ABOUT US
The Queensland First Nations Tourism Council (QFNTC) is the independent peak industry body for First Nations Tourism in the state of Queensland.
The QFNTC is a not-for-profit association formed as a result of a major initiative of the Queensland First Nations Tourism Plan 2020-2025 undertaken in the Queensland Year of Indigenous Tourism, delivered through the Indigenous Working Group of the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) and funded by the Queensland Government.
QFNTC Board
The current board for the Queensland First Nations Tourism Council consists of members from the First Nations Working Group originally charged with delivering this project.
Cameron Costello
Chair
Cameron Costello, a Quandamooka man from Moreton Bay, is a law graduate with 15+ years' experience in delivering Indigenous policies and programs. Former CEO of Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation, he currently holds multiple advisory roles in Queensland.
Darrell Harris
Treasurer
Darrell Harris, a Mayl-Thakuti man from North Queensland, has extensive experience in the banking, not-for-profit, and creative arts industries. Currently, as General Manager of Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, he empowers and supports community groups and artists.
Suzanne Thompson
Secretary
Suzanne Thompson, from Barcaldine, maintains ancestral ties to Kunngeri/Iningai & Bidjera lands. With experience in government, she works on youth, community, and business development. Suzanne promotes partnerships for outback opportunities through her businesses.
Justine Dillon
Board member
Justine Dillon, a Kombumerri & Quandamooka woman, serves as the Project Coordinator for Ngarang-Wal Gold Coast Aboriginal Association Incorporated & Guanaba Indigenous Protected Area. She values environmental conservation and community engagement, conducting guided visits, managing crews, and delivering educational and cultural content.
David Hudson
David Hudson, a proud Western Yalanji/Ewamian man, is an internationally renowned musician, artist, entertainer, and facilitator. He delivers cultural presentations and consults on cultural tourism projects, combining contemporary and traditional Aboriginal influences. David is also recognised for his engaging guest speaking and MC skills.
Anthony McAvoy SC
Anthony McAvoy SC, a Wangan and Jagalingou Traditional owner, is Australia's first Indigenous silk. With expertise in native title, land claims, and environmental law, he is deeply committed to Indigenous justice. Recognised through awards and honors for his contributions to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, he is highly accomplished in various areas of law.
Dale Mundraby
Dale Mundraby, a Mandingalbay Yidinji man, transitioned from teaching to working with the Wet Tropics Management Authority and the local NTRB. As the Executive Director of Djunbunji Ltd, he focuses on protecting natural and cultural values while promoting self-determination and intergenerational change.
Fraser Nai
Fraser Nai, an identified Traditional Owner on Masig Island, has a background in public service and tourism. He co-founded Strait Experience and has been involved in several tourism initiatives across the Torres Strait. Fraser also serves on committees and boards in the tourism industry, including the First Nations Tourism Working Group for the Queensland Tourism Industry Council.
Shannon Ruska
Shannon Ruska, a descendent of the Yuggera, Nunukul, and Yugambeh people, has dedicated over 23 years to reviving and preserving Indigenous culture. He has educated millions globally and worked with major companies, sharing Aboriginal stories through Tribal Experiences.
QFNTC Expert Advisors
An Expert Advisory Panel has been established to provide advice to the QFNTC board on a needs basis.
Daniel Gschwind
Daniel Gschwind, former CEO of QTIC, now Professor of Practice at Griffith University and Adjunct Professor at the University of Queensland. He serves as Director of Tourism Whitsundays, board member of Jobs Queensland, Chair of the Tourism Reef Advisory Committee of GBRMPA, Honorary Consul for Switzerland in Queensland, and Dean of the Consular Corps. Previously involved in yacht charter and worked as a Senior Economist for Queensland Treasury.
Joe Sproats
Joe Sproats is a judge for the Queensland Tourism Awards and a member of the QTIC Tourism Indigenous Champions Network. As an operator of Dreamtime Learning, he and his wife provided hospitality, tourism, and business training for Indigenous communities. Joe, a Ngarigo man and South Sea Islander descendant, is a contract psychologist with Ngarigo Nation Indigenous Corporation and scribe for collecting and writing stories on Ngarigo people.
Katherine Reid
Katherine Reid, CEO of Bundaberg Tourism and QTIC Board member, has a deep understanding of regional tourism and business. With involvement in destination development, eco-tourism, and community projects, Katherine has won numerous awards and leads initiatives such as climate change adaptation, nature-based tourism, and marine turtle conservation. She is recognised as a collaborative leader, elevating the reputation and economic value of the tourism industry in the region.
Lisa Ruhanen
Dr. Lisa Ruhanen, a Professor in Tourism at UQ Business School, University of Queensland, specialises in Indigenous tourism, sustainable tourism, and destination policy and planning. With over 30 research projects and 100 publications, she has extensive experience working with the UN World Tourism Organization and co-editing a book on Indigenous Tourism.
Michelle Whitford
Associate Professor Michelle Whitford, Director of Curriculum Innovation at Griffith University, is a renowned expert in Indigenous tourism and events. With extensive experience in policy, planning, sustainable development, and management, Michelle has collaborated with various organisations including the Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre, Indigenous Business Australia, and Tourism and Events Queensland. She played a significant role in developing the First Nations Tourism Plan and continues to contribute to the QTIC First Nations Working Group Advisors Panel and the QLD First Nations Tourism Council. Michelle received the 2021 QTIC Destination IQ, Pip and Charles Woodward Award.
Natasha Montesalvo
Dr Natasha Montesalvo is a Principal Consultant at EarthCheck, specialising in destination strategy and insight. Formerly the Policy and Research Manager at QTIC, she co-authored a ground-breaking climate adaptation and mitigation strategy for the Queensland tourism industry. With a PhD in destination management, Natasha brings extensive experience in luxury hotels and tour operations across Australia, the UK, and Europe.
Ross Hanley
Ross Hanley is the Manager of Industry Engagement in the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training. With a focus on vocational education and training, he fosters connections between industry, schools, and the training sector to create successful career pathways for students. Ross also served as a St Joseph's Nudgee College Board member and represented Australia in Rugby Union from 1982-1985.
Sam Palmer
Samantha Palmer, General Manager of Austrade's Visitor Economy and Client Programs Division, leads the nation's tourism policy and recovery programs. She is responsible for the development of the THRIVE 2030 strategy, with a focus on expanding Indigenous tourism. Sam's diverse career spans over 30 years, with senior executive roles in various government sectors and recognition as a Woman of Influence and Diversity Champion.
Become a member
Queensland First Nations Tourism Council has three membership levels; First Nations Business, Full Corporate, and Associate.
The Associate level membership is open to both First Nations and Non-First Nations organisations, whilst First Nations Business and Full Corporate are exclusive to First Nations owned tourism organisations. To view the QFNTC’s current membership flyer, click here.
In its inaugural year, QFNTC has waived all membership fees. To apply for FREE membership while still available, complete this online form.