A FORMER director of international marketing for Tourism and Events Queensland has been named as the new interim co-ordinator for the Southern Downs Regional Council’s Economic Development, Major Events and Tourism Unit.
Mike Mahoney will take up the position tomorrow, managing the transition of services from Destination Southern Downs to Southern Downs Regional Council.
Southern Downs mayor Tracy Dobie said his role was to ensure that the Visitor Information Centres were offering services to visitors and that major events were being well supported.
“Mike’s background is impressive and demonstrates his significant knowledge of the tourism and events sectors, as well as his familiarity with regional development,” she said.
“Mike is well known within government networks and the industry, and he specialises in the development of tourism product and marketing.”
Mr Mahoney has more than 35 years of experience in the regional development and tourism sectors, including board roles with Tourism Sunshine Coast, Tourism Whitsundays and Townsville Enterprise. Mike has also held the roles of regional director Tropical North Queensland as well as director international marketing for Tourism and Events Queensland.
Additionally, he wrote the Regional Development Strategy for Logan City Council.
Mr Mahoney will be in the acting role for a period of three months and will be tasked with laying the new foundations for the delivery of quality services in relation to major events, tourism, and marketing of the region, as well as economic development.
A recruitment process for the co-ordinator role will occur at this time.
Cr Dobie said she was very pleased that the council was able to encourage such a well-qualified and experienced person to assist with this important transition process.
“With plenty of experience in the private and public sectors, Mr Mahoney will be a great asset in assisting the council to undertake the transfer of responsibilities from Destination Southern Downs.
“Further, Mr Mahoney has established relationships with Tourism and Events Queensland staff as well as Southern Queensland Country Tourism staff, which all bodes well for ensuring that the Southern Downs is highlighted to key decision makers across State Government and the sector,” she said.
The mayor emphasised that in the first few weeks Mr Mahoney would be working hard to ensure a seamless transition of services from Destination Southern Downs to the council.
“Mike will be making himself available to engage with and seek input from tourism business owners and managers as to appropriate and effective marketing campaigns that highlight the strengths of the region,” she said.
Earlier this month, the council had announced Susan Tyrell however they were unable to facilitate her temporary release from her current job in the Department of State Development due to new additional requirements in her existing role.
Once he starts, Mr Mahoney is expected to undertake interviews for the recently advertised Visitor Information Centre officers, for which council has received a very strong response.
