Board Members

Kerry brings more than 30 years of national and international corporate experience in leadership, strategy, business development, and stakeholder engagement. After a long and successful corporate career, she moved to the Port Macquarie region with a clear mission — to help local businesses and communities grow, collaborate, and thrive. In her role as President of GPMTA, Kerry is a passionate advocate for the small and diverse operators who make the Port Macquarie Hastings region truly unique — from cafés and hotels to tour companies, cultural attractions, and family-owned enterprises. She is dedicated to ensuring every business feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed. Kerry also has a strong history of community leadership. She is the former President of the North Shore Progress Association, and in 2021 she stood as a candidate in the Port Macquarie Hastings Council elections under the Hastings First ticket, demonstrating her commitment to giving the community a strong voice in local decision-making.

Janette is the Vice President of the Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association and has been a dedicated member since 1984, including serving as President from 2010 – 2025. For more than four decades, she has played a significant role in championing and advancing tourism across the Port Macquarie Hastings region. With 34 years as Community Relations and Marketing Manager at Port Macquarie Panthers, Janette retired in 2011, having built a strong legacy of community leadership, strategic development, and stakeholder engagement. She continues to contribute her skills and experience through involvement on key local committees, including the Port Macquarie Hastings Council Tourism Marketing Sub-Committee and the GPMTA/PMHC Marketing Sub-Committee, and supports a range of community organisations such as Bravehearts. Janette’s service and impact have been widely acknowledged. She is a Life Member of both Port Macquarie Panthers and the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce, was named Port Macquarie Hastings Citizen of the Year in 2019, and received the Dean Gorddard Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual to NSW at the 2019 NSW State Tourism Awards. In 2024, she was honoured with the Order of Australia Medal, recognising her remarkable and sustained commitment to the region and its community.

Adam has been a GPMTA Board member for over 11 years, bringing extensive experience in both tourism and business. He is the owner of Watershed Insurance Brokers, where he provides tailored advice to small and medium enterprises, including many in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Before relocating to Port Macquarie, Adam gained significant experience in the tourism industry in Western Australia, giving him a broad perspective on regional tourism development, strategic planning, and business growth. Through more than a decade of service on the GPMTA Board, Adam has played a key role in supporting local operators, strengthening industry connections, and guiding initiatives that enhance the sustainability and growth of tourism in the Greater Port Macquarie region.

Chris Denny has been a dedicated member of the GPMTA Board since 2010 and currently serves as its Public Officer and Secretary. Chris brings deep roots in the Port Macquarie community, having lived here for around 18 years. He and his wife, Trish, previously established and operated The Observatory Hotel on Town Beach, helping to shape the region’s tourism landscape. Under their leadership, the Hotel became a celebrated local institution. Beyond his tourism role, Chris contributes actively across the business and education sectors. He has served on the boards of the Mid North Coast Community College and Business Port Macquarie, working closely with local government and stakeholders to foster business growth and community development. Chris is passionate about the region’s natural appeal, noting that while Port Macquarie’s connection to nature remains a defining strength, he’s also excited about the growing sophistication of its tourism offerings. His commitment to place and people continues to drive his board work: helping to preserve the character of the area while supporting its economic vitality.

Ian is a landscape architect and second-generation operator of the family-owned Bago Maze & Winery, where he has been instrumental in transforming the property into one of the region’s most unique agritourism destinations. After more than 15 years working professionally in landscape design, Ian returned to the family farm to apply his expertise in visitor experience, sustainability and creative land use. His leadership has seen the development of the iconic hedge and seasonal maize mazes, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Ian represents the Wauchope and Hinterland region on the GPMTA Board, bringing strong insight into rural tourism development and the evolving needs of regional operators

Luke joins the GPMTA Board as the Camden Haven representative, bringing strong regional advocacy and deep community connections. Widely known in the Camden Haven for his leadership and visibility as a trusted local real estate professional, Luke has built strong relationships across the community through his genuine engagement and commitment to local progress. He serves as President of the Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce and contributes to several key organisations, including the Camden Haven Historical Society, the Rotary Club of Laurieton and is a member of the Camden Haven Surf Life Saving Club. Luke also supports the charity Community at 3 and helps celebrate local people and achievements as a freelance journalist for Camden Haven News of the Area. With a reputation for integrity, accountability, and a collaborative approach, Luke is passionate about ensuring Camden Haven’s voice is strongly represented. A keen fisherman, swimmer, golfer, and barbecue enthusiast, he values the lifestyle and community spirit that make the region unique and is dedicated to supporting its continued growth and success.

