The judging panel for the 2025 Tasmanian Tourism Awards comprised highly respected and experienced professionals from across the tourism and related industries. Each judge generously volunteered their time to assess entries, applying their expertise to provide entrants with thoughtful, constructive and detailed feedback.

Judging follows the national policies and guidelines and is overseen by an independent professional auditor to ensure transparency and integrity. Each submission is evaluated by a team of three judges, with category outcomes determined by the aggregate of the three judges’ scores, a validation review, digital review and consumer review score.

Judges dedicate significant amount of time reading and assessing submissions during the judging period.

The panel is guided by the Chair of Judges, who facilitates and moderates the judging process to ensure fairness, consistency and alignment with the standards of the national program.

Dr Terri Simpkin - Chair of Judges

Terri is an Associate Professor in Management and the Director of Mischief: a consulting firm specialising in organisational capability development. She is also a NED for social enterprise, Hamlet.

After an award-winning tenure at Drysdale she moved onto global management roles for Anglia Ruskin University and the University of Nottingham in the UK.

Prior to this, Terri held multiple leadership roles in human resources, strategy and business management. As a consultant to the hospitality and tourism sectors, she has worked extensively with government agencies, SMEs, international industry associations and large companies.

She focusses on the complexity of contemporary workforces and emergent leadership challenges across sectors including organisations such as the NHS, Bloomberg, CBRE, BAE Systems and Cambridge University.

Her PhD examined the complexities of occupational decision making in the hospitality industry. As a Churchill Fellow, she researched human resources practices in hospitality and tourism across the United Kingdom, Ireland and the United States including a management programme at Disney in Florida.

Daniel Aitken

Daniel is the Head of Marketing for MONA.

As a Tasmanian-born marketer, Daniel is passionate about the continued growth of sustainable tourism in Tasmania and believes our industry is at its best when we work collaboratively. Daniel is also Deputy Chair of the Board of Directors for Destination Southern Tasmania.

Ingrid Andersen

Ingrid Andersen is the Skills Tasmania Industry Partnership Manager for Tourism & Hospitality, among other sectors.

Her position sits within the business and jobs branch of the Department of State Growth, and involves key identification of training requirements for workforce development, developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, and progressing the government’s industry skills compacts, among other responsibilities.

Ingrid is a multi-year Tourism Awards Judge, and is dedicated to supporting and encouraging Tasmanian tourism and hospitality business to achieve longevity and success.

Allison Anderson

Alli is the principal consultant at episteme, a consultancy she founded to build connections between intuition and data to produce great strategy. She works with clients across Australia, New Zealand and globally to help them think differently about how to achieve the best outcomes for their places and people through tourism. She started out in Tasmania some years ago working as a consultant and was one of the first recipients of the Harry Holgate Fellowship from TICT and Tourism Tasmania.

She has a PhD in designing places for tourists and a Masters in Urban & Regional Planning. Previously the Head of Research & Insights at Tourism Tasmania, she is super passionate about tourism in Tasmania and loves working with her Tassie clients. She is currently Chair of the Northern Tasmania Development Corporation, Deputy Chair of East Coast Tourism Tasmania, and a member of the National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council.

Cat Carey

Cat is a passionate advocate for tourism with over 25 years of experience in both the commercial and government sectors.

From tour guide to tour operations, ITO and DMCs, developing product and visitor experiences, contracting, management and strategy development - Cat has covered multiple areas in her career and become an inbound and international specialist.

Her most recent role at Tourism Tasmania helped lift Tasmania's awareness globally as a sought-after premium destination. As Founder of Think Tourism, Cat brings these insights, support and development directly to operators and associations to continue to strive for exceptional tourism experiences and successful business outcomes.

Mette Dawe

Originally from Denmark, Mette has a background in Event Management organising events ranging from bespoke Tour de France VIP events to large corporate events and private functions.

Since first arriving in Tasmania in 2006, Mette has worked in hospitality, as a bushwalking guide, and as an Outdoor Instructor. This led to her completing a MSc in Outdoor Environmental and Sustainability Education from Edinburgh University and working as an Outdoor Education Facilitator in both Tasmania and in the Scottish Highlands.

In recent years Mette has worked within the Tasmanian tourism industry, spreading the word about the wonders of our island state through her work at the Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre, Tourism Tasmania and currently at Events Tasmania.

Natalie Ellis

Natalie is a very proud, born and bred Tasmanian with over fifteen years of experience in the tourism industry. Her career began at Tourism Tasmania, where she held diverse roles across the organisation, including within the Industry & Partnerships team and Corporate Communications.

