Visitor economy activities

The Eurobodalla Visitor Economy Working Group was established in November 2024, and confirmed as an official advisory committee in June 2025.

The industry-led committee works with Council to advise and implement the priority actions of the Eurobodalla Destination Action Plan.

The committee signals the start of a new approach that will see industry have greater autonomy and accountability over how the visitor economy is supported and promoted.

This new approach will be a two-year pilot project, with robust governance and a detailed measurement and evaluation framework, which Council and the working group will evolve and refine over the two-year period.

Seven people were chosen based on their significant experience in the tourism industry across marketing, events, and product development, along with demonstrated ability to work successfully within a committee structure.

Community members of the advisory committee are:

  • Garry Sullivan, Chair: manager Beachcomber Holiday Park
  • Mark Berry: owner/manager The Bower at Broulee
  • Sally Bouckley: director Southbound Escapes
  • Jamie Clout: president Batemans Bay Mountain Bike Club
  • Claire McAsh: finance and customer success manager, Oceanfarmr
  • Chris Tague: co-founder Crank It Up festival; manager, Mogo Wildlife Park
  • Martin Wisata: director Rocky Trail Destination

Ex-officio members are:

  • Jenny Robb, Destination Southern NSW
  • Andrew Sargant, Eurobodalla Council Visitor Economy Manager
  • Kellee Pisanos, Eurobodalla Council Executive Manager Public Affairs

Council and the Committee hosted the first Tourism Industry Forum at the Bay Pavilions in November 2025.

More than 150 operators from all over the shire and beyond gathered to hear from national and state tourism leaders, share local insights and spark new conversations about growth, innovation and visitor experience.

The visitor economy describes the whole environment in which visitors, local businesses and service providers interact with one another in a given location; in this case Eurobodalla Shire. The visitor economy includes international and domestic leisure travellers, business travel, business and major events, people visiting friends and relatives, and those working as part of a short term stay in Eurobodalla.

In short, the visitor economy focuses on all the elements that attract people to a region along with the infrastructure, services and economy that supports and benefits from such visits.

Council provides a practical and prioritised Action Plan that supports regional promotion, visitation and prosperity while addressing barriers and challenges faced by the region. Importantly, it is a plan for the whole destination, not just individual businesses or operators. It aims to foster a vibrant visitor economy and promote liveability, which will deliver tangible benefits to businesses as well as the community.

More information

For more information, contact Council's Visitor Economy Manager, Andrew Sargant: