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Home » News » Tourism WA appoints new chair and board members, as state’s hard border with Queensland returns

Tourism WA appoints new chair and board members, as state’s hard border with Queensland returns

The Governor of Western Australia has appointed Di Bain as the new chairperson for the state’s tourism board.

Bain (pictured above) has been a Tourism WA board member since May 2019 and has more than 20 years’ experience in the communications industry. She is a current Councillor at the City of Perth, a board member for Perth Zoo and is a former chairperson of Activate Perth.

Joining Bain on the Tourism WA board are Anneke Brown and Janelle Marr.

Brown has extensive experience in the tourism and hospitality industry, particularly in the global luxury hotel sector. Until recently, she was the general manager of COMO The Treasury hotel and has held senior positions with Aman Resorts International and the iconic Longitude 131 resort at Uluru.

Marr is the managing director of Step Beyond Strategy and has 25 years’ experience as a corporate strategist and advisor with companies such as EY and KPMG.

She is also a Telstra Business Award winner, a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia.

Manny Papadoulis will continue as Tourism WA’s deputy chairperson and Kevin Brown’s term has also been extended. Kia Dowell, whose term is due to end on 31 March 2022, also remains on the board.

WA Tourism Minister David Templeman acknowledged the contribution of former board members to Tourism WA and the tourism industry – in particular, Nathan Harding, who has served on the board since 2012 and as chairperson from 2017 until 30 June 2021.

“I sincerely thank the retiring board members, Nathan Harding, Valerie Davies, Tracey Horton, Karen Priest, John O’Sullivan and Linda Wayman for their contribution to the tourism industry in WA,” he said.

“I would also like to take the opportunity to congratulate Di Bain on being appointed chair, and welcome Anneke Brown and Janelle Marr to the board.

“The tourism industry in Western Australia accounts for more than 109,000 jobs and, before the COVID-19 pandemic, contributed $11 billion in visitor spend to the state’s economy.

“I look forward to working with the appointees and the existing Tourism WA team to build on the success of the past and help set the tourism industry on a positive path for the future.”

The WA government has also begun recruiting for a new managing director for Tourism WA, following the departure of Brodie Carr late last year.

The board appointments come as WA prepares to reintroduce a hard border with Queensland from 3pm (AWST) today due to the state’s escalating COVID-19 situation.

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• Executive Management Team

Chief Executive Officer - Rebecca Brown PSM

Rebecca commenced as Director General of the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation (JTSI) in September 2018. In this role, she is also Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Western Australia.  Rebecca has overseen significant changes across JTSI to position the agency as critical to advancing the State Government's key policy agendas, including growing local jobs, diversifying the state's industry base and export potential and continuing to leverage the broader research, science and innovation community to advance outcomes for Western Australia. She was appointed Acting Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet from March 2020 to May 2021 to support the State Government's early response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Rebecca returned to her role as Director General of JTSI in June 2021. She has worked across both Federal and State Government agencies in a range of senior roles across revenue and economic policy, social policy, resourcing and performance. Rebecca has held senior positions at both WA Treasury and the WA Department of the Premier and Cabinet, where she oversaw key reforms between the public and non-profit community sectors.  

Managing Director - Carolyn Turnbull

Carolyn Turnbull is the Managing Director at Tourism WA and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the agency, including the promotion of WA as an incredible tourism destination, working with industry and government to improve access, accommodation and tourism experiences and delivering a world-class events calendar. 

Carolyn has more than 20 years of international experience in the tourism, hospitality and aviation industries, and spearheaded the development of the Western Gateway as Chief Aviation Development Officer at Perth Airport.   Carolyn is a graduate of the Cornell School of Hotel Administration Advanced Management Program and holds an Executive MBA in Hospitality Management through Nanyang Business School, Singapore. She is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors .

Chief Financial Officer - Renato Sansalone 

Renato is responsible for our financial and accounting services and ensuring the agency's compliance with financial matters. Renato has more than 25 years' experience working in finance-related positions within the WA Public Sector. Previous agencies include the Department of Culture and the Arts, where he held Chief Financial Officer roles at the Art Gallery of WA and the WA Museum, the Department for Planning and Infrastructure, and the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor. Renato joined Tourism WA in 2012 and is also currently the Chief Finance Officer for the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation and the Anzac Day Trust.

Executive Director - Corporate Services - Scott Davis

Scott leads the Corporate Services team which supports the agency by providing financial services, legal, risk management, human resources management, information management, ICT and procurement/contract services.  With over 25 years of broad international management and leadership experience across both the public and private sectors, Scott has joined the agency on secondment from the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety where he has led functions including business innovation, licensing services and regulatory reform.

Exec utive Director - Marketing - Melissa Forbes

Melissa and her team focus on implementing our marketing strategy in Australia and our key international markets, leading the WA tourism brand strategy and the development and implementation of destination marketing campaigns.  The division oversees trade partnerships, media buying, brand and creative, digital platforms, data strategy, social content, public relations, and familiarisations, and management of Tourism WA’s 11 global marketing offices.  Melissa has nearly 20 years of brand and marketing experience, leading teams across the government, hospitality and travel sectors, including destination marketing projects at the City of Perth, and overseeing public relations at Voyages Hotels and Resorts, based at Ayers Rock . 

Executive Director - Events - Anna Last

Anna leads the Tourism WA Events division, which develops, sponsors, markets and promotes a diverse calendar of sporting, cultural, arts and culinary events that showcase Western Australia and give visitors a time-specific reason to visit the state. This includes support for major and regional events through the Tourism WA Major Events Fund, Regional Events Program and Regional Events Scheme. Anna joined Tourism WA in 2021, with over a decade of experience in partnerships, media and communications, having worked internationally in London and in Melbourne and Perth. Most recently, Anna managed the Corporate Partnerships team at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne .     Executive Director - Destination Development - Renata Lowe

Executive Director - Strategy and Engagement - Steph Underwood

Director - Office of the Managing Director - Hannah Moore

Hannah has been in the public sector for more than 15 years and joins us from the Department of Premier and Cabinet, where she was the Executive Manager for Aboriginal Engagement for more than two years. Hannah has had many roles in her career, including within the Department of Communities, the Department of Justice (working in the Commissioner of Corrective Services' office), and working for the Standing Committee on Estimates and Financial Operations at Parliament House. Hannah has a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and Public Relations, and brings a great wealth of experience in Ministerial processes and protocol, governance, and budget management to the agency.

Director - Corporate Communications - Kate Hodges

Kate leads the Corporate Communications team within the broader Strategy and Engagement division. The Corporate Communications team is responsible for promoting the work of the agency to the WA tourism industry, domestic news media and the wider community. The team focuses on strategic communications, media relations, speech writing, digital communications and print publications, as well as internal communications and events for the agency. Kate has more than a decade of media and communications experience across a range of diverse industries including journalism, business, industry advocacy and local government, with more than five years’ experience in the Australian tourism sector, having joined Tourism WA in 2022 after working for Tourism Australia.

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Our team is made of passionate wanderers from all walks of life, and we love sharing our surprising, spectacular home with you. We are here to help you discover the vivid colours, interesting creatures, the crystal-clear seas, the ancient landscapes, our Indigenous heritage and the food and wines that make WA a bucket list destination.

Get assistance not only from a local you can trust but a team who have experienced the tours you want to enjoy, the hotels you want to stay in and the roads you want to take to the vast open spaces of our mighty region. By booking through us you can cut through the information overload and get first-hand recommendations that will make a difference in creating a dream holiday fully loaded with only the best experiences and moments to generate happy memories for you and your family.

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Western Australia is the country’s largest State, representing a third of Australia’s land area. When you realise that over half of that expanse falls within just one region – WA’s Golden Outback – you begin to get a sense of scale of just how vast this huge slice of Western Australia is and of course, how much there is to discover. Stretching from the South Australia border across the Nullarbor Plain it takes in the south eastern coastline and encompasses the Western Australian Wheatbelt to the east of Perth and the fields of wildflowers that WA is famous for, and reaches to just south of the Tropic of Capricorn.

Western Australia’s Coral Coast – mid way along the Western Australia coastline – extends for over 1000km. Take the Indian Ocean Drive from Cervantes in the south, some 2 hours north of Perth, up to the Coral Coast’s main centre of Geraldton and onto Exmouth in the north. The sea is bluer here, the skies clearer and the rich colours of the coastline make this drive an adventure to fill the senses with extraordinary natural sights both onshore and underwater and unforgettable experiences including hand feeding dolphins in the wild and swimming with whale sharks.

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A glorious coastline of rocky outbreaks that frame pristine white beaches and sapphire blue seas together with the food and especially the wine of the Margaret River wine region are just some of the highlights awaiting when you explore WA’s South West. From Perth it’s an easy three-hour drive south to Busselton and the start of the Margaret River. Busselton offers up a postcard setting by the seaside – a long white sandy beach, the calm clear blue seas of Geographe Bay and an endlessly long jetty complete with miniature train and an underwater observatory.

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Tourism Australia is governed by a Board of Directors who report to the Federal Minister for Tourism. The main role of the Board is to determine Tourism Australia policy and ensure that the organisation performs in a proper and efficient manner.

Michael Issenberg, Chair 

Michael Issenberg

Michael Issenberg is currently the Chairman of Tourism Australia, the Government agency responsible for promoting Australia as a business and leisure travel destination, a Director of TFE Hotels and a Director of the Star Entertainment Group, one of the leading Casino and Integrated Resort operators in Australia.

Michael is one of the most respected leaders in tourism and hospitality, with a reputation for operational excellence and the highest integrity.

As the former Chairman and CEO of Accor Asia Pacific, he led the group to more than 1250 hotels over his 26-year tenure, building a $4 billion business over 23 countries that was number one in Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. With multi-national experience in the US, Australia, and Asia, he is an expert in mergers and acquisitions, having led several integrations for the Group. He is known for building strong teams and inspiring them towards a shared vision and is a lifelong champion of diversity and inclusion. He has a deep understanding of Asian cultures and the Asian consumer.

Under his leadership, Accor Asia Pacific went from the smallest contributor to the Group’s performance to the fastest-growing region, representing over 50 per cent of the global development pipeline.

Michael is a Lifetime Member of the Tourism and Transport Forum in Australia and the Cornell Hotel Society. He is a former member of the global Accor Executive Committee, and previous Chairman and Director of Reef Casino Trust and Director of the A-HTrust, with a strong understanding of public company governance. An innovator at heart, he played a pivotal role in establishing Accor Vacation Club, the region’s first points-based timeshare business.

Michael has been recognised for his vast contribution to tourism many times including an esteemed Ordre National de la Legion d’honneur and Ordre National du Mérite from the French Government. He was named Hotelier of the Year 2012, 2015 and 2020 at the Hotel Management Awards and International Hotelier of the Year 2014 at the China Hotel Investment Conference. In 2020, he was presented with the prestigious Golden Horse Award as the Annual Influential Figure of Global Cultural Tourism Industry in China.

Michael’s previous roles include Chief Executive Officer at Mirvac Hotels, Director at Horwath and Horwath and Director of Development at Merlin Properties. Michael holds a degree in Hotel Administration from Cornell University.

Michael was appointed as Tourism Australia’s Chair in October 2021.

Jeff Ellison AM, Deputy Chair

Jeffrey Ellison AM

Deputy chair.

Jeffrey Ellison is the Chairman of the Kelsian Group Limited. Prior to this (until January 2020) he was the CEO and MD of the SeaLink Travel Group (now part of the Kelsian Group), a position he held since early 1997.

Jeff is a Chartered Accountant, joining SeaLink following eight years in private practice. Kelsian Group is an ASX 200 listed company and operates in the tourism and transport industries. As of June 2021, Kelsian transports over 207 million customers per annum, with operations in all states of Australia, in Singapore and London.