Today, Natalie is the International Missions Planner within the Trade & International Relations team at the Department of State Growth. In this role, she channels her passion for connecting Tasmanian businesses with global opportunities, helping showcase the state’s unique offerings to the world. Her work is driven by a commitment to strengthening local businesses, whose success contributes towards the benefit of the community – always with Tasmania at the heart of her career.
In addition to state judging, Natalie is proudly marking her third year as a judge for the Australian Tourism Awards in 2025.

Chris Griffin

Chris has a broad range of experience in creating and implementing economic development and tourism strategies. As CEO of the Northern Tasmania Development Corporation, Chris champions collaboration between seven local government funding members and industry to drive sustainable growth and prosperity for the region.

Chris’s leadership has played a pivotal role in Northern Tasmania’s transformation, including co-leading Launceston’s successful bid as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy; supporting the creation and evolution of the Blue Derby MTB destination; co-designing and implementing the Cool Season Event Strategy and co-conspiring with TICT to host the 2018 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in the First Basin, Cataract Gorge Launceston. His prior executive roles include inaugural CEO of Visit Northern Tasmania and senior appointments with Tourism Tasmania.

Chris is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Tasmanian Leaders Program, living in Northern Tasmania with his two daughters and partner Phoebe.

Allison Anderson

Natalie is a very proud, born and bred Tasmanian. Natalie began her career in the tourism industry nearly eleven years ago, with Tourism Tasmania. During her time at Tourism Tasmania, Natalie worked across the agency in a variety of roles including within the Industry & Partnerships team and Corporate Communications.

Last year, Natalie joined the Trade & International Relations team at Department of State Growth as the International Missions Planner, where her passion and experience for showcasing and connecting Tasmanian businesses to the world will be at the forefront. Along with building the success of local businesses that contribute towards the benefit of the community, Tasmania has always been the leading star of Natalie’s career.

Katherine Halliday-Langford

Born into one of Tasmania’s pioneering tourism families, Kat Halliday grew up surrounded by hospitality and innovation. Her grandmother transformed icons such as Hadley’s Hotel and Fox & Hounds in the 1970s–80s before founding TasPubs, Royale Inns Travel Group and Regent Park Apartments, a legacy that continues to shape Kat’s approach today. In 2020, Kat launched Katherine Halliday Consulting, a boutique agency specialising in evidence-based marketing strategy and social storytelling. Her clients include Tasmania’s flagship attractions, Port Arthur Historic Site, Cascades Female Factory and Tahune Adventures, as well as acclaimed content creators Hype Productions. Her work focuses on sharpening brand voice, deepening engagement and delivering measurable impact. A Certified Practising Marketer and MBA graduate, Kat brings 19 years of experience spanning private enterprises and government agencies. She has held roles with Federal Group, Mantra Group, News Corp, the University of Tasmania, TasNetworks, and Marinus Link, building expertise in brand strategy, stakeholder management, communications and events. Kat is known for blending strategic rigour with authentic, people-first storytelling.

Emily Hopwood

Emily is a born and bred Tasmanian and started her career in hospitality and tourism at Hadley’s Hotel before relocating to Melbourne to work at the Hotel Windsor. Spending a decade in Victoria, she worked her way into hotel management, before taking on the role of Regional Revenue Manager for Mantra Group. Over several years, Emily revenue managed sixteen properties across Victoria and Tasmania, before the call of home grew strong, and she returned with a young family in tow.

Since returning home, Emily has enjoyed roles with Tourism Tasmania, RACT Destinations and West Coast Wilderness Railway. Emily recently joined the Business Events Tasmania team as Head of Marketing and Operations, Emily also represents Women in Tourism and Hospitality Tasmania (WITH Tas) on the TICT board.

When not working, Emily enjoys travelling with her family, and tries to mountain bike and grow vegetables at home in New Town.

Noani Johnston

Noani is the Marketing Planning Manager at Tourism Tasmania, where she helps shape the strategic marketing programs that build Tasmania’s brand and connect travellers to the island’s unique character and sense of place. She also manages the agency’s Marketing Our Regions program, working closely with Regional Tourism Organisations to ensure proportionate regional representation across Tourism Tasmania’s marketing activity.

With more than two decades’ experience in marketing, advertising, media and communications, Noani has led work with national and global brands across the tourism, retail and FMCG, government, non-profit, IT and lifestyle sectors. Her expertise spans brand strategy, media and communications planning, behavioural-change campaigns and stakeholder engagement, with a focus on creativity that delivers measurable impact.

A proud Tasmanian who grew up in the Huon Valley, Noani brings curiosity, strategic insight and a passion for celebrating Tasmanian tourism experiences that foster genuine connection and lasting benefit for communities and visitors alike.

Sue Leake

With more than three decades working in the visitor economy, Sue has developed an unwavering passion for the tourism industry, shaping her skills, knowledge, and expertise.

Her career began in hospitality while at university, progressing from family-owned restaurants to event operations and hotel roles that cemented her commitment to exceptional visitor experiences.

Sue went on to enjoy a 20-year career with Qantas and others in the aviation industry, working across retail sales, corporate travel management, business development, inbound tourism, and product management, gaining experience along the way guiding tour groups and famils. Additionally, roles within global corporate agencies such as Carlson Wagonlit and local Tasmanian tourism businesses, gave her a broad perspective across industry sectors.

Returning to her local roots with RACT, she re-discovered the unique gem that is the Tasmanian experience. Realising its world-class potential, Sue became passionate about sharing this love for tourism in Tasmania. Now a dedicated tourism educator with TasTAFE Drysdale, Sue shares her knowledge with the next generation of professionals.

Sue has proudly served as a Tasmanian Tourism Awards judge and is also a national judge for the Australian Tourism Awards, contributing her insights to recognise and celebrate excellence across the industry.

Sue remains a passionate advocate for quality, sustainability, and authentic Tasmanian experiences.

Paul McDonald

Paul entered the Tourism Industry out of a desire to travel, explore and protect wilderness areas. His career spans Sales, Marketing, Guest Experience and Technology, and he has been in senior leadership positions for the past decade. Paul is a Kiwi (don’t hold that against him) – he relocated with his young family to Tasmania during the pandemic, contributing to Tas Walking Co’s growth as Head of Commercial.

Now, Paul is a Senior Consultant for BAC, a digital transformation business and he also provides commercial consulting services to Iconic Walks, a tourism start-up based in Tasmania. He is a Director on the East Coast Tasmania Tourism Board and has degrees in Tourism and Physical Education. Always striving for a work-life balance, during his ‘down time’ you’ll likely find Paul out in the surf, hiking or hanging out with the family at a local park.

Kate Marsden

With 32 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Kate’s journey began as an eager 14-year-old in fast food. She worked in and managed multiple cafes owned by a coffee roaster in Sydney throughout university while studying a Bachelor of Arts at Sydney University.

In 2008, Kate took on the role of licensee and manager of a renowned Sydney pub, pioneering the shift to contract-free beer taps, and championing the burgeoning craft beer movement. Next moving on to another prominent inner west pub, revitalising and establishing it as a premier destination for craft beer enthusiasts. One of her proudest achievements here was creating a vibrant and inclusive beer club accessible to all and attracting more female beer lovers than any other event.

In late 2018, Kate made the move to Tasmania where she now proudly serves as manager and licensee of the Willie Smith’s Apple Shed. Overseeing all aspects of hospitality and culture at this iconic cider company. Kate has immersed herself in promoting the Huon Valley's rich offerings. From organising off-site festivals to managing the annual winter festival's food and beverage experiences, and helping to form the Huon Valley Tourism Network, as a founding committee member and former president she has relished every opportunity to highlight Tasmania's natural beauty and hospitality.

Mandy Pargeter

Mandy is a passionate and experienced event professional with over 12 years in industry, currently working within the Events Tasmania team at the Department of State Growth.

Before joining the public sector, Mandy spent more than a decade managing a diverse portfolio of events across Australia and internationally. Career highlights include contributing to the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in United Arab Emirates, the 2023 Hobart International Tennis and leading a successful inaugural motorsports event in northern Queensland.

Lisa Punshon

Lisa’s professional background includes management roles at both a state and local government level, private industry and with not for profits.

The core focus of her roles has consistently been the development of programs and projects that support businesses in the tourism, hospitality and retail industries.

Passionate about working with tourism and hospitality businesses and with government to develop the talent and skills needed for sustainable and responsible growth, Lisa is driven by the desire to influence and navigate all levels of government on behalf of industry with the belief that this will lead to greater opportunity for individuals, industry businesses and the broader Tasmanian community. Lisa is currently Executive Director of Visitor Experience Training, a hospitality and tourism industry-owned, government-supported Tasmanian training organisation.

Daniela Ruiz

Daniela is the Senior Manager, Sustainability Partnerships at Carbonhalo, where she supports hundreds of tourism and hospitality businesses in developing practical emissions reduction plans that can be clearly communicated to visitors and stakeholders. She has also led the update of sustainable tourism accreditation frameworks to align with global sustainability standards, ensuring Australia’s tourism sector remains future-ready and internationally credible.

Originally from Patagonia, Chile, Daniela has called Australia home since 2012. Her passion for travel and tourism began at age 14 during a solo seven-month stay in Alaska, and she’s since built a career around helping others travel with purpose. She believes travel is the greatest form of education and is committed to making tourism a force for good.

Daniela holds a Master’s degree in International Sustainable Tourism Management from Monash University and a certificate in Sustainable Tourism from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. In 2019, she moved to Tasmania to join Tourism Tasmania’s industry and partnerships team, where she worked for nearly four years and led the organisation’s first emissions measurement project.

She later joined the Department of State Growth as a Project Manager supporting the Tourism and Hospitality unit. There, she collaborated closely with Austrade on the development of the Sustainable Tourism Framework and Toolkit, where she championed inclusion and diversity. Most recently, Daniela also works with episteme Consulting in developing the Positive Impact Plan for Tasmania’s East Coast.

She has worn many hats across the industry, including roles in hospitality, customer service, operations, marketing, and industry development. She also serves on the Board of the Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania, continuing her commitment to community and inclusion.

Melinda Schultz

Melinda brings a wealth of experience from Tasmania’s tourism and events sectors. Currently the Estate Manager at Vaucluse Estate in the Northern Midlands, she oversees operations, events, and stakeholder relationships. With a passion for fostering community and business connections, she has also held key roles with Business Events Tasmania and Event Avenue, managing large-scale events and business development.

A proud Tasmanian, Melinda is passionate about promoting the state's unique offerings and connecting visitors to iconic, memorable experiences. She values the opportunity to contribute her expertise and champion the Tasmanian tourism industry through these Awards.

Liana Seadon

Liana started her career in tourism 6 years ago, working for a tourism magazine, before moving from media to transport, commencing her career with SkyBus/Kinetic in 2021 as the Sales Manager for Tasmania and recently moving into the role of Head of Sales for the southern region (Vic, Tas and NSW).

Liana was on the judging panel in 2021 and was previously the president of the Launceston and Tamar Valley Tourism Association and is currently on the committee of Young Tourism Tasmania.

Robert Stewart

Working at intersection of wine, tourism, and sustainability as the Cellar Door Manager at Small Wonder Wines, Robert has 19 years’ experience in the service industry and is passionate about creating unforgettable experiences and curating intimate tastings and tour experiences that showcase the rich diversity of Tasmania. His dedication lies in fostering connections between people, place, and wine.

.

.

Annabelle Sweetman

Annabelle has built a career spanning more than 30 years in the tourism and hospitality industry, including 17 years with Tourism Tasmania. Having lived and worked abroad, she discovered a lifelong passion for travel while on the road, ultimately choosing Tasmania as the place to settle and raise her family. Drawn by the island’s natural beauty, close-knit communities, and opportunities to make a difference, Annabelle now works with the Tasmanian Land Conservancy, contributing to the protection of Tasmania’s unique natural environment. Her role allows her to combine her professional expertise with her personal commitment to conserving the landscapes that make Tasmania special. Annabelle remains closely connected to the tourism industry, sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm through casual guiding and serving as a judge for tourism awards. She brings a deep appreciation for people, place, and purpose to everything she does.

Nicolas Turner

Nicolas has more than 30 years’ experience as a journalist and public relations professional in Tasmania.

As Executive Chairman of Cor Comms, he maintains extensive contacts in business, government and media, both in Tasmania and interstate.

Managing the full range of communication programs on behalf of the consultancy’s clients, and providing strategic communication advice to major business in the public and private sector, he consults to enterprises involved in tourism, primary production, sport and recreation, energy distribution, infrastructure development, public transport and racing.

He is a former journalist with the State’s major daily newspaper, the Mercury.

Outside of Cor Comms, he is a Director of Queen Vic Care and a Director of Cricket Tasmania, and is a Fellow and Life Member of Communication and Public Relations Australia (formerly the Public Relations Institute of Australia).

Audrey Vignau

A very passionate tourism professional with 25-year experience in tourism distribution and marketing, Audrey started her career with customer facing roles working for luxury hotels and cruise lines worldwide.

Since relocating to Australia in 2007, Audrey has worked very closely with Australian tourism businesses in various executive roles in operations and marketing across a wide range of sectors cruising, business events, leisure, wellness, and regional economic development. Audrey has also been on various industry committees and mentorship programs to guide emerging tourism leaders.

After almost a decade of completing winning tourism awards submissions in major attraction, eco destination and tourism towns, Audrey has enjoyed the opportunity to share her knowledge and support of the Tasmanian tourism industry through the judging process.

Oscar Vorobjovas-Pinta

Dr Oscar Vorobjovas-Pinta is an academic and advocate for inclusivity, diversity, and social change in tourism, hospitality, and events. His research explores how tourism can foster belonging, equality, and intercultural understanding, with a particular focus on gender and sexual diversity in polar, expedition, and cultural tourism. Having worked across Australia, Europe, and South America, Oscar brings a global perspective to tourism development, connecting local insights with international best practice. He has led several grant-funded projects and collaborates with institutions worldwide, including in Argentina, advancing research on gender and sexual (in)equalities in tourism and hospitality. With experience spanning education, research, and community engagement, Oscar is passionate about using tourism as a force for positive social impact. A traveller to more than 60 countries, he celebrates tourism’s power to create understanding, inspire transformation, and strengthen communities.