Bess Nolan-Cook
About
Bess is the CEO of Tourism North East, Mum to two soccer obsessed boys, a Great Dane called ’Ted’ and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel called ‘Ernie'. Bess has a background in marketing, communications and major events and is very passionate about uniting people to achieve brilliant things. Most importantly, things they can be proud of.
Helen Rose
About
Helen is a hospitality-savvy, bookkeeping-certified, governance enthusiast with a background in luxe hotels, government bookshops, wineries, and more. Juggling family life, consulting in tourism, and pursuing golf with her serious-golfer spouse, all while enjoying tennis, travel, and savouring exquisite wines. Cheers to a life well balanced!
Karenne Thistleton
About
After a long career in the public sector, Karenne brings her extensive administration, policy and governance skills to the TNE team. After 'retiring' to Beechworth in 2015, Karenne can often be found cooking up a storm or trying to keep her garden under control when she's not out sampling some of the region's best food and wine.
Mark Elliott
About
Mark is a life-long learner with a career spanning technology, the mental health sector and a number of not-for-profit organisations. He spends his free time listening to music, reading science fiction and walking with Felix his very cute and friendly King Charles puppy.
Communications
Courtney Blackwell
About
With extensive experience in copywriting, food and wine marketing and industry development, Courtney brings a unique flavour to the TNE comms team. A horticulturist and chicken fancier, you’ll find her tending to the vineyard and veggie patch, or sampling Beechworth wine regions finest.
Korinne Arblaster
About
Embracing her rich two-decade voyage through the domains of design and marketing, Korinne masterfully infuses vitality into the visual communications that underpin Tourism North East and its regional pillars. Beyond TNE, Korinne can be found blissfully navigating the region's mountain bike trails, pursuing adventure with every twist and turn.
Elizabeth Costello
About
A global luxury marketing and communications specialist, with more than 20 years' experience in the luxury and lifestyle industries. Elizabeth is an accomplished brand strategist, innovator and creative leader. Relocating to Rutherglen and joining the team in February 2022 has provided an ideal opportunity to connect her passion for art, food, wine, and adventure.
Visitor Experience
Dean Cleave-Smith
Chris Howard
About
Starting in IT using an abacus to count animals on Noah’s Ark, Chris has extensive IT development and support experience in a wide range of public, private and community organisations, run a couple of IT businesses, studied graphic design, writing, environmental science, geospatial science and... is still trying to work out what he wants to do when he grows up. But he does know you can’t have too many guitars.
Christina Harris
About
Powered by mountains and her reusable coffee cup, Christina is passionate about using her decade of adventure and tourism marketing experience to promote all things Victoria’s High Country and Ride High Country. She’s always up for an adventure (and a chat) and can be found on the closest local trail snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking or waterfall chasing.
James Davidson
About
In a 20-year career spanning Communications, Marketing, Social Media, and Photography, James has accumulated extensive experience. At Tourism North East, he manages a range of social media accounts for the High Country region. His notable achievement includes transforming Victoria's High Country/@seehighcountry SM channels into the most influential Victorian RTB social profile, boasting the highest combined following, reach, and engagement.
Karl Gray
About
Karl sits in the corner because he is very paranoid and can be found clicking and pushing keys. He seems to be doing things but who can tell, if you are reading this maybe don't contact him try one of the others.
Product Development + Industry Engagement
Charlie Vincent
About
Charlie has extensive experience in business management for corporate businesses and not-for-profit organisations. She has run several successful start-up tourism businesses and inspires a culture of excellence in service delivery. Charlie loves the four distinct seasons in Victoria’s High Country, the stunning handmade wines and craft gins.
Matt White
About
An avid cyclist, Matt is ideally suited in his role as Project Manager of our Gravel Cycling Tourism Activation Project. A highly experienced marketing executive, he's driven by the opportunity for positive impact...and bottomless turns on a bluebird winter's day at Hotham.
Fiona Morris
About
Fiona is a specialist product and experience designer passionate about helping businesses improve their tourism offerings. Fiona splits her spare time between drinking coffee and exploring the stunning cycling routes and trails around Victoria's High Country.
Gina Elliott
About
Gina strives to build a united tourism community, and loves working with operators to create captivating visitor experiences. Beyond work, she keeps busy with her family on the slopes of Mt Buller in winter and exploring Lake Eildon in their vintage ski boat in summer!
Chris McKnight
About
Chris brings a wealth of experience from coaching Paralympic Ski teams to managing snow athletes. Actively engaged in North East Victoria's gravel riding community, Chris, a former competitive mountain biker in North America, is passionate about ensuring everyone has access to and is included in the region's best experiences.
Charlie Webster
About
Charlie is a TNE Project Manager working on the Murray to Mountain Rail Trail enhancements project. When he is not in the TNE office he enjoys trout fishing in the local rivers, playing Hockey for the Wangaratta Dragons and hanging out with his family.