Business Advisors

Broome - Dampier PENINSULA

GAIL GOWER

Gail will be supporting tourism businesses in the Kimberley - based in Broome

Gail has spent 30 years in the tourism industry. Her wide range of experience covers marketing, sales and development for a niche Wholesaler, working for a State Tourism Authority based in London, managing a busy Visitor Centre in regional Western Australia and General Manager positions’ with accommodation properties.
For the past 20 years Gail has lived in Broome. Having also lived in Kununurra and Darwin, has given her a strong affinity and understanding of the issues affecting regional Australia and the challenges of living and operating businesses in remote locations. She has an extremely strong network of local contacts encompassing tourism, hospitality and general businesses across the Kimberley and the Northern Territory.
Offering sales, marketing and product development support to a range of tourism businesses in the Kimberley, Gail is able to call on experience gained from varied roles in tourism to provide a practical understanding of the industry and to work with the travel trade to grow business.
Gail was involved with mentoring for the Indigenous Tourism Champions Program in Western Australia from late 2011 through until June 2016, providing marketing advice and product development support to a range of indigenous tourism businesses throughout the state.
A career highlight was being awarded Australia’s North West Tourism Individual Award for Excellence in April 2012 for her contribution to the tourism industry in the region.
Current Board member of Savannah Way Limited, promoting the drive route across Northern Australia.
Past Board member and President of the Broome Visitor Centre.
Past Board member of the Kimberley Tourism Association which later merged with the Pilbara Tourism Association to become Australia’s North West Tourism. Gail also spent four years as a Board Member of Australia’s North West Tourism (2005-2009).
Active member of Skal, the only international organisation representing the industry’s managers and executives, bringing together all branches of the Travel & Tourism Industries. This included two years as President of Skal International Broome.
Past Board member of the Business Enterprise Centre in Broome.

Catherine Tribble

Catherine will be supporting businesses in Broome

Catherine has lived and worked in Broome for the past 14 years and understands the challenges of operating a business in a regional and remote area such as the Kimberley. She is qualified in Human Resources, has a Cert IV in Training & Assessment, has recently completed a Cert IV in Work Health & Safety and is a member of the Australian Human Resources Institute.

She has worked in the HR field for the past 16 years, and has held management and generalist roles in Human Resources since 2000. In 2014 she commenced her own business consulting to small to medium sized organisations providing solutions to their HR needs. Her particular skills and experience lie in Attraction and Retention, Recruitment, Selection and Induction, Training and Development, People and Performance Management, Workplace Safety and Health and Risk Management. She is able to provide advice and solutions across all areas of HR from job design to managing the le-gally compliant exit of an employee from your business.

With experience in regional Local Government, Health Services and various small businesses in a range of different industries from auto-motive, hospitality to Real Estate, she has a wide range of skills and experience that can help you improve your people management processes and practices, to help get the most from your valued staff, while you focus on what you do best — managing your business.

As a skilled communicator, she listens and takes the time to under-stand the business you are in and your particular needs. Catherine is able to provide current, compliant, effective and tailored solutions, harnessing her range of experience with staffing issues, whilst bringing perspectives from a range of industries to the discussions.

Contact her today to discuss solutions to your HR needs.

PAUL WAREING

Paul will be supporting businesses in Broome

With over 25 years of involvement in the financial services industry across three countries, Paul draws on a wealth of knowledge and experience to provide tailored advice for his clients.

A qualified financial planner (DFS Financial Planning), Paul has worked in senior advisory roles for Macquarie Bank, RBS Morgan's and Commonwealth Bank working with clients to create long term financial strategies to secure their financial future.

Working closely with clients, Paul develops tailored plans to help achieve goals through investment and saving strategies, business planning, superannuation contributions and personal and business risk insurances.

Paul's aim is to ensure that small business owners' hard work and commitment is enhanced, protected and rewarded through targeted strategies in line with their financial goals and aspirations.

Graeme Campbell

Graeme will be supporting businesses in Broome

Graeme holds a Diploma from the Australian Institute of Company Directors is a former Bank Manager with extensive experience in small business. After leaving the Bank, he has been and continues to be involved in businesses in the Kimberley. Recently retiring as Shire President of the Shire of Broome after over 10 years, and sitting on many Federal, State and community committees he has a wealth of experience to impart to others.
Still retaining the Chair's position for Regional Development Australia, Kimberley, and Graeme is also the WA representative on the Federal Ministers RDA reference group.
Graeme has been in business in the Kimberley for in excess of 27 years.

Robyn Maher

Robyn will be supporting businesses in Broome

Originally from Scarborough Perth, Robyn has lived in Broome for the last 25 years and worked in the Kimberley tourism industry for the last two decades. Working in the hotel, 4WD tours, visitor services and destination marketing industries. Principle Consultant of Unique Kimberley a Tourism Consulting company she developed in 2016, Robyn has developed a strategic focus on using social media and other digital platforms to help businesses achieve their marketing goals.

Robyn's extensive experience in destination marketing gives her a strategic understanding of the unique challenges facing tourism operators in the Kimberley. Robyn works with businesses to develop their marketing resources to give them the widest possible reach to connect with people wanting to experience their product in the unique Kimberley.

MARDI TICK

Mardi will be supporting businesses in Broome and Derby on request

Mardi holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree, Certificate IV in Bookkeeping, is a registered BAS agent and Member of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers.

Previously she has taught MYOB, Xero and Small Business at TAFE and the government’s New Enterprise Incentive Scheme to people starting their own businesses.

TOM HULSE

Tom will be supporting businesses in Broome

Tom has over 20 years’ experience in marketing and communications in the UK and Australia. Over the years, he has worked with leading companies including Carnival Cruises, INPEX, Tourism New Zealand, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, the UK’s Houses of Parliament and Malaysia Airlines.
He ran a successful marketing communications agency in London for 10 years.
Looking for a new challenge, in 2012 Tom emigrated with his family from London to Broome. For over three years he was marketing manager at Visit Broome where he developed a good understanding of Broome and the Kimberley.
Tom launched Mangoes Marketing and Media at the start of 2016 – providing a complete marketing and communications service in the NW. Mangoes works with a wide range of organisations from multi-nationals to small family businesses; from simply building a website, designing a leaflet or social media work; to formulating, managing and implementing annual marketing plans.
Over the years Tom has adapted and developed - as communication and marketing channels have changed. Probably his greatest ability is helping companies to recognise their target market and then enabling them to communicate with that market in the most cost-effective way.

Chris MAHER

Chris will be supporting businesses in Broome

Chris arrived in Broome in February 1992. After working as a Regional Coordinator for Disability Services Commission he left the Public Service in 2003 to start his first small business. That business, Art House Framing and Art Supplies, has grown to be the largest Art Supplies store in Country WA, with a national online customer base.
In 2012 he started IT Bandwagon a small tech company focused on website development and SEO for small to medium sized businesses. IT Bandwagon has developed sites for over 50 discreet businesses with a focus on eCommerce and online business solutions.
Chris became Director of Digital Strategies for Unique Kimberley, an innovative tourism consulting service based in Broome and servicing the unique Kimberley region of Western Australia In 2016. He has also developed and delivered a range of digital marketing workshops in the Kimberley. Much of the content of those workshops have focused on assisting businesses to increase their digital reach.
Skilled in Photography, Event Management, Art, Festivals, Social Marketing and Web Design. Chris is a strong information technology professional with a Batchelor of Arts focused in Social Science from Edith Cowan University.

Derby - Fitzroy Crossing

Stewart Milne

Stewart will be supporting businesses in Derby - Fitzroy Crossing

Stewart has been based in Derby since 2011 when he expanded his accounting business into the Kimberley. He has a strong financial background and been an accountant since 2007 after gaining experience in Banking and Finance with Westpac Bank for 15 years and 5 years as a finance broker. He holds a degree in finance and banking and a post graduate diploma in corporations law. He has experience in running a business as a company secretary and financial controller and runs his own business with offices in Perth and Derby. He is a Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia and has a broad knowledge in financial management.

Stewart is also involved in the Derby Chamber of Commerce as past President and has a strong motivation to promote the Kimberley as a whole to the broader community. He has a strong affinity and understanding of the issues affecting regional Australia and the challenges of living and operating businesses in remote locations.

SALLY COURTNEY

Sally will be supporting businesses in Derby

Based in Derby, Sally has lived in the West Kimberley for the past eight years and during this time she has managed cattle stations with her husband and simultaneously operated her own Marketing Consultancy Business. Despite originally growing up in SA, Sally how pursued her career in Marketing in the Northern Territory, after she had completed a Bachelor of Arts/ Business at Charles Darwin University. Prior to this, she studied a Course in Public Relations and Diploma in Graphic Design.
Over the next eight years in the NT, she worked progressively in Marketing Management roles, starting out initially with the Department of Asian Relations and Trade in the Marketing Division. She was then offered a Marketing Managers position with a national Internet Service Provider as their NT Marketing Manager.
One of her challenging and rewarding roles was with the Darwin Entertainment Centre as their Marketing Manager. This diverse role involved working with all media, affiliated partners, corporate sponsors, Arts/Community/Schools groups and numerous interstate Show Production Touring companies. Managing up to 40 show campaigns annually, consequently provided her with invaluable experience managing budgets, publicity and dealing with all media for show advertising campaigns.
Sally’s experience in marketing and events roles is extensive as a result of working in a number of different industries. She has also worked in the public sector both with Chamber of Commerce and Councils in project and events management roles.
With three children added to the family, Sally then formed her own business partnership with an experienced Graphic Designer, to run ‘Courtney Marketing Consultancy’. Over the past ten years, they have provided a range of marketing services, such as branding strategies for businesses, publicity, media and event management, writing and design services, and social media/ website advice. Just some of the organisations they have worked with include Conservation groups, Pastoral Companies, Aboriginal art centres, Community Festivals and events, local and interstate Helicopter and Saddlery companies, Retail and Hospitality and many Tourism operators.

Kununurra - Halls Creek - Wyndham

SUE FRENCH

Sue will be supporting businesses in Kununurra

Sue has worked in finance for over 20 years. Over these 20 years she has worked in all aspects of finance, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll etc.

Sue has also been a small business owner, in both retail and her current Bookkeeping Business, Sue has excellent knowledge of what small businesses need to succeed. Sue has been providing bookkeeping services to businesses in Kununurra for the past 5 years, Sue has solid experience and knowledge in all aspects of small business.

Sue has spent the last five years in Kununurra in her role with assisting small businesses has focussed on Bookkeeping. Sue has assisted in all aspects of Small Business, and is proficient in ensuring compliance for insurances, Australian Taxation Office, Administration, Employee Contracts, Advertising and any other small business needs.

Natika Hawes-Wright

Natika will be supporting businesses in Kununurra - Halls Creek - Wyndham

Natika holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Media and worked in and with the West Australian Community Resource Network since 2000. In this time she has been involved in a range of digital mediums and is proficient in enabling small businesses and not for profit groups to facilitate their own easy to manage online presences.
Natika runs her own consultancy business in Kununurra, focussing on supporting small and micro businesses in their digital marketing needs including simple, cost effective websites, cloud based storage and mobile integration. She has a strong troubleshooting background in Mac OS and iOS and video conferencing.
Natika has lived and worked in the East Kimberley since 2002 and has a passion for the region and the opportunities it presents to its residents and small business and how digital solutions can help bridge the geographical isolation and offer opportunities to the region.

Narelle BROOK

Narelle will be supporting businesses in Kununurra

Narelle has lived in Kununurra since March 1995 and for the most recent fourteen years, has worked in the tourism industry. Tourism experience has included management of a cruise company, six years in aviation working in sales and marketing and management roles, managing the Kununurra Visitor Centre and managing a deluxe apartment complex before commencing Brook Project Management & Marketing in November 2013.
Key areas for Narelle are sales and marketing, project management, tourism policies and procedures, community relations, funding & awards submissions and she holds a Diploma in Business and a Diploma in Tourism. Narelle is a founding member of the Ord Valley Muster having project managed the first Muster in 2001 and has been involved in the event (in some way, shape or form) since its inception.
Recent Board involvement includes being the current President – Skal International Kununurra, Immediate Past Secretary Rotary Club of Kununurra and current Coordinator and founding member of the East Kimberley Marketing Group.
Narelle has also previously held Board/Committee positions with the Kununurra Visitor Centre, Ord Valley Events, is a past Executive Officer of the Kununurra Chamber of Commerce & Industry and held a position on the Australia’s North West Marketing Sub-Committee. Narelle’s current client base extends from Busselton and Myalup in the South West of WA, Perth across to Adelaide and here in the extraORDinary East Kimberley Region. In 2010, Narelle was awarded the GWN Visitor Centre Manager of the Year at the Top Tourism Town Awards and was also a finalist in the Regional Service Award category at the WA Regional Achievement & Community Awards in 2009.

JUSTINE SALERNO

Justine will be supporting businesses in Kununurra

Successful business practice is the active environment in which Justine has continually progressed personally and professionally.
With over 15 years of specific training in the most advanced social technology in solving human conflict, Justine’s involvement in this field is cutting edge, highly valued and continually expanding. Constant empirical research has enabled Justine to practically demonstrate what is required to build functional, enduring and cohesive human relationships. With this ‘cooperation technology’, any relationship, team or organisation of people put together, will not break down from the inside through unresolvable conflict.
It is from this essential foundation in business relationships in which Justine has established her experience in law, sales, marketing, project management, leadership and training and consultancy. Justine’s practical knowledge of these key areas provides a well-rounded approach to business management.
Having lived in Kununurra for the past decade, Justine has an appreciation of the challenges of living and operating businesses in rural and remote locations.
Justine has qualifications which include a Bachelor of Business (International Business), Diploma in Export Management and is currently studying a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
With her keen ability to develop strong business relationships, commitment to silver service and a vision for regional development, Justine continually demonstrates the attitude that working with the ‘human element’ is the key to success.

ELISE PETTY

Elise will be remotely supporting businesses in Kununurra

Elise has lived in Kununurra since 2008 and has worked across wide range of industries and businesses since that time. She moved here to work with Argyle Diamonds and after 18 months with Rio Tinto, she established Spektrum Pty Ltd, a Consultancy business primarily focussed on Business and Community Development and Marketing.
No stranger to small business, she also established and runs The Bangle Business, a successful retail and wholesale women’s fashion business. Elise is also a Director of Freshwater Apartments.
Elise & her husband Steve owned and operated Kununurra Kamper Hire successfully for 3 ½ years before selling the business.
Since moving to Kununurra Elise has been a member of various boards and groups including Ord Valley Events, Kununurra Race Committee, Kimberley Rugby League and The Kimberley Economic Forum.
Particular areas of expertise include community development, regional engagement & development, marketing & sales, and business development. She has a strong capacity to develop collaborative business relationships. Regional development of the East Kimberley is a passion.

Kimberley wide advisors

Wendy Casey

Wendy will be supporting businesses throughout the Kimberley

Wendy comes to you with a plethora of experience in various fields. Her primary focus is offering business development services across Northern Australia. Her main interests lay in new enterprise start-ups, financial management, and career progression. She holds qualifications in Small Business Management, Bookkeeping and Accounting, and Training and Assessing to back up her experience in these arenas.
Her unquenchable thirst for all things Kimberley has awarded her roles with East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce, East Kimberley Small Business Centre, North Regional Tafe and various local community groups. Wendy finds connecting with people and linking them to opportunities is the most satisfying outcome of community engagement.
Her past experience derives from the Hospitality sector; a 4-year stint on Hamilton Island in Food and Beverage and Events, a Front Office traineeship with Accor Hotels, Management roles in Port Douglas resorts, the exclusive Bloomfield Lodge and El Questro’s booking office which, at the time, was located right the heart of Kununurra.
Wendy has owned and operated successful businesses since then and continues today to help people achieve their own dream of success. Her greatest strength is creative thinking and innovative business concepts that are designed to set you apart from your competitors and make your business shine. It should not be a question of ‘Will my business work?' but "HOW do I get my business to work?" When you ask that, then the journey begins.

Maree Gooch

Maree will be supporting businesses throughout the Kimberley

Maree is has a wealth of experience and specialises in strategic business development, facilitation, governance and training. She has extensive experience in strategy, planning and policy development at an executive level of industry and government. Her specialty areas are in small to medium enterprises across many industries, regional and community development. She creates value wherever she goes.
Maree has more than 30 years of experience, working in and with private business, not for profit and non-government organisations and government agencies. Her particular strengths are in strategy, marketing and analysing the competitive environment, thinking outside the square and she gets excited about guiding and working with businesses to build/rebuild their operating model to ensure sustainability and long term economic viability, governance, market analysis, marketing and business development.
Maree has owned and operated several small businesses in regional and remote WA and understands the challenges and the opportunities of running a regional business. She is a Fellow and Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management (AIM) and regularly attends professional development to ensure she can share new learnings and connections with her clients. Maree sits on and chairs a number of boards – in an advisory role to government and in the private sector.

Anita Sutherland

Anita will be supporting businesses throughout the Kimberley

Anita has spent 4 years in the small business industry. Her key skill set is marketing, sales and business development and stakeholder management. Anita has been manager of the Small Business Centre East Kimberley from 2011 to 2014 and has successfully assisted with the tender for the whole Kimberley. She now coordinates the business advisors and clients for Broome, Derby, Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek, Kununurra and Wyndham.

For the past 6 years Anita has lived in Kununurra in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Having also lived in other remote areas of Australia, Anita is aware of the cultural diversity and challenges that affects small businesses in the region.

Key milestones:

Successful tenderer for Small Business Development Corporation Business Local contract for the Kimberley Region.
Raised the profile of using digital marketing strategies such as maintaining a professional website and introducing a Facebook page for more effective communications to our target audience; In conjunction with the KCCI we coordinated the Buy Local campaign which provided us with a 10 week exposure in our local newspaper.
Coincidently, through a blog on our Facebook page ABC Kimberley radio requested SBCEK to feature monthly radio segments.
Successful application to Aus Industry granted the SBCEK $220K funding to development of the enhancement of our services by providing local businesses workshops, seminars and training relevant to the diverse industry sectors in our region.
Undertook travel to outer communities such as Balgo, Mulan and Bililluna to identify business and training opportunities.
The role as manager of the SBCEK provided Anita to develop and maintain relationships with other business providers and community stakeholders.
The SBCEK effectively coordinated 2012 Shire of Wyndham and East Kimberley Small Business Awards, 2013 Shire of Wyndham and East Kimberley Small Business Awards and the Kimberley Development Commission Small Business Awards.
To show her commitment to her current role she has undertaken studies with Swinburne University in 2012 and is studying a Bachelor of Business; major in Marketing and has completed two thirds of her degree, this is also where her passion lies.
In 2012 she completed three certificates; Certificate III in Business, Certificate IV in Small Business Management and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment