Keynote Speaker
Martin Wisata - Rocky Trail Entertainment, Managing Director
Martin Wisata is one of the driving forces behind the Rocky Trail Group, encompassing Rocky Trail Entertainment, which has delivered premier mountain bike competitions and regional cycling destination promotions since 2008. As Managing Director of Rocky Trail Entertainment, he has developed and executed numerous successful mountain biking events across multiple Australian states and led the team that conceptualised and launched successful racing series like the Fox Superflow and the Rocky Trail Academy schools competitions as well as stand-alone marathon and 24 hour endurance events.
Recognising that Nature Based Tourism (NBT) has become a super sector in Australia with huge growth potential, the group also offers destination development services specialised in nature- and trail-based tourism with their new Rocky Trail Destination business, which was the principal contractor to develop the 125km Mogo Trails network on the NSW South Coast in Batemans Bay. This partnership with the events division brings Sea Otter Australia to life and establish it as one of the very few international cycling events in the country.
This proven track record extends internationally – the business recently secured a 10-year licensing contract with the California-based, global Sea Otter bike festival brand. Launching in Batemans Bay and on Mogo Trails in October this year, the Festival will establish the largest cycling consumer expo and industry tradeshow, with Mogo Trails as its backdrop, hosting seven official races as well as over a dozen social rides across a huge variety of bike disciplines.
Martin applies his financial and operational skills to develop nature-based tourism consultancies, manage infrastructure projects, and provide entrepreneurial training, while also contributing to the Eurobodalla Shire Council Visitor Economy Working Group. The Wisata family moved to the NSW South Coast last year in May, now running their businesses out of their office near Batemans Bay - in riding distance to Mogo Trails!
Panel Speaker
Kelly Eastwood – Eastwood’s Bermagui, Founder & Chef
After 14 years working as a Private Chef to Royalty, Russian Oligarchs and others on the Forbes list, Kelly Eastwood traded life at sea for a career in television. As a Home Economist and TV Food Producer, she worked behind the scenes on MasterChef Australia, My Kitchen Rules, Better Homes and Gardens and The Great Australian Bake Off. It was River Cottage Australia that first brought Kelly to the Far South Coast of NSW, where she fell in love with the community, the produce and the pace of coastal life.
When filming wrapped, Kelly established Eastwood’s Deli and Cooking School, later evolving into Eastwood’s Bermagui. During the 2020 bushfires, Kelly and her team partnered with World Central Kitchen to operate a disaster-relief kitchen, providing thousands of meals to fire-affected communities.
Following the pandemic, Eastwood’s pivoted from café to ready-meal delivery and catering, now serving the region from Pambula to Batemans Bay. The business proudly supplies Meals on Wheels Bega, Home Care Package clients, NDIS participants and local supermarkets.
Today, Eastwood’s Bermagui continues to embody Kelly’s philosophy – creating beautiful, nourishing food that brings people together.
Panel Speaker
Michael Thomson - Canberra Airport, Head of Aviation
Michael Thomson has been the Head of Aviation at Canberra Airport since joining the group in February 2019.
A native Canberran, Michael has extensive international management experience working with FIFA on the 2002 World Cup, and as Nike’s head of sports marketing in Greater China. He has also held senior roles for the Australian Sports Commission and was CEO of the Brumbies rugby team.
Michael graduated from Australian National University with economics and science degrees and received a post graduate law degree from University of Canberra.
Strategic Address
Stephen Mahoney - Destination NSW, General Manager, Policy, Product & Engagement
Stephen Mahoney joined Destination NSW in 2017 and has since held a range of senior leadership roles, including Acting Chief Executive Officer on two occasions in 2019–20 and 2024–25. He currently serves as General Manager, Policy, Product and Engagement and Acting General Manager, Consumer Marketing.
In 2024, Stephen led the development of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, drawing on more than 30 years’ experience in aviation, tourism marketing, destination development, corporate affairs, government relations and stakeholder engagement.
Before joining Destination NSW, Stephen held senior positions with Qantas Airways, Japan Airlines, Etihad Airways and Tourism Australia in Australia, Japan and the USA, and led marketing and communications at Australian Wool Innovation, the Australia Council for the Arts and Southcorp Wines.
Strategic Address
Jonathan Kobus - VisitCanberra, Executive Branch Manager
Jonathan Kobus is the Executive Branch Manager, of VisitCanberra. VisitCanberra leads the Canberra and region tourism industry to create and implement a range of marketing and development programs that aim to increase the economic return from domestic and international visitation.
Prior to joining VisitCanberra, Jonathan was the Senior Manager for trade and investment programs in the ACT Government, promoting Canberra as place to invest and do business, as well as connecting Canberra businesses with opportunities in international markets. Jonathan has led the development and implementation of several strategic directions for the ACT’s tourism industry including T2030 – ACT Tourism Strategy 2023-2030. Jonathan was also central to the establishment of the Canberra – Wellington Sister City Agreement.
With more than 15 years experience in the tourism industry across private sector and government, Jonathan was awarded the Public Service Medal for outstanding public service to the Canberra and region tourism industry through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Strategic Address
Lauren Douglass - Australian Regional Tourism, Chief Executive Officer
With more than 20 years’ experience in tourism leadership, Lauren Douglass is the Chief Executive Officer of Australian Regional Tourism. She works in partnership with industry, government and regional stakeholders to deliver strategies and initiatives that strengthen the competitiveness, sustainability and resilience of Australia’s regional visitor economy.
With a strong focus on measuring and maximising tourism’s broader value, Lauren is leading national work to integrate social impact metrics alongside economic performance in destination planning. She has led agritourism initiatives that support farm diversification and is driving the creation of a national crisis response framework to ensure the sector is better prepared for future disruptions.
Drawing on her deep knowledge of tourism leadership, stakeholder engagement and policy development, Lauren is committed to delivering outcomes that grow regional market share, build industry capability and create lasting benefits for regional communities and businesses.
Strategic Address
Panel Speaker
Kathryn Carling - Area General Manager - Canberra, Doma Hotels
Kathryn Carling brings over 25 years of industry experience to her role as Doma Hotels Area General Manager. Combining her passion for travel, hospitality and the environment, Kathryn has worked in the hotel industry throughout Japan, Canada and Australia. She holds a Degree in Business Management and a Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Leadership. Kathryn is a board member for the National Capital Attractions Association and the ACT Branch of the Australian Hotels Association.
