JT to kick goals for tourism
RUGBY league superstar Johnathan Thurston is set to kick goals for Queensland long after his retirement, taking up an appointment to a powerful government board that will oversee tourism and major events.
The North Queensland Cowboys and Maroons legend, who will retire from football at the end of this season, has joined the board of Tourism and Events Queensland under sweeping changes announced by the State Government.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Tourism Minister Kate Jones will today unveil the coup, which will see Thurston drive new strategies to put the state on the map globally.
Thurston has been praised for his work in indigenous communities and is a shareholder in regional airline operator Collings Aviation.
“Throughout my professional career, I’ve travelled enough to know that our tourism offering and lifestyle is something to be celebrated,” Thurston said. “Living in regional Queensland, I also know and understand how important events are to our communities, not only attracting visitors but also providing a great source of pride.
“As a proud Queenslander, I am really looking forward to working with the Tourism and Events Queensland board to showcase what’s great about our state to a national and international audience.”
Ms Palaszczuk said Thurston was the ideal candidate to put Queensland in a position to capitalise on the $ 25 billion tourism industry which supports more than 200,000 jobs.
“I am looking forward to hearing his advice and insights as to how we can grow an industry that is vital to regional communities,” she said.
Thurston will be joined by Black Drum Productions founder Nancy Bamaga, Queensland Airports chief executive Chris Mills, major events expert Brenda LaPorte and Brisbane Lions director Sarah Kelly as new board members.