Express an Interest

Targeting:

Australia's Golden Outback (AGO), a regional tourism organisation in Western Australia, is seeking an Independent Chairperson to lead and govern the organisation.

AGO represents over 50% of the state’s land mass, showcasing iconic outback landscapes, heritage towns, goldfields history, and unique nature-based experiences. The organisation works in close partnership with Tourism WA, local governments, regional stakeholders, and the tourism industry.

AGO is seeking an Independent Chairperson who can provide strategic leadership, support sound governance, and represent AGO with credibility and passion. The successful candidate will be an experienced leader with a proven ability to navigate complex environments and work collaboratively with a diverse stakeholder base.

About the Role

• The position is a minimum two-year term starting in January 2027

• The position holder must be available to travel into the AGO region for board meetings which will take place three times a year.

• The position holder must also be available for regular online monthly subcommittee meetings.

• The position holder must be located within Western Australia.

Key Responsibilities

• Chair and facilitate effective Board meetings

• Provide independent leadership and strategic oversight

• Drive alignment with AGO’s Strategic Plan and KPIs

• Represent AGO at industry, government and stakeholder forums

• Foster regional tourism collaboration and innovation

• Ensure good governance in line with the organisation’s constitution and obligations

• Actively support the development and delivery of regional tourism initiatives

• Provide support to the AGO CEO for critical operational decisions

• Provide oversight and approval of accounts.

Selection Criteria

Applicants are required to demonstrate the following:

1.       Leadership and Governance

Proven experience in leading boards or organisations, with strong governance understanding and meeting facilitation skills.

2.       Strategic Capacity and Vision

Ability to lead the strategic planning process, ensure delivery against business plans and KPIs, and offer visionary insights for the future of regional tourism.

3.       Tourism and Marketing Expertise

Knowledge of tourism marketing and development and familiarity with current regional and national tourism trends and challenges is desirable.

4.       Stakeholder Representation and Engagement

Strong representational and advocacy skills, with experience engaging across government, industry, and community networks.

5.       Regional Knowledge and Commitment

An understanding of, or genuine interest in, the Golden Outback region, Willingness to learn and to travel within the region as required.

6.       Collaborative and Inclusive Leadership

Ability to lead with transparency, foster inclusivity, and engage respectfully with diverse communities, including First Nations Australians.

Eligibility and Independence

This is a co-opted, independent position. To be eligible, applicants must:

·        Have no direct commercial or operational tourism interests in the AGO region

·        Be independent of the day-to-day activities of any member tourism organisation

·        Disclose any actual or perceived conflicts of interest

Recruitment Process

Selection Oversight

Selection oversight will be conducted by the Recruitment Committee in accordance with its Terms of Reference to ensure a robust and impartial process, including managing probity requirements and conflicts of interest and confirming the recommendation pathway.

Selection Panel

The selection panel will include four Board representatives.

A Tourism WA representative will participate in the interview stage in an advisory capacity.

• One co-opted representative

• One representative – Goldfields

• One representative – Gascoyne/Murchison

• One representative – Wheatbelt

The panel will assess shortlisted candidates. Interviews will then be conducted by the panel, with Tourism WA participation as outlined above. Following interviews, the panel will provide a recommendation to the Recruitment Committee, which will confirm the preferred candidate recommendation to the AGO Board for formal co-option.

Application Process

To apply, please provide:

• A cover letter (max 3 pages) addressing the selection criteria

• A current CV (max 4 pages)

• Contact details of two professional referees

Applications Close: Monday, 8 June 2026

Submit Applications To: Please submit applications marked “Confidential – Independent Chair” to Marcus Falconer, CEO - ceo@goldenoutback.com.