OUR BOARD

Our board members possess extensive experience in various sectors, including the ownership and management of global hotel brands, outdoor attractions, tour groups, wildlife parks and zoos, aviation, media and radio, events and marketing, liquor and compliance, community engagement, and strategic leadership.

We understand the tourism landscape of Western Sydney!!

Fazila Farhad

Chair & Founder

Fazila Farhad, an Economics graduate from UCL, has 20+ years in hotel ownership and tourism. As Chair of Western Sydney Tourism Taskforce, she champions initiatives like the inaugural Western Sydney Tourism Awards...

Davy Nguyen

Vice Chair (Heyya TV)

Davy Nguyen brings over 20 years of media expertise, excelling in senior roles and supporting diverse communities. As HeyYa TV’s producer, he now aids Multicultural NSW’s network...

Christie Wang

Secretary (Quest Campbelltown)

Christine Wang is a passionate hotelier with 20+ years of experience in leading hotel groups like IHG, Hyatt, and more. As a business owner, she fosters strong industry ties and community impact...

Tom Wang

Treasurer & Founder (Fifty Hotel Group)

Tom Wang, former Managing Director of Quest Liverpool, envisions tourism as vital to global trade and growth. He strives to unite stakeholders, boost visitors, and drive development in Western Sydney...

Shayne O Leary

Director

Shayne-Anne O'Leary brings 30+ years of expertise in Marketing, PR, and Advertising. As Group Marketing Manager at Cabra-Vale Diggers, her leadership and innovation drive community engagement and...

Belinda Thomson

(The William Inglis Hotel, Warwick Farm)

Belinda Thomson, a hospitality veteran with 30+ years at Accor, now serves as GM of The William Inglis Hotel. She drives tourism in Southwest Sydney, creating events and fostering global client connections...

Brent Hilbrink Watson

(Greater Sydney Tours)

With 15+ years in tourism, Brent Hilbrink Watson has worked internationally and locally, from tour guiding in Europe to running his own business. His passion for his local area drives his industry contributions...

Ben Atkins

(Liverpool Catholic Club)

Ben Atkins, COO of Liverpool Catholic Club, is dedicated to South West Sydney's growth. His management expertise and committee roles make him pivotal in boosting tourism and the region's visitor economy...

Michael Foulkes

Ex Group General Manager Cabra-Vale Diggers,

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Jake Burgess

(Sydney Zoo)

Jake Burgess, CEO and concept designer of Sydney Zoo, has led the zoo’s development from concept to reality, delivering unforgettable experiences while prioritizing conservation. With over a million...

Tony Chiefari

(Australian Wildlife Parks)

Tony Chiefari, CEO of Australian Wildlife Parks, oversees Featherdale, Mogo, and Hunter Valley Wildlife Parks. With extensive experience in business, management, and finance, he drives strategic growth in the industry...

Stevan Sipka

(Qantas)

Stevan Sipka, Senior Manager at Qantas Freight, brings 29 years of aviation experience. With roles at Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Etihad Airways, he’s committed to promoting Western Sydney tourism and leveraging his expertise...

Sam Davies

(IHG Hotel Group)

Sam Davies, Director of Operations for IHG Hotels & Resorts across Australasia & Pacific, brings 25+ years of hospitality expertise. He has led hotel openings and operations across SEAK, JAPAC, and served as a GM in multiple cities...

Hans Joachim

(PARKROYAL Hotel Parramatta)

Hans Joachim, GM PARKROYAL Parramatta, has over two decades of experience in the Parramatta business community. He is dedicated to fostering collaborative relationships to drive growth and prosperity for all...

Paula Martin

(Business NSW -Executive Director Regional NSW Visitor Economy)

Paula Martin, Executive Director of Regional NSW and The Visitor Economy, is dedicated to driving tourism and regional economic growth. She fosters collaboration to support skill development, job creation, and business growth...