Founder Simon Thornalley has been recognised as an emerging force in tourism with his recent appointment as an Indigenous Young Tourism Leader. Read More

The Palaszczuk Government has today announced 10 Indigenous Young Tourism Leaders to champion their industry and culture in 2020 – the year of Queensland Indigenous Tourism.

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said she was proud to announce the first Indigenous cohort of Young Tourism Leaders.

“More tourists than ever before are looking for a cultural experience when they come to Queensland,” she said.

“Cultural tourism is a multi-billion-dollar global industry. We’re working with Indigenous tourism operators from throughout the state to make sure Queenslanders tap into this rapidly-growing sector.

“Building Queensland’s reputation as the capital for Indigenous tourism is a priority. That’s why the Premier named 2020 the Year of Indigenous Tourism.”

Ms Jones said tourism was vital to Queensland, pumping $27 billion into the economy and supporting 236,000 jobs.

“By providing influential and inspiring role models through the Young Tourism Leaders program, we’re aiming to encourage young people to stay and progress in the tourism industry,” she said.

“Young Tourism Leaders are advocates for the industry. They engage with school and college students throughout Queensland around the opportunities a career in tourism can offer.

“The program is all about showcasing to our participants that the industry is diverse, exciting and opens doors to other opportunities.”

Ms Jones said the Young Tourism Leaders program started in 2017 had so far engaged more than 7000 students across the state.  

She said this group of 10 Indigenous Young Tourism Leaders were from Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Bundaberg and Cairns. They’ll join 33 existing 33 Young Tourism Leaders across the state.

William Enoch Tranby, a former Young Tourism Leader, was today announced as a mentor for this cohort of Indigenous Young Tourism Leaders.   

Mr Enoch Tranby said the YTL program enabled him to connect with current tourism leaders and to inspire the next tourism leaders. 

“I hope the next YTL group will absorb each other’s experiences and work as a collective for the benefit of the industry and to have an impact on the next generation,” he said.

The 10 Indigenous Inductees are:

 • Simon Thornalley, Owner/Director, Saltwater Eco Tours (Sunshine Coast)

 • Chanaya Warbrick, Barista/café all-rounder, Birrunga Gallery and Dining (Brisbane)

 • Anthony Cora, Cultural Officer, Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre (Gold Coast)

 • Leonard Donahue, Performing Arts professional and Senior Indigenous Officer, Dreamworld Corroboree (Gold Coast)

 • Stacia Fogarty, Senior Indigenous Officer, Dreamworld Corroboree (Gold Coast)

 • Tyson Kelly, Senior Indigenous Officer, Dreamworld Corroboree (Gold Coast)

 • George Bell, Sales Executive, Down Under Tours Australia (Cairns)

 • Blake Cedar, Ranger, Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel (Cairns)

 • Elizabeth Lui, Food and Beverage Attendant, Pullman Cairns International (Cairns)

 • Chern’ee Sutton, Contemporary Indigenous Artist (Bundaberg).