Trudyellen joined the GPMTA Board in 2023 and leads the Membership Services Sub-Committee. As the General Manager of Square One Media in Port Macquarie, she brings extensive experience in digital marketing, communications, and business development, working closely with organisations to strengthen their visibility and growth. Trudyellen is focused on strengthening member engagement and ensuring local tourism operators are accessing the full value of their membership, including resources, networking opportunities, and collective advocacy. She is passionate about supporting businesses across the region and helping members make the most of the tools and benefits available to them through the GPMTA.

Elsa Barbosa is the co-owner and Manager of Port AdVenture Cruises, one of Port Macquarie’s leading visitor attractions. She oversees all aspects of the business, including guest experience, marketing, bookings, catering and day-to-day operations, ensuring every cruise reflects the warm hospitality the business is known for. Originally from Portugal, Elsa moved to Port Macquarie in 2018 and quickly became an enthusiastic supporter of the region’s tourism, business and community sectors. She is also a familiar presence on local radio as co-host of “Talking Entertainment with Dave and Elsa” on 2WAY FM, where she helps shine a spotlight on local events, businesses and people shaping the Hastings region. Elsa is a strong advocate for inclusive and sustainable tourism, ensuring Port AdVenture Cruises welcomes guests of all abilities and actively supports community programs and fundraising initiatives. As a GPMTA Board member, she brings valuable insights from a frontline tourism and small-business perspective, helping champion initiatives that strengthen the region’s visitor economy and enhance the overall visitor experience.

Katie Turner is a highly accomplished entrepreneur and the Founder & Fun Director of DVINE Experiences, with over 20 years of experience navigating diverse business landscapes. As a seasoned founder, Katie has honed her expertise in creating dynamic digital strategies that transform online representations into professional, attractive, and high-converting brand experiences. Her ability to bridge the gap between customer experience, technical design, and the digital realm allows her to craft seamless integrations across platforms, ensuring impactful results for clients and partners. Katie brings a unique blend of creativity, strategy, and innovation to the Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association, helping shape the region’s vision for sustainable, experience-driven tourism growth.

Denise is an urban planner, solicitor and Director of ID Planning, a Port Macquarie–based consultancy specialising in community engagement and strategic planning. With extensive experience working across government, business and community sectors, Denise is committed to creating opportunities that support sustainable growth and positive development across the Greater Port Macquarie region. Her professional work focuses on helping organisations and councils understand community needs, navigate complex planning frameworks, and deliver projects that strengthen local economies and enhance liveability. Denise brings to the GPMTA Board a strong understanding of regional planning, government processes and stakeholder collaboration, along with a deep passion for ensuring that the region continues to thrive. Outside her professional commitments, Denise is an enthusiastic early-morning swimmer, rider and runner, often discovering the best local coffee spots along the way – something she considers an essential part of enjoying life in this region.

Bianca is the owner and founder of The Witchy Nook, a Port Macquarie boutique specialising in crystals, metaphysical products, and natural self-care. Inspired during the Covid-19 lockdowns, she took the chance to pursue her long-held dream of running her own business and turned her passion for crystals, tarot, astrology, and holistic wellbeing into a thriving local brand. After moving to Port Macquarie in 2021, Bianca built The Witchy Nook from the ground up, launching online and quickly growing a loyal customer community. With previous experience running her own photography business, she brings creativity, determination, and strong entrepreneurial drive to everything she does. As a member of the GPMTA Board, Bianca brings the perspective of a young, independent business owner, along with insight into retail, product-based tourism, and the growing interest in wellness and lifestyle experiences within the region. She is committed to helping others find clarity, balance, and inspiration through her work and continues to develop The Witchy Nook as a welcoming space for those seeking connection, guidance, and a little magic in their everyday lives.