I AM delighted to announce
that long serving member of the
Australian Cruise Association Julie
O’Brien has been appointed to the
role of deputy chair.
Julie is replacing Richard Schoonrad
who took up a new job in his home
state of Western Australia.
Julie, who is senior adviser,
destinations and global
partnerships for Tourism Events
Queensland (TEQ) has served on
our Management Committee for
the last three years, so we are
excited that she has agreed to
move into ACA’s executive team.
She is in her sixteenth year at
TEQ and passionate about the
development of quality destination
experiences for the cruise lines
ensuring that Queensland’s
treasures such as the Reef, Daintree
Rainforest and Fraser Island are
included in itineraries.
Julie also works closely with tourism
operators and conducts forums
and giving practical guidance on
becoming involved in the cruise
industry.
She has also focussed on the
welcome experience for cruise
passengers working with the state’s
volunteers. She got to experience
this recently when Azamara Journey
made an unexpected return to
Brisbane due to Cyclone Debbie.
With the World Science Fair in
the city, there was a shortage of
volunteers so Julie and husband
Andrew jumped in to welcome
passengers and provide information
on the city!
We also look forward to Julie
playing a critical local advisory
role in the organisation of our
annual conference this Sep on the
Sunshine Coast.