Jeff is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants ANZ and the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has been awarded a Life Membership by TTF Australia. In 2013, he won the SA Tourism Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual and was the 2014 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for the Central Region. Jeff has also held appointments on the Adelaide Convention Centre Board, TTF Australia, SA Tourism Commission Board and the SA Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium Board. Jeff joined Tourism Australia’s Board in November 2018 and was appointed Deputy Chair of the Board and Chairman of the Audit and Finance Committee in July 2020.

Phillipa Harrison, Managing Director

Phillipa Harrison 

Managing director.

As the Managing Director Phillipa is responsible for driving Tourism Australia’s strategies to create sustainable international demand for Australia’s tourism experiences and working with the tourism industry to support the sector’s recovery from the impacts of the events of 2020.

Phillipa first joined Tourism Australia in February 2017 as Executive General Manager International, to lead the organisation’s international operations for Asia, the Americas, Europe and New Zealand as well as Global Distribution and Partnerships.

Prior to joining Tourism Australia, Phillipa spent six years working for Hamilton Island Enterprises and before that held a variety of globally-focused senior sales, marketing and product roles across ecommerce, retail and wholesale tourism platforms, based in both London and Sydney.

Phillipa holds a Bachelor of Arts (Mass Communication and Psychology) from Macquarie University and an MBA from AGSM at the University of NSW.

Annabel Dolphin, Director

Annabel Dolphin 

Annabel Dolphin is currently Executive Director of award-winning regional travel agency Helloworld Mackay, Mt Pleasant and Townsville. She is an experienced non-executive director with over 20 years specialising in strategic human resources, organisational design, and culture change across a diverse range of sectors, including travel and tourism.

Annabel has a passion for the not-for-profit and mutual sector and is currently President of the Saints Netball Club Mackay Inc, and Director of RACQ Group Ltd including its subsidiaries.

Annabel is Executive Director of her own firm, Dolphin Ventures Pty Ltd, where she sits on several independent advisory boards within the mining, civil construction, manufacturing, and professional services sector. Annabel has also served as a chair of TAFE. Annabel joined Tourism Australia’s Board in November 2021.

Ian Horne - Director

Ian Horne is a leading advocate for the hotel, hospitality, and tourism industry, having been the CEO of the Australian Hotels Association (SA) on two occasions for a total of thirty-one years. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Adelaide University and completed an Executive Education program at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business.

His advocacy in the tourism, business events, accommodation and hospitality industry, is reflected in positions held on the boards of the South Australian Tourism Commission, including chair of audit and risk, is the Vice Chair of the Business Events Adelaide (formerly Adelaide Convention Bureau) and his appointed in 2023 to the board of the Adelaide Venue Management Corporation (AVMC) & to the SA Skills Commission.

Ian’s roles and responsibilities cover four decades and reflect the commitment, drive and dedication that go well beyond the job that has seen Ian considered a major influencer, campaigner and advocate on all policy issues that have impacted the tourism and hospitality industry.  Ian most recently was part of the team that facilitated the establishing of Accommodation Australia as the single strong voice for tourism accommodation in Australia. As the long-term CEO the Australian Hotels Association (SA) he has been a source of advocacy and leadership at industry and sector level through pandemics, a global financial crisis, globalisation and technology revolutions. A record few can match.

He has been at the forefront of change and transformation of the hotel and hospitality sector and consequently tourism. Ian joined the board in August 2023.

John Hart, Director

John Hart, OAM

John Hart is currently the Executive Chair for the Australian Chamber – Tourism, the peak national body of tourism organisations in Australia. John has spent over 30 years working in the tourism and hospitality industry in operational, human resources and industrial relations roles. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in business law and a Master of Business Law and was awarded an Order of Australia medal for services to tourism in 2021.

John is Chair of Australian Grape & Wine and the National Tourism Industry Training Committee and a board member of the Australian Business Register, the Angus Knight Group, Food Standards Australia and New Zealand, and Rangelands NRM.

