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.

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.

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.