The Team

Rhonda Taylor Chief Executive Officer

Rhonda joined East Coast Tourism from Orange in regional NSW in August 2019. She is very excited to join the East Coast team and has a love and a long history working in regional tourism. Rhonda led the development of Brand Orange Ltd for the local government areas of Orange, Cabonne and Blayney to grow visitation and investment in the regions and successfully developed this destination development and marketing organisation into a strong regional leader.

Most recently she has been a Director of Destination Network Country and Outback NSW, which covers over 61% of NSW. As part of this role, Rhonda contributed to the development of the organisation from the ground up through the development of a robust Destination Management Plan and related strategic plans.

Prior to regional tourism, Rhonda worked in the hotel, airline and travel industries throughout the Asia Pacific region. Rhonda has four sons, all of whom are studying or working in Australia and Canada, and she is married to Paul who also has a long history in the tourism industry.

To contact Rhonda email ceo@eastcoasttasmania.com.au or call 0422 222 446.

Kate Smith Projects and Administration Co-ordinator

Kates rich background in the hospitality and tourism sector as well as an undeniable passion for her home State of Tasmania, makes her an ideal choice for our Industry Development Project Coordinator. In this role, she’ll be supporting the East Coast Industry and communities in specific projects that form part of the Australian Government’s recovery strategy for regional tourism.

Over the past 15 years, Kate has built a reputation for her work in successfully producing large-scale business events for state, national and international organisations and associations. Prior to this she worked in regional tourism to develop emerging brands, products and experiences for Australian honey, opal and soft-adventure businesses in South Eastern Queensland.

Outside of work, Kate cherishes her role as mum to two small humans and a very human-like dog called Leo. In whatever spare time these three energetic dynamos allow her, she channels her creative energy into home-renovating and nurturing an ever-expanding garden.

To contact Kate email admin@eastcoasttasmania.com.au or call 0421 399 545.

Tony McLeod Industry Development Co-ordinator

Tony has a broad range of experience, ranging between corporate multinational, military and micro business roles. He moved to Bicheno in 2008 to take over Sandpiper Ocean Cottages, where he and Kyle transformed the business, going on to win a string of regional, state and national tourism awards. He is an active member of the Bicheno community, where he is currently the President of the Bicheno Community Development Association, and President of the Bicheno RSL Sub Branch.

To contact Tony email industry@eastcoasttasmania.com.au or call 0412 631 821.

Jes Cunningham Design, Digital, Communications and Event Marketing

Jes has experience in strategic marketing and planning, social media management and curation, events management, financial management, corporate brand establishment and executive administration duties. With a keen passion and experience in the tourism industry, Jes is responsible for marketing, design, digital and social media management.

To contact Jes email communications@eastcoasttasmania.com.au or call 0405 001 455.