meet our directors

Natalie Flecker

Chair of OQTA, CEO of the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo and Specialist Representative

Natalie Flecker was appointed manager of the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, the largest in the southern hemisphere, in 2013. She has a wide range of experience in the corporate sector, small business, tourism and events. Natalie has a business degree from James Cook University and worked in high level commercial banking for eight years.

She became the joint owner of Yongola Lodge in Townsville in 2008 and prior to heading to the Isa Rodeo, was the business event executive for Townsville Enterprise Convention Bureau.

As part of her role at the rodeo, Ms Flecker has introduced a range of initiatives from Isa Rodeo Schools to the first “glamping” experience for Outback Queensland.

Andrew Martin

Vice-Chair of OQTA, Mayor of the Blackall-Tambo Regional Council and RAPAD Representative.

Andrew Martin (Dip. Rural Business. Dip. Agriculture) is a fourth generation grazier from Tambo with a long history of involvement in agricultural politics, public company directorships and local, private business interests.

This background has given Andrew a passion for his region and belief in the adaptability of its people to embrace and merge tourism as part of the inland’s core business.

Andrew is married with four children and lives on “Macfarlane Station” Tambo, with his wife, Louise and his youngest children, twin girls Alice and Isobel.

He is Mayor of the Blackall-Tambo Regional Council and is focussed on delivering the best outcomes for Outback Queensland tourism.

Elaine Jacobie

Elaine grew up on a grazing property in South Africa and worked as an accountant for 10 years in the rural town of Aliwal North. In April 2007, Elaine, her husband and two children took the plunge and moved from South Africa to Longreach to join Ringrose Button Chartered Accountants. Elaine became part of the OQTA team as treasurer from January 2015.

Elaine enjoys the country lifestyle with the beautiful weather and sunsets that Western Queensland has to offer. Elaine enjoys being involved in local community activities and organisations.

Qualifications & Memberships
– Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants
– Baccalaureus Computation (Bachelor of Accounting)

Robyn Stephens OAM

Tourism in Outback Queensland has been Robyn’s sole focus for over 35 years. Those who know her see her energy, passion and commitment to tourism and a desire to increase the visitor experience through events. Robyn’s contributions to the industry were recognized in 2002 by an Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the community of Winton particularly through the iconic Outback Festival.

Robyn is the current Central West Representative on the Management Committee and was past Association Secretary 2015-2019.  In 2015 Robyn was awarded a lifetime member of OQTA and says it’s been a rewarding experience to serve the Outback Queensland tourism industry.

Robyn enjoys volunteering her time to multiple organizations in Outback Queensland knowing the value of strong partnerships and how they assist tourism with positive flow on effects to the region.  She has been an active Board Member of the Waltzing Matilda Centre since 2005 and a past Winton Shire Councillor (2012-2015).

Robyn brings to the Board a wealth of experience, innovation, vision and passion.

Corey Richards

Corey is a passionate advocate for Outback Queensland’s diverse tourism experiences, with a strong focus on
preserving cultural heritage. With a background in Geography and business operations, he transitioned to a
career in tourism in 2017, returning to his roots in Outback Queensland.

Corey’s journey led him to the Eromanga Natural History Museum, where he started as a Visitor Program
Assistant. Over eight years, he climbed the ranks to become the Museum’s Operations Manager, overseeing
facilities, finance, strategy, fundraising, and human resources. Working with a great team helped build the
Museum facilities and spearheaded its continuous infrastructure, governance, and marketing development.
Corey has fostered vital partnerships, actively promoting South-Western Queensland and the wider Outback
region. His significant contribution to paleo-tourism has allowed visitors to delve into Queensland’s fossil and
dinosaur history through immersive experiences, Corey is also a founding board member of Dinosaur
Experiences Australia.

Sally O’Neil

Sally O’Neil was born and raised in Longreach before moving away for secondary schooling. She returned in 2017 to give her daughter the Outback Queensland experience she and her husband had.  In October 2017, Sally and her family relocated to Jundah where Sally took up the role as Barcoo Shire’s Director of Works & Services.

Sally is now Mayor of the Barcoo Shire and lives in Jundah with husband Brett and daughter Louise.  Sally enjoys being part of OQTA and making contributions that put Outback Queensland on the map.

Sally holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) and is a representative of RAPAD and Red Ridge.

Gary Murray

Gary has been a part of the Mount Isa tourism community for 25 years. Being an owner and Director of tourism and transport related businesses in the region gives him the solid background to guide success and capitalise on our ever-growing tourism market.

