The hinterland’s peak tourism body has ushered in a new president and elected a new committee.
Hinterland Tourism Sunshine Coast (HTSC) has elected Wayne Parcell as the association’s new president. He takes over from long-serving leader Kerry Brown.
A hinterland resident for 20 years, Mr Parcell established the pioneering Rangebow Festival in 2022 to celebrate the creative life and spirit of Maleny, Montville, Flaxton and Mapleton through a mix of culture, music, theatre, nature, film and the arts.
In addition to his role as festival director, Mr Parcell also serves on the boards of the Montville Chamber of Commerce and Maleny Community Centre.
Mr Parcell is a former president of the Montville Village Association and Montville Tennis Club. He received the Public Service Medal in 1996 in the Australian Honours List for his outstanding service to the nation.
Award-winning Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat’s co-owner Xochi Lindholm was elected HTSC’s vice president.
Lisa Brereton was elected treasurer and Debi Latino secretary. Angela Brushe, Stuart Whitney, Carissa Maloney-Ronalds, Steve Koepenick, Michael Cross and Jason Weeks were also new committee electees.
HTSC has a membership of 250 tourism businesses and works closely with regional tourism operator Visit Sunshine Coast to promote the unique landscape and attractions of the hinterland region.
Mr Parcell said he was honoured to be elected as president.
“Living on the hinterland, I appreciate the economic and cultural diversity of the entire region,” Mr Parcell said.
“It is fundamental to community engagement and delivery that there is recognition of the distinct communities, their differences and their contribution within our region.”
Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel said Mr Parcell’s establishment of the Rangebow Festival and his enviable record of volunteering made him an ideal leader for such a distinctive region.
“The hinterland plays a vital role in making the Sunshine Coast a premium tourist destination, renowned for its natural landscape, outstanding accommodation, rich food culture and dynamic arts and cultural scene,” Mr Stoeckel said.
“We look forward to working with Wayne and his new committee to promote the region’s established strengths as well as emerging experiences such as Dark Sky Tourism and agritourism.”
