Vivienne McEvoy
Description of tourism business
Kununurra Visitor Centre is located at the gateway to the East Kimberley, providing vital visitor service, local knowledge and booking services. KVC connects travelers with tours, experiences and accommodation, supports local operators and promotes the region as a must-see destination, ensuring tourism continues to thrive in the community and region.
Candidate statement
Since arriving in Kununurra 2009, I have dedicated my career to tourism, developing a strong understanding of both operations and visitor servicing. My early years with Slingair/Heliwork (now Aviair) as Reservations and Operations Manager provided a solid foundation in customer engagement, logistics and tourism delivery. I have since served two terms as CEO of the Kununurra Visitor Centre (2015-2018 and 2021-present) where I continue to champion our region, its diverse experiences and the critical role visitor centres play in connecting people to place. My passion lies in grassroots tourism region and creating meaningful visitor experiences, supported by more than 45 years of customer service across multiple industries. Prior to tourism, I worked 20 years in finance and successfully managed a freight and logistics deport in the Pilbara, broadening my management and operational expertise. This varied career path has strengthened my leadership, strategic decision-making, and ability to adapt in a constantly changing environment. I am currently Vice Chair of VCWA, representing visitor centres across Australia’s North-West, and proudly service on several regional committees. I represent KVC on the East Kimberley Marketing Group and am a Board Member of Ord Valley Events, organisers of the Ord Valley Muster. Tourism is an industry that will continue to flourish as people everywhere seek new experiences and destinations. If re-elected to the Tourism Council WA Board, I will bring passion, grassroots insight and a strong regional voice to support growth and sustainability of our industry.
Kendra Naidoo
Description of tourism business
Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre plays a vital role in Western Australia’s tourism industry by attracting national and business events, conferences and exhibitions. These events generate significant economic impact, showcase WA’s world class hospitality and produce, and position Perth as a premier destination for business and leisure visitors.
Candidate statement
I joined the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC) in 2019 and was appointed General Manager in 2024. With 20 years of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry, I bring extensive expertise across events, venues, and stadia management. My career began in hotels in New Zealand before moving into Food & Beverage roles at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne. Since relocating to Perth in 2012, I have held senior roles delivering major events in WA including Leeuwin Estate Concert, Gourmet Escape, and the Perth International Golf Tournament, as well as senior leadership positions at PCEC, Perth Zoo, and HBF Park. At PCEC, I provide dynamic leadership in shaping and developing our senior leadership team across all areas of the business. I foster strong relationships with State Government agencies and industry stakeholders, ensuring PCEC consistently delivers world-class customer experiences for both internal and external guests. I am passionate about cultivating a positive, high-performance culture, and I am committed to driving organisational excellence and industry growth. I currently serve as a Major Partner Director on the Business Events Perth Board and as an elected Board Member for Women in Tourism and Hospitality. Originally from New Zealand, I proudly call Western Australia home, and I am so excited to support the growth and future of tourism in the state, with its enormous potential to deliver exceptional experiences for intra-state, interstate and international visitors.
Drew Norrish
Description of tourism business
Mackerel Islands Pty Ltd is an owner/operator of 3 tourism & hospitality properties in the Pilbara region of WA. The business ranges across marine tourism, cultural tourism, food & beverage, and resort style accommodation.
Candidate statement
Drew is the CEO of Mackerel Islands Pty Ltd, a WA family-owned tourism business operating in the NW of WA. He oversees the strategic growth and day to day operations of three unique regional properties – Mackerel Islands and Onslow Beach Resort, as well as the 100% aboriginal owned Karijini Eco Retreat. Commencing the role in 2008, Drew brings a wealth of regional operating knowledge and a broad range of skills across key tourism policy areas ranging from liquor licencing, operating in National Parks, marine tourism and working with traditional owners. He is passionate about developing tourism in regional WA having held a board position at ANW since 2015 and is the current Deputy Chair. Drew has a degree in Environmental Management and completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors course.
Robert Taylor
Description of tourism business
WAITOC is the peak Aboriginal tourism body for Western Australia with over 300 members of which 180 plus are Aboriginal owned businesses offering experiences to WA visitors. WAITOC has three main objectives being Advocacy, Marketing and Business development.
Candidate statement
I am Robert Taylor, a proud Nanda and Yamaji man and the first Aboriginal CEO of WAITOC. With over 36 years in hospitality, tourism, and business leadership, I’ve built and led enterprises that empower Aboriginal communities and drive economic growth. Under my leadership, WAITOC evolved from a marketing body into a business development force – delivering programs that created over 100 businesses and hundreds of jobs across WA. I’ve successfully advocated for $40 million in national Aboriginal tourism funding and led the development of WA’s Jina Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan. My policies focus on cultural integrity, community-led growth, and strategic partnerships. I believe Aboriginal tourism is key to reconciliation and economic independence. I completed my MBA while raising $6 million in six months for statewide business skills development – demonstrating my commitment to results and lifelong learning. I stand for a future where Aboriginal voices lead, and our culture is celebrated, respected and resourced.
