Proud First Nations woman Lauren Ganley is the new chair of Kakadu Tourism.
On Tuesday the business announced that long-serving chair Rick Allert AO has retired after a decade in the position.
Ms Ganley, who has decades of experience working to advance Indigenous engagement, has served on the board of Kakadu Tourism since 2012.
Based in Darwin, she is the Head of Telstra's First Nations Strategy & Engagement, where she leads the strategy and ongoing governance of engagement with First Nations people and communities across Australia.
Ms Ganley's extensive involvement in the NT community includes Director roles on the Boards of Community First Development, Agency Projects, Darwin Festival, NT Major Events, and the Australian Institute of Company Directors (NT Division).
Mr Allert ends his tenure with Kakadu Tourism at the same time as he finishes as a director on the Board of Indigenous Business Australia (IBA). He is also on the Board of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia and is a former Chair of Tourism Australia.
Ms Ganley said she was excited about future opportunities for Kakadu's tourism development.
"It has been very rewarding to have worked on the Board and with Rick for so many years, and I look forward to building on that legacy as Kakadu continues to rebuild its tourism sector after the substantial challenges of the pandemic and reduced air access into the Northern Territory," she said.
"The role of Kakadu Tourism is focussed on providing an authentic visitor experience and working collaboratively with Bininj/Mungguy to achieve an economically, environmentally and culturally sustainable future for the Park.
"There is considerable work being undertaken to upgrade the tourism infrastructure of Kakadu National Park, and we have invested in upgrading our tourism product and working with Traditional Owners to provide a memorable connection with Aboriginal culture and traditions.
"With the prospect of enhanced air access into Darwin, we will be hoping to rebuild our international markets, as well as attract more Australians to visit this unique dual-listed UNESCO World Heritage reserve that has been inhabited continuously for more than 60,000 years."
Kakadu Tourism was established with Kakadu National Park's Traditional Owners to provide a comprehensive range of accommodation and tourism services across Kakadu.
The group operates the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel in Jabiru, Cooinda Lodge and Camping Ground, Yellow Water Cruises, Yellow Water Fishing, and Spirit of Kakadu 4WD Adventures operating from Cooinda.
The company states it is also committed to advancing opportunities for the Bininj/Mungguy people of Kakadu and promoting Aboriginal culture and heritage through the operation of the Warradjan Cultural Centre.
