Our Board

Rosie Douglas
Appointed Director, Elected TPDD Chair

Director - Rosie Douglas Consulting

With an illustrious career spanning over 40 years in the tourism and hospitality sectors, Rosie brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to the organisation. Rosie Douglas is renowned for her extensive expertise in destination marketing, event attraction, human resource management, sales & marketing, and partnership management. Her leadership roles at Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) have been instrumental in attracting major events and forming strategic tourism partnerships, making her an ideal fit to lead TPDD into its next chapter. In her previous roles, Rosie has successfully negotiated strategic tourism partnerships with key players such as Flight Centre, Webjet, and Ignite Travel Group, as well as aviation partnerships with both international and domestic carriers. Her comprehensive understanding of the industry and her vast network of contacts will be invaluable assets to TPDD.

Abi Ralph
Elected Cape Tribulation Zone Director

Daintree Discovery Centre Manager

Abi Ralph has considerable experience in the tourism industry spanning more than 25 years. Today, she is the manager of the Daintree Discovery Centre, overseeing a team of 12 employees.

She has lived North of the Daintree River since 1996, and is highly motivated and passionate about the area and the tourism industry.

Lani Strathearn
TTNQ Director

Tourism Tropical North Queensland Marketing Manager

Lani is a performance-driven marketing professional with a passion for the tourism industry.

With over 14 years of tourism marketing experience, she is skilled in developing and implementing integrated marketing campaigns and leading successful product launches, promotions, digital marketing, and strategic brand development.

Sharyn Brydon
Vice Chair

North Queensland Airports Aviation Business Development Manager

Kieran Jon Ryan
Appointed General Director

Tourism Manager - Jabalbina Yalanaji Aboriginal Corporation

Hi, my name is Kieran Ryan, more commonly known as, Jon Jon. I am a Cultural Man of the Kuku Yalanji people from within the Nyungkal Clan, more specifically, Kumurbina (Black Cockatoo). My First Nations ancestry also reaches out to Gunggandji (Yarrabah) & K’Gari (briefly known as Fraser Is.).Over the last 15 years I have focused on personally developing a safe space for sharing and educating people on traditions, cultural practices and customs that have been taught to me by my peers & Elders of the Kuku Yalanji Nation. In the last four years working with Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation (JYAC) RNTBC, under three separate managers, I have undertaken many positions, working within many programs, both in-the-field and administrative roles that have exhibited my ability to perform and succeed in the completion of each role.Such roles focused on, but were not limited to community consultation, development and engagement with Wujal Wujal Council and the Eastern Kuku Yalanji First Nations community, facilitating and maintaining in-business partnerships with JYAC and breakthrough digital mapping of the Nyungkal Clan area. Through my hard work and effort with JYAC, I have been successful in securing the Tourism Manger role and have been recognised for my work within the Tourism Industry, tour guiding and operations management.

Benjamin Brown
Elected General Director

General Manager - Silky Oaks Lodge

With a robust career in hospitality management, I currently serve as General Manager for Baillie Lodges, overseeing Silky Oaks Lodge. This luxury 40-lodge property is the jewel of far north Queensland. My role encompasses all facets of operations, from guest experiences and team management to strategic business oversight.Previously, I worked with Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, managing the Desert Gardens Hotel and Emu Walk Apartments. This 218-room hotel and 63- apartment property includes two restaurants and a bar, serving approximately 700 meals daily, supported by a team of 130 members. Prior to that, I held a contract as General Manager at Vali Co Working Hotel in Byron Bay, where I led the redesign of a boutique hotel with co-working spaces. My background also includes managing Cooinda Lodge Kakadu, a self-sufficient resort under Accor Hotels and Resorts. There, I oversaw a wide array of services, including 48 lodge rooms, 20 eco luxury tents, 210 campsites, multiple F&B outlets, and a cultural centre. As part of this role, I also sat on the board of Kakadu Tourism and the Kakadu Tourism Consultant Committee. With experience managing teams and complex operations, I bring a strategic approach to leadership, tourism, driving operational efficiency while ensuring exceptional guest experiences.

Lisa Chambers
Elected General Director

Experience Co - Head of Sales NQ

Lisa moved to NQ from New Zealand, to join Experience Co as Head of Sales NQ. coming not only with fresh eyes, but also ideas and enthusiasm for this amazing region, she now call home. Lisa worked in NZ's tourism industry for about 18yrs and have sat on multiple different industry boards, including the RTO board for Lake Wanaka.

Ahmad Ghaddar
Appointed Port Douglas Zone Director

General Manager Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa and Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort & Spa

As a seasoned hospitality executive with over 20 years of experience, I bring a wealth of expertise in tourism management, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement to the board. My background includes leading luxury resorts and hotels, driving operational excellence, and delivering sustainable financial growth. With a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and international Tourism, I have honed a deep understanding of the tourism industry, both locally and internationally.Throughout my career, I have successfully developed and implemented strategies that enhance guest experiences, increase profitability, and strengthen brand reputation. My accomplishments include receiving the Accor Food & Beverage Excellence Award, High Performing Leader F&B, Appreciation of service for the support extended to the Australian Defence force in 2020 during the pandemic and contributing to the successful opening of iconic Luxury properties. I am highly skilled in collaborating with key stakeholders, fostering strong community relationships, and leveraging market insights to drive sustainable tourism growth. By joining the TPDD board, I aim to contribute my expertise in tourism operations, destination marketing, and leadership development to further enhance the region’s appeal.My focus will be on supporting sustainable growth initiatives, enriching visitor experiences, and strengthening the local economy through strategic tourism initiatives.

Jason Heffernan
Elected Mossman/Daintree Village Zone Director

Back Country Bliss – Owner

Jason Heffernan, the driving force behind Back Country Bliss Adventures, brings a unique combination of hands-on experience, innovation, and genuine commitment to the tourism scene in our region. Since moving to Port Douglas in 2016 and taking over Back Country Bliss Adventures, Jason has led the company to significant growth, always emphasising sustainable practices.

For the past 7 years, Jason has actively collaborated with a wide array of tourism experiences throughout the Douglas Shire. This approach has not only deepened his understanding of the region's offerings, but has also led to strong, lasting relationships with other business owners. This has provided Jason with a clear perspective on both the shared challenges and collective aspirations for the future of tourism in our region. Actively engaging with local and state governments, he's often at the forefront, addressing industry challenges.

His consistent involvement in both interstate and international trade events underlines his commitment to boosting our region's profile. but also provides him with insights into the evolving trends and practices of the broader industry.

Jason brings not just his business insights but also a strategic vision and genuine passion for growth and proactive collaboration.

Allan Horne
Elected Director

Originally from Scotland, Allan brings a global perspective and a deep appreciation for regional storytelling to his role as Director of Sales & Distribution at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas. With over 16 years of experience in proactive business development, Allan has built his career across Australia, working with some of the world's most prestigious hotel brands including Hilton, Langhan, Shangri-La, and now Marriott. His journey through these iconic institutions has shaped a dynamic approach to hospitality, blending international standards with local authenticity.

For the past seven years, Allan has proudly called Tropical North Queensland home. During this time, he has become a passionate advocate for the Port Douglas Daintree region, playing a key role in elevating its profile through strategic partnerships, innovative campaigns, and a relentless focus on customer experience. Allan thrives on collaboration and is inspired by the way the region comes together to deliver unforgettable experiences to visitors from around the world.

A creative thinker and bold strategist, Allan is known for pushing the boundaries of what's possible in destination sales. He consistently seeks out new ways to showcase the natural beauty, cultural richness, and unique character of the region, ensuring that Port Douglas and the Daintree remain top of mind for travellers seeking world class experiences. His leadership style is grounded in innovation, inclusivity, and a commitment to sustainable growth.

Allan's diverse background, visionary mindset, and deep local engagement make him a strong candidate for the Board of Tourism Port Douglas Daintree. He is excited about the opportunity to contribute to the region's continued success and to help shape its future as one of Australia's most iconic destinations.