CAUTHE2026

Invited Speakers

Oliver Hunter

Disability advocate/comedian/consultant

Living with cerebral palsy and using a wheelchair, Oliver’s has a different view of the world around him (literally- he’s lower) Performing stand up comedy- although he’s never actually stood up- Oliver has been cracking jokes about disability for over 10 years. Entertaining crowds from all major cities in Australia to Dallas, Seattle and L.A in the United States. While not wearing his comedian hat. Oliver is a disability awareness consultant and advocate, keynote speaker and podcast host. Always aiming to breakdown barriers and improve the lives of all people living with a disability. In other words: “the guy you get when you can’t afford Dylan Alcott”.

Shea Calvin

Associate Lecturer of Marketing, Newcastle Business School

Shea Calvin is a proud Birpai and Worimi woman from so-called Australia, and an Associate Lecturer in Marketing at the University of Newcastle.

Shea’s journey into tourism research began with a deep curiosity and a drive to see the world, but it was while travelling that she fell in love with home. The further she ventured, the more she found herself speaking about home, and realising the ways it had been misrepresented through a constructed lens. For many, her home was reduced to a romanticised backdrop, and their ideas of Aboriginality narrowed by static, outdated stereotypes. These encounters sparked the central question that drives her work: What happens when we - as Indigenous peoples - tell our own stories of place?

Her recently submitted PhD, Hear Our Voices: An Indigenist Approach to Tourism, introduced a Stories-Led Research Framework that privileges storytelling, yarning, and creative methods as tools to amplify Indigenous voices and reshape how places, peoples and their stories are represented.

Her work examines how First Nations peoples reclaim agency over how their Country and cultures are shared with visitors – challenging the extractive logics and colonial gazes that underpin tourism branding.

Shea’s research engages deeply with questions of connection, sovereignty and representation, and recognises storytelling as not just a method, but a form of governance, relationality and place-making. Her work contributes to more inclusive, community-led futures in tourism, while empowering communities to embrace, tell, and protect their stories on their own terms.

Andrea Comastri

CEO and Co-founder, Hotel Etico Australia

Andrea is Co-founder and CEO of Hotel Etico, the first award-winning not for profit social enterprise hotel in Australia, employing and training young people with disability, challenging the wider community to see both the human and economic value of an inclusive society and partnering with the Australian tourism and hospitality industry to make it the most inclusive in the world.

A strong believer in the transformative power of social enterprises to create sustainable impact, Andrea is an expert changemaker with over 25 years’ experience in the not-for-profit sector.

He held executive, director and advisory roles in charities and philanthropy in areas including disability, youth unemployment, homelessness, domestic violence, addiction, aged care and education.

Andrea is an Honorary Industry Fellow at the UTS Business School, 2022 AMP Tomorrow Maker and 2024 Westpac Scholar Social Change Fellow.

Dan Cockerell

Former Vice-President of the Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, Florida, CEO Torrens Global Education, CEO Strategic Education, Inc. (SEI) ANZ

Dan is the CEO of Torrens Global Education. He previously served as Vice-President of the Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, Florida. Dan graduated from Boston University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and earned his MBA in 2001 from the Crummer School of Business at Rollins College.

Dan's career began at Disney’s Epcot Center and included various management roles at Disneyland Paris. He held executive positions at Walt Disney World Resort, including Vice President of Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the Magic Kingdom. Dan was also a keynote speaker for the Disney Institute for 18 years.

After a fulfilling and exciting 26-year career with the Walt Disney Company, Dan and his wife Valerie made the decision to set out on a new venture and start their own consulting and speaking business for five and a half years, traveling around the world and sharing their experience and insight.

In December 2023, Dan moved to Sydney and joined Torrens University Australia as Co-CEO. He was later appointed CEO of Torrens Global Education, commencing January 1st 2025.

In June 2024, Dan was named an honorary Governor of the American Chamber of Commerce Australia (AmCham) in NSW.

Valerie Cockerell

Former Facilitator, Disney Institute

Born and raised in France, Valerie has perfected leadership and customer service excellence while rising through the ranks of the Disney organization both in Europe and the US. She later taught these very principles to a variety of organizations and leaders at the world renown Disney Institute. As a consultant and keynote speaker, she shares her approach based on common sense principles that are simple, effective, and easy to implement.

Using her corporate and family experiences, Valerie shares real life stories and strategies that illustrate how leaders can leverage "the wisdom of mom" and enhance their leadership style.

Kristian Coulthard

Owner, WADNA

What began as a hobby for Adnyamathanha man Kristian Coulthard and his wife Gabby has grown into Wadna — a celebrated hub for Aboriginal art and culture in the heart of the Flinders Ranges and Outback. During the 2020 lockdowns, Kristian and Gabby saw a unique opportunity to bring their vision to life. They built their shop in Blinman, and when restrictions lifted, Wadna was ready to welcome visitors eager to connect with Indigenous stories and creativity.

"I’m passionate about sharing my culture because it helps break down barriers. When you take the time to look deeper, you’ll see we’re not so different after all."

Cherie Hutchinson

Tourism and farm manager, Jurlique

Born and raised in the Adelaide Hills, Cherie Hutchinson has been part of the Jurlique story for more than 12 years. Beginning as Production Manager, she went on to lead Jurlique’s iconic Biodynamic Farm for a decade before stepping into her current role as Tourism and Farm Manager. In this role, Cherie brings together her passion for sustainability, education, and community engagement, overseeing farm operations, visitor experiences, and global tourism partnerships. Deeply connected to Jurlique’s “seed to skin” philosophy, she loves sharing the brand’s biodynamic farming practices and commitment to natural skincare with visitors from around the world. Outside the farm, Cherie is a proud mum of two and enjoys staying active through lacrosse, gym sessions, and reflective walks in nature.

Emma Terry

Chief Executive Officer, South Australian Tourism Commission

Emma Terry is the Chief Executive Officer of the South Australian Tourism Commission, charged with leading the South Australian Visitor Economy, the Commission is responsible for strategic leadership, demand generation, destination development and the acquisition and delivery of major events. Emma is an experienced leader and a nimble and strategic thinker who challenges tradition norms to design and deliver impactful strategies and long-term brands that shape organisation and destination competitiveness.

With over 25 years of experience, Emma has held senior roles from across a range of industries in both the private and public sector across tourism and related industries including hospitality, renewable energy, exporting, ports and transport. Emma is an experienced Board Director and an awarded marketer having delivered for Tourism Tasmania while Chief Marketing Officer the highly regarded ‘Come down for Air’ brand platform and Effie winning ‘Off Season.’

Mark Best

Executive Chef, Infinity by Mark Best

Mark Best is one of Australia’s most influential chefs, recognised internationally for his modern expression of Australian cuisine and his dedication to craft, intelligence and provenance. After beginning his career as an electrician, Best turned to cooking and quickly rose through Sydney’s fine dining scene, opening Marque in 1999. For more than 17 years it held three hats in the Good Food Guide and was ranked among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Best’s cooking reflects Australia’s unique cultural and environmental influences, fusing technical precision with an independent creative voice. His work celebrates local producers, innovation and sustainability with a focus on translating Australian landscapes and ideas onto the plate.

He is currently Executive Chef at Infinity by Mark Best, located at the top of Sydney Tower. The restaurant reimagines the Australian dining experience from the nation’s highest vantage point, pairing a sensory driven all Australian wine list with a menu that explores the country’s regional diversity through ingredients, texture and story.

Beyond the kitchen, Best is a consultant, educator and mentor to the next generation of chefs. He has appeared on Netflix’s The Final Table, authored two books Marque: A Culinary Adventure and Best Kitchen Basics and continues to advocate for local produce and ethical supply chains.

His influence extends across hospitality design, brand development and culinary innovation projects in Australia and abroad. At Infinity, Best continues to shape the conversation about what defines Australian cuisine. It is intelligent, inclusive and grounded in place.

Professor Naomi Dale

Director, School for the Visitor Economy, Research Fellow, Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities (ISILC)

Professor Naomi Dale is the Director of the School for the Visitor Economy at Victoria University working across both the TAFE and Higher Education sectors. Naomi is a highly respected academic and industry leader with deep expertise in tourism, hospitality, and events. She was previously at the University of Canberra, where she held senior roles including Professor of Management and Associate Dean, Curriculum & Students, leading major initiatives in curriculum design, student success, and work integrated learning.

Her industry leadership includes serving as CEO of the Canberra Region Tourism Industry Council and Non-Executive Director on the Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC) Board, where she champions sustainable and accessible tourism.

As Chair and Fellow of CAUTHE Naomi has advanced national collaboration across universities, government and industry. Her research and leadership of the annual Visitor Research Forum have influenced national conversations on cultural heritage, workforce development, wellbeing, and educational tourism.

With a strong commitment to regenerative tourism and inclusive practice, Naomi brings a visionary yet pragmatic and collaborative approach to shaping the visitor economy of tomorrow.

Sebastian Filep

Associate Professor, Bond Business School, Bond University

Sebastian Filep, PhD has been at Bond Business School, Bond University since 2 September 2024 and holds the position of Associate Professor. Prior to joining Bond University, Sebastian worked at the School of Hotel and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in Hong Kong (2020-2024) where he served as Assistant Dean. Prior to this, he held academic roles in New Zealand and Austria.

Sebastian has developed international leadership in tourism, positive psychology and wellbeing research. He has worked closely with the health and wellness tourism sector in Australia and with national tourism government ministries in the Asia-Pacific region. Filep has published 3 books in tourism, and over 100 scholarly journal articles, book chapters and research reports. He is an Associate Editor of journal Leisure Sciences and is on editorial boards of multiple tourism, leisure, hospitality journals. For the last 3 years he has been listed in the top 2% of scientists globally (sub-field Sport, Leisure and Tourism) by Stanford University.

A strong advocate for CAUTHE, Sebastian held leadership roles within the CAUTHE Executive for several years and chaired the 2017 CAUTHE Conference in Dunedin, New Zealand. He is an active PhD supervisor, having supervised 9 PhD students to completion.

Dr Louise Townsin

Director, Research Management Services, Research and Innovation Office, Torrens University Australia

Dr Louise Townsin leads the Research Management Services unit at Torrens University Australia. She provides strategic support for research and research training activities and develops and implements systems and processes that promote high-quality research management, monitoring, and reporting for both internal development and external reporting purposes.

Dr Townsin also undertakes research in Education and Health, focusing on intercultural communication and cultural contexts of learning, teaching, and health and wellbeing. Her current research includes stigma of mental illness, loneliness, access to health services by culturally and linguistically diverse consumers, and community engagement in research. She uses qualitative methods, including participatory action research, to explore educational interventions that encourage sustainable attitudinal and behavioural change.

University Profile: https://research.torrens.edu.au/en/persons/louise-townsin
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=a-4rGrQAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2212-1626

Dr Simone Faulkner

Senior Lecturer, Business School, University of Technology, Sydney

Simone Faulkner (nee Grabowski) is an advocate for communities and marginalised groups with her research focusing on shaping a sustainable future with initiatives that make a real impact. She teaches and researches at UTS Business School in Sydney where she is a Senior Lecturer in the Business School.

Simone’s research is specifically focused on sustainable tourism, volunteerism, community development, and cross-cultural diversity management. At present, Simone spearheads two research initiatives – 'Ethical Travel in Cambodia' and ‘Transition of Commencing Business Students’. These projects not only delve into the ethical dimensions of tourism and education,but also investigate the unique experiences of the people at the heart of the experience.

Simone currently teaches 'Managing for Social Impact' and 'Diversity Management' in the Bachelor of Management program at UTS. Here she equips students with critical thinking skills, global awareness, and practical application, fostering a new generation of socially conscious leaders prepared to navigate diverse workplaces and positively impact society. She builds extensive relationships with community and industry partners with expertise in diversity, equity, inclusion and social impact – who help to impact future generations of leaders in these fields.

Belinda McPherson

Educational Manager, Hospitality, Cookery, Tourism, Travel & Events, TAFE SA

Belinda McPherson is a dynamic, results‑driven educational leader with more than three decades of experience spanning hospitality, tourism, and education. Since 2003, she has held senior leadership roles at TAFE SA, where she currently serves as Senior Educational Manager, overseeing programs in hospitality, cookery, tourism, events, and travel from Certificate II through to Bachelor level studies. She has also served as Director of Tourism, Hospitality and Creative Arts in TAFE SA, leading teams of up to 65 staff and managing international partnerships across Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, China, and Dubai.

Belinda’s career began in 1987 and encompasses diverse roles in the wine industry, hospitality management, tourism operations, and education. Her professional background includes positions with Adelaide Casino, Accor, Mount Lofty House, Southcorp Wines, and Proud Australia Holidays. She holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Management, a Bachelor of Management (Tourism and Hospitality), and additional qualifications in sustainability, human resource management, and training and assessment.

A committed advocate for lifelong learning, Belinda has served as National President of AUSTAFE and contributed to numerous industry councils and quality assurance groups. She is passionate about empowering teams, fostering innovation, and positioning TAFE SA as a global leader in vocational education and training.

Emilie Howe

General Manager, eeger

Emilie Howe is a passionate advocate for Australia's visitor economy, with a career spanning leadership role in tourism, training, and workforce development. Originally from Tasmania and now based in Sydney, Emilie brings a deep understanding of regional tourism and the evolving needs of the sector.

As the inaugural CEO of Visitor Experience Training (VXT) in Tasmania, Emilie spearheaded initiatives to elevate service standards through targeted training and stakeholder collaboration. Today, she serves as General Manager of eeger, a national online platform dedicated to jobs, careers, training, and industry information for the tourism, hospitality, and travel sectors. Under her leadership, eeger has become a central hub for workforce development, connecting job seekers with employers and promoting lifelong careers in the visitor economy.

Emilie’s insights are shaped by her extensive travels across Australia, her hands-on experience within the tourism and hospitality sectors, and her active involvement in shaping industry standards, most notably through her role as a judge for the Tasmanian and NSW Tourism Awards. Her commitment to industry-led solutions is reflected in her work fostering collaboration, elevating workforce capabilities, and championing regional voices in national conversations.

Simon McCuskey - CAUTHE 2026 MC

Simon MC is Simon McCuskey – a polished event manager, master of ceremonies, university lecturer and marriage/funeral celebrant. Simon manages and hosts events across Australia from as small as business breakfasts, through to weddings, tours, conferences and large festivals.