John joined Tourism Australia’s Board in November 2018.

Penny Fowler, Director

Penny Fowler

Penny is Chair of the Herald & Weekly Times and News Corp Australia’s Community Ambassador.

Penny is Chair of the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, Deputy Chair of The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria and Chair of The National Portrait Gallery, and Board Member of Tech Mahindra. She is also on the Advisory Boards of Visy and the St George Foundation.

A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Penny holds a Bachelor of Business degree with a major in Marketing from Monash (Chisholm) University and is a CEW member.

Penny joined Tourism Australia’s Board in July 2019.

Georgina Richters, Director

Georgina Richters

Georgina is an Executive who has extensive and diverse experience in the corporate sector with a focus on governance, government, business, and the performing arts.  As Deputy Chair of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Legacy Committee, Board Trustee of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) and Chair of the Queensland Arts Ministers’ First Nations Arts and Cultures Panel, Georgina brings first-hand professional experience. A strategic leader, Georgina’s two-world view underpins her success in Executive, Board Member and Advisor appointments. 

Georgina is currently the Principal and Lead of First Nations Advisory, an Aboriginal owned management consulting practice between Georgina and Brisbane based consultancy Environment Land Heritage Pty Ltd. She is a former national board member for Bravehearts and an advisor to Tourism and Events Queensland First Nations Advisory Group; the Qld State Lead for PwC’s Indigenous Consulting, a world first, profit for purpose consultancy group servicing corporate, government and not-for-profit clients, and the CEO of the Western Cape Communities Trust.

She has worked in leadership roles within the public, private and not-for-profit sector and has more than 25 years experience working in Indigenous affairs at national, state, local and community levels.  Georgina has a strong record of involvement in strategically planning and developing business improvements and implementing the strategic direction and thinking of organisations.

Georgina is passionate about delivering innovative community-based and led solutions that protect, restore and build the social and economic well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia.

Linda Wayman, Director

Linda Wayman

Linda is a Non-Executive Director with more than 25 years’ experience. She is currently the chair of Carers WA, and on the boards Carers Australia and Tennis West; and most recently she was on the boards of Tourism WA and Venues West. Her previous board experience includes the Committee for Perth, the State Library of WA Foundation (chair), Rally Australia and Football West.  

She headed up the Perth division of Southern Cross Australia, Australia’s largest broadcaster for 15 years and led Perth’s leading radio stations through a changing and competitive landscape, including the commercialisation of the business’ digital assets. Linda has held senior executive service roles in government with the Western Australian government as general manager of EventsCorp, the State’s major event agency; and in the Victorian government in roles in marketing, communications and public affairs. She has extensive experience in government policy and corporate affairs in portfolios such as tourism, small business, planning and infrastructure.

As principal of her marketing and communications business, Linda has developed strategies for destinations as varied as the City of Fremantle and Cocos Keeling Islands.

Linda is a former WA Telstra Businesswoman of the Year and Advertising Person of the Year. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company directors and has a Masters of Communication.

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Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

*Disclaimer:  The information on this website is presented in good faith and on the basis that Tourism Australia, nor their agents or employees, are liable (whether by reason of error, omission, negligence, lack of care or otherwise) to any person for any damage or loss whatsoever which has occurred or may occur in relation to that person taking or not taking (as the case may be) action in respect of any statement, information or advice given in this website. Tourism Australia wishes to advise people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent that this website may contain images of persons now deceased.

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Uncover the very best of Western Australia with our comprehensive collection of guides and brochures. Plan a unique adventure with our regional guides, or journey past iconic sites on an unforgettable road-trip itinerary. Delve into the state’s world-renowned wine regions, be captivated by its otherworldly carpets of colourful wildflowers or gain a fascinating insight into the stories and knowledge of the land’s traditional owners. 

With downloadable guides and brochures for pre-trip inspiration and on-the-go planning, and physical brochures available at visitor centres across the state, we’re here to help you create a truly special experience.

Tourism Western Australia acknowledges Aboriginal peoples as the traditional custodians of Western Australia and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We celebrate the diversity of Aboriginal West Australians and honour their continuing connection to Country, culture and community. We recognise and appreciate the invaluable contributions made by First Nations peoples across many generations in shaping Western Australia as a premier destination.

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Cape Leveque , Western Australia © Dan Paris

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• Getting to Western Australia

Swim with the ocean’s gentle giants, savour some of Australia’s best wines and marvel at larger-than-life landscapes in Western Australia.

Western Australia is incredibly vast and diverse; as the largest state, it covers nearly one-third of the country. From baffling rock formations and ancient Aboriginal sites to sweeping green vineyards of world-class wineries and unbelievably clear ocean waters, Western Australia is the land of endless exploration.  

Your style of travel may very well dictate where you visit in Western Australia. Those looking for adventure and wide open spaces should head north of Perth to explore the Coral Coast, Ningaloo Reef and The Kimberley. If you love a bit of indulgence, secluded beaches and fine food and wine, make sure you visit South West Western Australia for its laid-back luxury.

• Swim with whale sharks on Ningaloo Reef
• Sunbathe with kangaroos at Lucky Bay in Esperance or meet a quokka on Rottnest Island
• Sip wine and relax in Margaret River

You can fly directly into Perth from some international hubs, and there are daily flights here from most capital cities.

From Perth, you can fly to regional airports including  Broome  (the main hub for the  Kimberley ) and Learmonth (for Ningaloo Reef). After you arrive, hire a car to venture further afield. Western Australia is what  road trip  dreams are made of; explore the state on the  Gibb River Road  or  South West Edge road trip .

Popular destinations in Western Australia

The Coral Coast

South West Western Australia

Trips and itineraries

From Perth: A 10-day trip of colourful attractions

10 days along the Coral Coast

Crossing the Nullarbor

Australia's South West Edge in 14 days

A foodie road trip from Swan Valley to Margaret River

8 days exploring the Kimberley’s natural wonders

Gibb River Road: a 12-day adventure

Things to do in western australia.

7 breathtaking sights to see in the Kimberley

The best Margaret River wineries

8 of Perth's best museums, galleries and theatres

Looking for more inspiration? Go to westernaustralia.com

Travellers' stories, explore australia's states and territories.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

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*Product Disclaimer:  Tourism Australia is not the owner, operator, advertiser or promoter of the listed products and services. Information on listed products and services, including Covid-safe accreditations, are provided by the third-party operator on their website or as published on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse where applicable. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator’s website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD). Tourism Australia makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through its websites such as australia.com. Some websites which are linked to the Tourism Australia website are independent from Tourism Australia and are not under the control of Tourism Australia. Tourism Australia does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the use of websites which are owned or operated by third parties and makes no representation or warranty in relation to the standard, class or fitness for purpose of any services, nor does it endorse or in any respect warrant any products or services by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site.

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UFC And Tourism WA Announce Multiyear Deal To Bring Two Action-Packed MMA Events To Perth

UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts promotion and part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO), together with the Western Australian Government through Tourism Western Australia, today announced a multiyear partnership in which UFC will return to Perth with two blockbuster events starting with UFC 305 at RAC Arena on Sunday, August 18.   

UFC 305 marks the third time Perth has hosted a UFC Pay-Per-View event following the success of UFC 221: ROMERO vs. ROCKHOLD in February 2018, and most recently, the record-breaking UFC 284: MAKHACHEV vs. VOLKANOVSKI in February 2023.  Under the new agreement, UFC will also work closely with Tourism WA to bring one additional must-see mixed martial arts (MMA) event to Perth featuring an exciting UFC FIGHT NIGHT.

“Perth, I am so excited to be coming back!” said UFC CEO, Dana White . “After a record-breaking event in 2023, I can’t wait to bring another massive pay-per-view to Western Australia.  Perth is a world class city with some of the most passionate fight fans I’ve ever seen – UFC 305 is going to be INCREDIBLE!”

In February 2023, UFC 284: MAKHACHEV vs. VOLKANOVSKI broke RAC Arena records for revenue and sporting event attendance. UFC 284 also broke the national arena record for the highest-grossing ticket sales of any event, which was then surpassed by UFC 293: ADESANYA vs. STRICKLAND at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena in September.

UFC 284: MAKHACHEV vs. VOLKANOVSKI delivered an estimated $42.8 million of total economic and flow-on benefits with more than 9,000 international or interstate visitors making the trip to Perth for the major event.

Helping make the announcement today at Scrappy MMA in Willetton was No.1 UFC featherweight and former champion, Alex Volkanovski ; No.5 UFC welterweight and Perth’s own, Jack Della Maddalena ; No.10 UFC flyweight, Steve Erceg also from Western Australia; Peter Kloczko, Vice President of Australia and New Zealand, UFC; the Hon. Roger Cook MLA, Premier of Western Australia and the Hon. Rita Saffioti MLA, Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism.

“The return of UFC to Perth in 2024 is a major coup for Western Australia, following the roaring success of UFC 284 that injected millions into our economy last year,” said Premier Roger Cook.

“UFC has proven to be a huge drawcard with a dedicated fan base, and we expect to see thousands of out-of-state visitors travel to Perth to attend this blockbuster.

“Western Australia continues to strengthen its reputation for hosting world-class sporting events, and with UFC boasting the best of the best in MMA, UFC 305 represents yet another high calibre spectacle in our events calendar.”

“We are very excited to once again be hosting UFC at RAC Arena, and we expect UFC 305 to be another major success for WA’s tourism and hospitality industry,” said Deputy Premier and Tourism Minister, Rita Saffioti.

“We know that sporting fans love to come to Perth to witness a high-stakes sporting event in one of our world-class sporting venues, and the weekend of 17-18 August will be a knockout with UFC 305 at RAC Arena and the Wallabies vs Springboks at Optus Stadium.”

Peter Kloczko, UFC Vice President Australia and New Zealand added, “We are absolutely thrilled to be heading back to Perth for two exciting UFC events over the next few years. UFC in this region goes from strength to strength; from our amazing roster of talent to record-breaking events across the country, it’s only getting better. I want to thank the WA Government and Tourism Western Australia for their continued support for UFC, MMA, and making UFC 305 in Perth possible.”

Fighter match ups for UFC 305 will be announced at a later date.  Meanwhile, fight fans wanting access to pre-sale tickets and to keep up to date with all UFC 305 event announcements can register their interest at www.ufc.com/perth .  

UFC Travel Packages are available from today via Sportsnet Holidays. Fans can lock in their travel plans with certainty of securing tickets to UFC 305 by visiting http://www.sportsnetholidays.com/ufc-305-perth .

VIP Experience packages will be available soon via On Location, UFC’s Official VIP Experience Provider. Enjoy exclusive access with an official ticket package that can feature premium seating, VIP access to weigh-ins, all-inclusive hospitality, meet-and-greets with UFC athletes and more. For more information, visit UFCVIP.com to view package details.

Since 2010, UFC has presented 17 live events in Australia, including sold-out shows at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena, Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena, Perth Arena, Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Adelaide Entertainment Centre and Gold Coast Convention Centre. Collectively, these events have seen over 325,000 fans in attendance and millions worldwide watching on PPV and broadcast television. The six host cities to date – Sydney, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth – have produced a cumulative gross gate of more than $64 million and hundreds of millions more in economic impact.

The announcement of UFC’s newly forged partnership with Tourism WA follows the massive success of last month’s WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth , which the WA Government, through Tourism WA, played a key role in bringing to the region. UFC and WWE, two of the world’s most iconic sports and entertainment brands, were merged under TKO Group Holdings in 2023.  

For more information or current fight news, visit ufc.com . 

Information regarding media accreditation for the event will be sent out at a later date.

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