Glenn CHURCHILL is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Ltd (GAPDL). He has been in this role for two years. Prior to this appointment he was a member of the GAPDL Board of Directors for five years. He has held various other leadership and senior management positions including Mayor/Councillor Banana Shire (11 years), qualified Queensland Police Service Senior Sergeant (26 years) including GM/OIC Biloela Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC- 16 years).
Glenn has also held a number of appointed positions and roles including Governor in Council Executive appointee to CQ University Council, post graduate member of CQU Alumni, Patron of Queensland Rural Women’s Network Branch, Board Member GEIDB, elected representative for Central Queensland Local Governments on the State peak body of Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ). He is the current Project Director for Gladstone Region Economic Development Strategy (GREDS) and member of the Queensland Government Jobs Rapid Response Team. Glenn is also a member of the Australian Government Keep Australia Working Advisory Committee and a member of Agforce.
Glenn was successfully admitted as a fellow of the Australian Institute of Management (FAIM), a member of Economic Development Australia (EDA). Glenn also holds formal qualifications with Graduate Diploma in Management (CQU), a Graduate Certificate in Business Management, Diploma of Frontline Human Resource Management, Diploma Local Government Administration, Diploma in Public Safety Administration, Advance Studies in Law and project management with MBWA. Glenn has also been active in the community being awarded the Prime Minister’s Medal for “Service to the Community”, Queensland Police Commissioner’s Medal for distinguished service, National Police Medal and holds the honour of being a Life Member of a number of community and sporting organisations.
Glenn is a qualified youth worker with the Youth Sector Training Council, qualified strength and conditioning coach, qualified boxing trainer, judge and referee. He has administered, managed, supervised and worked closely with numerous people under traineeship programs who have trained and developed to achieve greater potential for employers and the community. Some including Young Queenslander of the Year, Finalist of Young Australian of the Year, Award recipients of Trainee of the Year, Member of the Australian Paralympics Swimming Team, Australia Day Award recipients, Qld Youth Parliament and many others. In his spare time, if he gets some, he enjoys fishing (all types), gardening, exercising, travel, reading and networking and meeting new people.
Carissa Gordon is the Corporate Services Manager for Gladstone Area Promotion & Development Ltd. As Corporate Services Manager, Carissa’s role is to manage the financial and accounting requirements of the organisation, including the preparation of regular financial statements and payroll, and to manage the administrative services team in a collaborative manner.
Carissa is currently completing her Bachelor of Accounting with CQU and has lived in Gladstone for 18 years. Carissa completed high school in 2002, after which she began working as a public tax accountant for a local accounting firm. After five years experience in the public accounting field, Carissa was employed by GAPDL as the Corporate Services Manager. Carissa brings to GAPDL, extensive knowledge in accounting, finance, computer systems and customer interaction, including administration supervisory skills.
Kirstie was born and raised in Gladstone and completed her schooling at Toolooa State High School in 2007. After completing a traineeship in Business Administration with GAPDL in 2008, Kirstie has taken on the role of GAPDL Management Administration Officer. This important position provides the required administration and executive support to the CEO and the Senior Management Team. The additional aspects of this role are to coordinate the various Board, Executive and Committee meeting requirements.
Kirstie also coordinates GAPDL’s successful and popular quarterly Business Enterprise Luncheons. Kirstie is currently progressing her personal and professional development by completing a Diploma in Event Planning and Management to further her knowledge, skills and understanding in this area.
Justin is currently completing his Bachelor of Business, Majoring in Marketing at CQU. Justin has been living in Gladstone for just over a year now, but is no stranger to the region, having lived in Central Queensland for 14 years.
Justin has a strong background in advertising sales and marketing, having been employed with APN newspapers for over 4 years. He looks forward to working closely with the current and future members of GAPDL.
Ngari has recently joined the GAPDL team in October this year as the Administration Assistant. Ngari has lived and breathed the Gladstone life for more than 16 years, graduating from Toolooa State High School in 2006. After managing a local Restaurant for 2 years she has taken on a traineeship, studying Business Administration.
Ngari is looking forward to exploring new avenues in Business Administration and gaining some valuable experience with the GAPDL team.
A true Gladstone local, Gillian knows much about the Gladstone Region and hinterland and after completing an Information Technology Traineeship with GAPDL in 2007, Gillian has now rejoined the GAPDL team.
Gillian has experience with customer service, finances and general accounting, is familiar with the organisation and looks forward to assisting with the promotion and development of the region.
Gillian is employed as a project support officer supporting the Corporate Services Manager as well as providing support for the entire GAPDL team.
Position: Communities for Children Project Manager
Josh Ariens has been with GAPDL since 2007. Currently he manages the Communities for Children Initiative and its suite of programs based within the community. One of the key aims of Communities for Children (C4C) is to support and strengthen the alignment of all community, government, non-government and business partners to the vision of our Community Strategic Plan. This vision is to build local community partnerships for a holistic, sustainable approach to the development and well-being of children aged 0-12 years. As part of GAPDL’s community development portfolio, C4C strives to develop and enhance responses to the needs of children and their families, making our region even more child-friendly.
Josh has worked in community development and administration in both the youth and aged sectors as well as with vulnerable populations on the margins of society. With experience in places as diverse as Spain, Japan, PNG, Sydney, Auckland and Tasmania, Josh brings to GAPDL an awareness of some of the key dynamics that shape our global village and local communities.
Debbie Flaherty commenced at GAPDL in early February 2009 when she was appointed to the role of Community Engagement Officer for the Communities for Children Initiative. Debbie has been the volunteer Zone Coordinator for Playgroup Queensland in Gladstone for the last six years and was awarded the 2008 Volunteer of the Year for Playgroup Queensland and the Playgroup Dedicated Service Award. Debbie is also a Child Health Presenter for Playgroup Queensland locally. Debbie has an Associate Diploma in Child Care and has worked as an early childhood professional in a number of child care centres for over eight years before starting her family. Debbie moved to Gladstone in 2000.
Sandra commenced with GAPDL mid October 2008 in the role of Regional Development Coordinator. Sandra was born in Gladstone experienced growing up in the agricultural district of Targinnie making her a ‘true blue local’. Our Small Business development initiatives are a main focus as we are running workshops and seminars focused on building capacity and stability for our regional Small Businesses.
As Regional Development Manager, Sanrda identifies and facilitates developmental opportunities, which offer potential for either economic, employment, industrial growth and soft social infrastructure. After identifying these opportunities our Regional Development Unit work together to formulate an actionable development strategy and marketing program which encompasses the implementation of these new and also continuing projects.
Sandra also maintains close liaisons with relevant representatives in the community. This includes industry, small business and tourism enterprises, community groups, local government representatives, regional development organisations, and State and Federal Government departments.
Amanda has joined the GAPDL team as Project Officer. Amanda has recently graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor Degree in Business Management (Economic major), Bachelor in Secondary Education as well as a Certificate IV in Business Administration.
Amanda has lived in Gladstone for 3 years and loves the Gladstone lifestyle. Amanda enjoys coaching a local netball team and participating in Muay Thai Martial Arts, but as well, loves camping, travelling and most extreme sports.
Amanda is directly responsible for facilitating the delivery of Project GROW. Amanda has a strong passion for the development of small business, having lived in Normanton, Ingham and Weipa where small business trade is an essential component in preserving surrounding communities. Amanda is excited about the potential for Project GROW, as a Small Business initiative, to boost business productivity and economic development within the Gladstone Region.
Tess grew up in Brisbane and moved to Gladstone in late October 2008. After finishing school Tess completed a Diploma in Business and Human Resources whilst also completing a Traineeship in Business and Administration. Tess is now studying a Bachelor in Business and Tourism Management by distance education through Southern Cross University.
Tess has experience in a variety of fields, from Administration to Recruitment, Personal Assistant and most recently gained a greater understanding and awareness of tourism and regional development through employment with DTRDI.
Tess's role includes management and coordination of stakeholders in the planning, development, marketing and application of resources to grow tourism in the Gladstone Region for the benefit of the tourism industry and the wider community. Tess also works toward the sustainable and profitable growth of the tourism industry at a regional level, provides a central reference point for the development and delivery of tourism products and services and assists with the implementation of marketing strategies in line with consumer and industry trends.
Position: Regional Visitor Information Centre Coordinator
Leaonie was born & bred in Gladstone and comes from a long history of family associated with the Region, since her Grandparents first settled here. Leaonie & her Husband have had, businesses of their own within the Gladstone Region and they have been able to raise a family in this terrific balance of industry and lifestyle.
Leaonie comes from a Strong Retail and Business & Management background and looks forward to coordinating the 4 accredited Visitor Information Centres. Leaonie proudly represent the Gladstone Region, with the 5 Visitor Information Centre Coordinators and over 50 Ambassadors.
Position: Miriam Vale Information Centre Coordinator
Greg Realf is the Miriam Vale Information Centre Coordinator at Miriam Vale. After a childhood spent in the Whitsunday region Greg completed schooling at Chanel College and Gladstone State High followed by a trade as Fitter and Turner at QAL. Travel and work followed in Western Australia, Canada, Alaska and Central America with areas of interest and employment covering a wide field including hospitability, construction, forestry, commercial fishing, education and the gold mining industry.
The past 13 years in Miriam Vale has seen Greg play leading roles in community organisations: Playgroup, P&C, Lions, SES, Friends of the Baffle Basin, Miriam Vale Community Development and as a local government councillor. Greg’s role encompasses the day to day running of the centre, seeking and training new Ambassadors as well as a strong focus on the wider community, economic and leadership development of our region.
Position: Tannum Sands Information Centre Coordinator
As the Coordinator of the VIC, Jan Wessling strives to maintain the high quality of this service.
The job of Coordinator involves visitor services, rostering, brochure management, tourism statistics, office procedures, training Ambassadors, members services and overall management of the VIC.
In her 7th year of working with GAPDL, Jan has 35 years experience in retail and business including customer service, people management, book keeping, working with volunteers, behaviour management, and the coordination of various departments. Jan has travelled widely throughout Australia and is enthusiastic about sharing her experiences with visitors.
Jan has held many volunteer positions within the community including St Saviours Hall Playgroup, Kin Kora School P & C, Tondoon Gardens Visitor Services, Potters Place and Boyne-Tannum Yoga Group. Jan has a passion for Sustainable Environmental Protection and is keen to see her area grow, while maintaining the unique values that make Boyne Tannum so special.
Position: Agnes Water Information Centre Caretakers
Wendy, Chris and Joan are currently acting Coordinators of the Agnes Water Visitor Centre and manage a team of 10 enthusiastic volunteer ambassadors.
Between them they have 10 years experience in the tourism industry. These ladies are keen to assist and help with all visitor enquiries 7 days a week 363 days a year!
