Our Board

Michael is the Chair of Tourism NT and Chair of the CGH Group, a specialist labour-hire and recruitment company with 21 offices throughout Australia and the Asia-Pacific Region.

Michael’s background is in aviation where he spent nearly 30 years with Airnorth, Australia’s second-oldest airline. During his aviation career, he spent time as Chair of the Regional Aviation Association of Australia (seven years), was a Trustee/Director of the Aviation Industry Superannuation Trust (eight years) and sat on several international Advisory Boards for the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer, Embraer. Recently, he spent five years on the Board of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and is currently an Ambassador for the Australian Aviation Hall of Fame.

Michael is a recipient of the National Australia Bank’s Medal for Management Innovation and in 2008 was awarded the Australian Aviation “Personality of the Year” for his work on creating an industry-wide forum bringing a consolidated voice for the 12 industry associations.

Penny is CEO of Darwin tourist attraction Crocosaurus Cove and has been with the company since it opened in 2008. With many years of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry, Penny has been a contributor to key sectors such as business events and trade distribution.

A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, she holds a diploma in both Hospitality Management and Frontline Management. Her skillset also includes finance, risk, strategy, marketing and human resources.

In 2018 Penny was elected as a Director on the Board of Management for Tourism Top End, of which she has actively represented members in several government forums, both Territory and Federal. In June 2020, Penny was appointed to the Board of Northern Territory Major Events, where her skills and knowledge of the tourism industry help deliver the strategic objectives of the company.

Peter is one of Australia’s leading event producers with more than 30 years’ experience creating, designing, and delivering special events across the country.

He was the Managing Director of Melbourne-based Peter Jones Special Events, which has been the recipient of over 35 Meetings & Events Industry Awards, including Outstanding Contribution by an Individual and induction into the Hall of Fame in two separate categories, Special Event Organiser and Public Event of the Year. Peter joined the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust in 2022.

Lauren is the Head of Telstra’s First Nations Strategy & Engagement where she leads the strategy and ongoing governance of engagement with First Nations peoples and communities across Australia.

Her work involves providing strategic advice, leading programs, and business activities to improve digital and social inclusion, along with advocating for better outcomes for First Nations peoples and communities across Australia. Lauren’s career with Telstra spans 40 years.

Tony is a Commercial & Corporate Partner in national legal firm HWL Ebsworth Lawyers, which has offices in every Australian capital city. He has more than 30 years of legal experience across government and private enterprise in the Northern Territory, and more widely in Australia.

With a strong focus on the tourism, health, education, banking, finance, construction and property industries, Tony has experience across a broad spectrum of legal subject matters including general advisory, risk, governance and assurance, legal compliance, transactional dealings, and project work.

Tony is the Managing Partner of the Darwin office and serves on a number of profit and not-for-profit boards in the Northern Territory.

Sera, an Arrernte woman from Central Australia, has worked in construction, economic development, and project management for more than two decades. Previously, as Regional Director of the Housing Program Office, she played a vital role in infrastructure development.

Currently, Sera serves as Senior Director on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery of Australia (ATSIAGA) Project in Alice Springs and chairs Desert Knowledge Australia. Her career is marked by a strong commitment to advancing and empowering First Nations communities.

Shelley brings over 25 years of corporate and financial management experience to her role as Head of Corporate Business | Chief Financial Officer. Her extensive experience is complemented by her responsibilities as Company Secretary where she collaborates closely with the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors.

In this capacity, Shelley ensures the delivery of accurate financial and performance information, upholds sound corporate governance, and manages effective risk mitigation strategies. Shelley provides strategic direction and guidance, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability withing the company. She is a Fellow of CPA Australia (FCPA) and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Deakin University. Additionally, Shelley is a graduate of the Company Directors Course from the Australian Institute of Company Directors.