Tourism WA chairman reappointed

Tourism Minister Kim Hames has announced, hotel owner and proprietor of Sandalford Wines, Peter Prendiville will continue as Tourism WA's Chairman of the Board for another three years.

  • Peter Prendiville to serve another three-year term

  • Howard Cearns to continue as deputy chairman 

Tourism Minister Kim Hames has announced, hotel owner and proprietor of Sandalford Wines, Peter Prendiville will continue as Tourism WA's Chairman of the Board for another three years.

Dr Hames said Mr Prendiville joined the board in 2011 as its deputy chairman and took over as chairman on July 1, 2012.

"Peter has more than 40 years' experience as a businessman in tourism, hospitality and events, and I am pleased he has agreed to continue in the role," he said.

"Tourism is a major economic driver for Western Australia.  In 2014, tourism contributed more than $8.6 billion to the State's economy through visitor spending and generated around 94,000 jobs.

"The State Government wants to see visitor spend increase to $12 billion in the next five years and Tourism WA, under Peter's stewardship, has developed a strategy to help us reach that goal."

Mr Prendiville, who last month received the Celebrate WA 2015 Business Award as part of the WA Day Awards, will remain chairman until December 2018.

Howard Cearns, who founded Little Creatures Brewing Pty Ltd and has been a member of the Tourism WA board since July 1, 2006, will continue as deputy chairman.

Nathan Harding, owner and group managing director of Discover Australia Holidays, has been reappointed to the board for a further three years.

The Minister also thanked Diane Smith-Gander and Richard Vaughan, who have left the board after serving three-year terms.

Dr Hames acknowledged their significant contribution over their terms.

Tourism WA's board is appointed under the Western Australian Tourism Commission Act 1983 and currently has seven members, with 10 being the maximum allowable.  The board has responsibility for corporate governance, strategic direction and goals for management.

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