Former Mayor Ron Bellingham is back in the driver’s seat of his baby, Warwick Tourism & Events afterlast week’s Annual General Meeting.
Ron took on the role of chairman after current incumbent Greg Newey chose not to seek re-election to the position.
Majella Kahler, President of Caravanning Queensland and owner/operator of Kahler’s Oasis Caravan Park, has taken on the deputy role.
Greg said he is more than happy to return the baton to Ron, who was the chairman until the amalgamation of Warwick and Stanthorpe Shires in 2008.
“I was an original appointment to the board, have held the deputy role for a number of years, the chairman’s role for the past four years but it’s time to downsize my role to do some travelling next year with my wife,” he said.
“I simply won’t be able to commit the amount of time required as chair, with the responsibilities more complex than my time will allow.”
Greg proudly reflected on Warwick Tourism & Events’ success over the past couple of years, particularly the appointment of new CEO Tracy Vellacott and ongoing commitment from Events Coordinator Shona Gibson.
“At the Council’s request, Warwick Tourism & Events took over management of the visitor centre which was also a fairly major step for us,” he said.
“Fortunately it was a smooth transition because of the goodwill and support of the regional tourism organisation and the positive support of staff and volunteers from VIC, and I am confident that the transition went unnoticed by the locals and passing visitors.”
Ron Bellingham was happy for the chairman’s boomerang baton to return.
“There is an incredibly supportive group of people sitting on this board and I am certainly looking forward to a positive 12 months working with them to advance tourism and events in this region,” hesaid.
As well as Ron, Greg and Majella, board members include Spring Creek Café and Cottages owner/operator Bev Ruskey, Warwick Daily News General Manager Bruce Partridge, Town Crier Bob Townshend and independent travel consultant Jenelle Matthews, as well as Mayor Peter Blundell and Company Secretary Tony Brett.
Currently on the task list for Warwick Tourism & Events is organisation of Warwick’s Carols in the Park and Australia Day celebrations, as well as preparatory work for the Easter Fair and Jumpers & Jazz in July Festival, which will celebrate its 10th year in 2013.
“We are also working to a number of publication deadlines including the new ‘Savour Warwick & Surrounds’ tourism publication, which will be in market by year’s end,” Ron said.
