Regional community development specialist and Caldera Institute director, Anne Duke, has been appointed as the new Chair of the Tweed’s official tourism and business promotional body, Destination Tweed Inc.
With an impressive track record in creating opportunities for sustainable development and economic diversification, Ms Duke brings to the Board nearly 30 years’ experience working on community economic development projects, including several major regional structural adjustment plans that succeeded in attracting several million dollars in funding for project implementation.
In the tourism sector, Ms Duke’s planning, development and management experience encompasses regional, indigenous, heritage and eco-tourism initiatives, working with community stakeholders and all levels of government.
In 2010, Ms Duke and fellow Directors established the Caldera Institute for Sustainable Community Development as an independent, not-for-profit consultancy focused on facilitating community supported development projects and community capacity building.
Projects to date have included the Caldera Economic Transition planning process, the Tweed Foodlinks Village Showcase Project and the upgrading of two community hall kitchens to provide value-adding for local produce.
The Institute also worked in partnership with Destination Tweed and other key stakeholders to establish the successful weekly Caldera Farmers’ Market in Murwillumbah.
Ms Duke joined the Destination Tweed Board in December 2011 and, as Chair, intends to build on the organisation’s strong partnerships with local businesses and communities.
“Working with my fellow Board members and Destination Tweed CEO Bill Tatchell, our broad economic priority is to create opportunities for existing businesses to grow and new businesses to be established,” said Ms Duke.
“In terms of both business attraction and tourism marketing, we need to develop and promote experiences that are compatible with community and environmental values, and exceed customer expectations.
“We recognise that the business climate and customer expectations are changing. As such, it is important that, as well as looking for and promoting new business opportunities, we listen to existing businesses and provide those who wish, with the tools and practical support to adapt or diversify.”
Ms Duke replaces out-going Destination Tweed Chair, Niel Mason, who recently resigned from the Board after relocating to Noosa. Mr Mason served as a Board member for three years and as Chair for eighteen months.