His passion for tourism enables him to identify opportunities and North West Tours is Gary’s latest venture, operating guided tours in and around Mount Isa and the north west. A graduate of The Institute of Company Directors, Gary holds a fellowship at The Institute of Managers and Leaders.

Gary is also Chairman of Mount Isa Tourism Association (MITA) as well as a member of MICC Tourism Transition group.

Greg Campbell

Mayor Greg Campbell was born and grew up in Cloncurry, and is still proud to call Cloncurry home. Greg, along with his wife Ana and their three children, Caleb, Cooper and Scarlett, run a beef cattle operation in the area and he is very passionate about promoting the strength and importance of the industry.

Greg has also been heavily involved in the community for many years including being a Rotarian, a Merry Muster Committee member and a regular volunteer of the Cloncurry races, Show and school events. He founded the Cloncurry Fish Stocking Committee in 2005, successfully stocking Barra in Chinaman Creek Dam, and was also one of the co-founders of the Cloncurry Football Club in 2006/07. In 2009, Greg was extremely honoured to receive the Cloncurry Shire Citizen of the Year Award.

In 2016, Greg was elected as Mayor of Cloncurry and his first term was full of achievements that set the Cloncurry Shire up for long term prosperity. He’s now proud to be serving his community in his second term.

Making Cloncurry a ‘destination’ is a key priority for Greg. He’s thrilled to help showcase the fantastic history and landscapes the shire has to offer to the rest of the world.

Stuart Mackenzie

Stuart is a pastoralist from the western area of Quilpie Shire. He is the owner and Manager of Plevna Downs, a grazing enterprise dealing in organic wool, sheep and beef. Stuart served as a Councillor on Quilpie Shire Council from 1997 to 2004, as Deputy Mayor from 2004 to 2008 and was elected Mayor in 2012. He was the Chair of the Outback Queensland Tourism Association from 2015 – late 2017.

In 2008 Stuart founded the non-profit, charitable public company Outback Gondwana Foundation Ltd. He is the Chair and a Director on the board of this organisation. The company was set up to preserve the natural assets of the south west region and educate the public in relation to the amazing paleontological discoveries being made there.

Stuart holds a Bachelor of Engineering Degree (QUT) and is married to wife Robyn and has 2 adult children.

Steve Jones

Steve started out life in the finance sector, working as a foreign exchange dealer in corporate and banking companies. Following this he enjoyed almost 15 years in international and domestic tourism working with large maritime and aviation tour operators in operations, sales and general management positions in Japan and Queensland.

Since 2006 he has worked with regional airlines, and has been fortunate to have had a heavy involvement with the Outback in those roles.

Based on his experience Steve believes tourism has a major part to play in the future economy of Outback Queensland, one he is committed to supporting in his current role as State Manager for Queensland for Regional Express (Rex) Airlines.

Rex Airlines is Australia’s largest independent regional airline, operating to regional areas across Australia.

Steve’s experience and industry knowledge will help drive the success of tourism in Queensland’s Outback, building strategies for new markets and working within tourism distribution channels to turn good intentions into firm bookings for visitation to the region.

Barry Weare

Barry Weare is the Director of Operations at Cooee Traveller, a subsidiary of Indigenous Business Australia (IBA).

Born and raised in Cairns, Far North Queensland, Barry has forged a successful career in tourism roles which has provided him with an in-depth knowledge of the sector. With a strong focus on strategy and building relationships, Barry has successfully negotiated collaborative partnerships between businesses and all levels of government, as well as community and local stakeholders. Barry has also worked with Traditional Owners in an array of settings, and in the community, mining and sporting sectors.  Barry has represented the Australian Indigenous Tourism sector at domestic and international tourism trade shows and missions.

A keen cricketer, Barry has broad experience, having worked with Skytrans as Community Development Manager & Sales Executive implementing strategies for airline services to Queensland’s rural and remote communities. He has also worked in business development roles for the recreation, sport and mining sectors.

Barry has worked at the most senior level of management onsite at Wilpena Pound Resort and Glen Helen Lodge implementing strategy on the ground delivering record levels of social and financial performance. He has unique skills as a professional educator, long serving tourism operator, and for effective capacity building methods with local Traditional Owners and shareholders.

Tania Kernaghan

Australian through and through, Tania Kernaghan is one of this country’s most loved and respected performers.
Whether it’s singing up a storm on stage, emceeing a black tie event, sharing her life’s journey through public speaking events or rolling up her sleeves to help out with one of her much-loved charities.

Tania is a passionate OQTA Board member and continues to fly the flag proudly for Outback Queensland.