meet our directors

Natalie Gardner

Chair of OQTA, Natalie is the Board Appointed Specialist representative.

Natalie Gardner 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 Gardner has introduced a range of initiatives from Isa Rodeo Schools to the first “glamping” experience for Outback Queensland.

Shaun (Zoro) Radnedge

Vice-Chair of OQTA, Shaun is the SWQROC appointed representative and the Mayor of Murweh Shire Council.

Born and raised in Charleville, Shaun’s roots in the district stretch back over 105 years.  After spending a decade in Toowoomba during the 1990s, Zoro seized the opportunity to purchase a retail business in Charleville, which he and his family have successfully operated for 25 years.

Elected to Murweh Shire Council in 2016 and becoming Mayor in 2020, Zoro has helped Murweh Shire Council achieve significant milestones and holds several key positions across local government organisations.

A proud member of the community, Zoro actively participates in various clubs and organisations, such as the Charleville RSL, Warrego Pony Club, Charleville Airfield Museum and Charleville’s junior and senior rugby league clubs. He cofounded the Adrian Vowles Cup, an annual rugby league carnival in Charleville, which aims to keep the sport thriving in the region.

Zoro is married and has three adult children, continuing his family’s long-standing legacy in Charleville

Elaine Jacobie

Treasurer of OQTA, Elaine is a Partner of Ringrose Button Chartered Accountants.

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

Secretary of OQTA. Robyn is the Central West elected Member and the Event Coordinator of the Outback Festival.

Robyn, a lifetime Winton resident and third-generation community member, has been a passionate advocate for Central West tourism for over 35 years. As Event Manager of the iconic Outback Festival, she has spent four decades enhancing Winton’s profile and driving tourism through strong partnerships. Her contributions were recognized with an Order of Australia Medal in 2002.

Beyond events, Robyn serves as a Board Member and Life Member of the Outback Queensland Tourism Association, and on the boards of the Waltzing Matilda Centre and Golf North Queensland. Her commitment extends to various advisory groups, working to ensure sustainable growth, extend visitor stays, and showcase the Outback’s unique attractions.

Corey Richards

Corey is the South West elected Member and the General Manager Operations with the Eromanga Natural History Museum.

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.

Cathy White

Cathy is the RAPAD appointed representative and the Mayor of Winton Shire Council.

Cathy was born and raised in Blackall and began her career as an office trainee with Winton Shire Council, later holding various office roles in Winton and Mount Isa.

Cathy and her husband Peter have raised their family on the historic Athelstane Station, owned by the White family since 1915. She has been actively involved in the Winton community, serving on several committees, including the ICPA, St. Patricks P&F, Winton Community and Aged Care Services Inc, and the Winton Camel Committee. She has also contributed to Agforce Cattle Board, GABSAC, and QDOG.

Barry Weare

Barry is a Board Appointed Specialist representative and 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.