AusLeisure

Northern Territory Department of Tourism, Sport and Culture Chief Executive, Simonne Shepherd, has today announced she will be departing the Northern Territory, and will leave her role as on 20th March, 2020.

During Shepherd’s time with the Department, the Territory’s 2030 tourism industry strategy was delivered, as well as a refreshed Tourism brand and a range of Turbocharging Tourism deliverables, including the opening of the new George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens visitor and events centre and an unprecedented boost to grow tourism.

A significant infrastructure program delivering new and refurbished sporting facilities and arts trail stimulus programs valued at $64 million was also achieved and continues to enhance regional and remote communities.

Shepherd advises her departure is for family reasons and adds “It has been an absolute pleasure to lead the Department during a period of significant growth for tourism, with an unprecedented investment from the Northern Territory Government aimed at increasing holiday visitors.

“Results for Year-to-Date Sept 2019 include an 8.9% increase in total domestic holiday visitors and a 6% increase in total international holiday visitors.

“I am incredibly proud of the Department’s work to successfully deliver on government priorities and services to the community, which further reinforces the hard work and collaboration between the Department’s staff and industry.

“I acknowledge and thank all the staff from the department, across all divisions; Community Participation, Sport and the Arts, Parks, Wildlife and Heritage, Tourism and Events, Executive Services and Strategic Services.

“I feel honoured to have worked across such a diverse portfolio.”

Northern Territory Acting Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Eva Lawler acknowledged the contribution Shepherd has made to the Territory stating that “Simonne brought a wealth of national and international experience and knowledge into this very challenging role, providing strong and steady leadership during her tenure.

“On behalf of the NT Government, I thank her for her service and wish her the very best with her future endeavours.”

Interim arrangements will be in place, with Andrew Hopper initially acting in the role of Chief Executive  following Shepherd’s departure.

Related Articles

25th May 2018 - New Chief Executive appointed at Northern Territory Department of Tourism and Culture

19th November 2019 - Northern Territory releases 10-year Aboriginal Tourism Strategy

14th August 2019 - Federal and Northern Territory Governments agree Kakadu National Park and Jabiru initiatives

29th July 2019 - Investment in Sports Lighting gives Northern Territory clubs more flexibility

17th June 2019 - Northern Territory Larapinta Trail offers new visitor experiences

29th May 2019 - Northern Territory upgrades completed in Gapuwiyak sports oval

1st May 2019 - Northern Territory Barkly Regional Plan launched to stimulate Visitor Economy

5th March 2019 - Northern Territory Government invests in new sports oval for remote Elliott community

5th February 2019 - Northern Territory Arts Trail Campaign to Boost Tourism

4th February 2019 - Northern Territory Remote Communities receive Sporting Infrastructure Upgrades

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.