mr Waters has led Perth Airport since November last year after serving more than 18 months as Gold Corp chief executive.

He has a wealth of experience guiding companies as chief executive, formerly serving stints in this position at Synergy for eight years and Verve Energy for nearly two years.

Jawi woman Ms Angus operates Oolin Sunday Island Cultural Tours in Broome and was recognised at the Australian Top Tourism Town Awards 2023, winning Australia’s Top Tour Guide award.

She has facilitated guided tours to Sunday Island and other locations off the coast of Dampier Peninsula since 2019, sharing stories from her family and ancestors who lived there.

Mr Lane became the WA general manager of SeaLink Travel in 2017 and oversaw the travel company’s rebrand to Kelsian Group in early 2023.

Swan River Seaplanes director Ms Bailey has held this role for eight years and additionally became the director of Rottnest Water Taxi in December.

She previously served on the board of Tourism Council WA for more than six years until May.

Chef-by-trade Ms Taylor has experience as a business owner, hospitality consultant and currently works in administration and communications at Wines of Western Australia.

Mr Hall said Tourism WA’s newly announced board members would help guide the agency’s strategic direction.

“Both Mr Lane and Ms Bailey have invaluable expertise in tourism marketing and operating tourism products in both marine and land protected areas of high environmental value,” he said.

“Perth Airport CEO Jason Waters’ appointment will bring a critical perspective of driving international aviation passengers into Perth and regional WA.

“We warmly welcome Rosanna Angus’ appointment to the board of Tourism WA, who was awarded Western Australia’s FACET Golden Guide Award winner and Australia’s Top Tour Guide in 2023.”

Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti said the state government was pleased to welcome highly experienced tourism experts to Tourism WA.

“WA’s tourism sector has gone from strength to strength in recent years as evidenced by the record $17.7 billion in visitor spend achieved in 2023, and I have no doubt these new Commissioners will assist in driving even more success,” Ms Saffioti said.

Tourism WA has also confirmed existing board members Iain Grandage and Janelle Marr, and deputy chair Manny Papadoulis would have their terms extended.

This announcement comes one month after Carolyn Turnbull’s resignation as managing director.

Tourism WA executive director of strategy engagement Stephanie Underwood stepped up as acting managing director on May 13 as the organisation commenced a recruitment and selection process for Ms Turnbull’s successor.