Fleurieu Peninsula Tourism (FPT) is on the lookout for someone to help regional tourism thrive as a member of its board, and local tourism heroes are encouraged to apply. 

There is currently one board vacancy to fill and four members up for re-election at FPT's Monday 6 August AGM.

Being an FPT board member is a busy role, but a satisfying one, according to chair Ros Miller.

“The Fleurieu is the state’s biggest regional tourism economy,” Ros says.

“It’s a big and complex business worth around $500m a year.

“It has many stakeholders and over 850 operators. 

“Sitting on the board requires a member to stand back from the detail and work out clever ways to help this big but sprawling tourism sector to generate more yield and create more jobs. 

“So it’s intellectually satisfying and it stretches everyone beyond their immediate area of experience.”

In terms of the nuts and bolts of the role, board members are expected to attend four or five meetings a year plus special workshops such as the annual planning day. They may also be required to serve on any working parties the board sets up. 

Meetings are held in rotation across the four councils which support FPT, with the first meeting of the new board being hosted by Alexandrina Council.

The board provides strategic guidance for FPT, review its performance against the annual business plan and provide leadership on specific projects where required.

Usually new members serve for two years however all positions are currently for one year, as FPT is currently reviewing how it operates, with a view to a possible restructure in 2021.

According to Ros, the role would suit someone with a background in the food and wine sector, with additional experience in media, marketing or tourism wholesaling and distribution. However, people with other skills and experience are encouraged to come forward.

It’s a busy time for the board, with plenty to be done and goals to aim for in the upcoming year in spite of the curve balls the Covid-19 situation has thrown.

Ros says the board is working hard to build collaboration with industry stakeholders, including developing partnerships with the four local councils in a range of areas, especially sharing digital marketing work.

“We want to extend that more actively to the region’s industry associations,” she says.

“We want to work with particular tourism sectors such as nature/adventure, arts and culture and Aboriginal and I’m aiming to create board working parties to pay attention to those.”

The board will also work on any changes arising from the current review of its structure and operations.

The deadline for board member nominations is COB Monday 20 July. 

Send your enquiries and applications to FPT manager Peter Cahalan via [email protected]