About Me
I have travelled since I was a teenager, discovering the most remarkable Cultures I could possibly unearth around the globe. Resulting in some ‘most interesting’ situations, I have always used my love & understanding of human nature to find the best I can of the people in some of the most remote locations imaginable.
“In 2010 I was asked to go to Laos to help plan a route for Stray Travel. It was a most remarkable adventure, making my way from the nation’s Capital Vientiane, North to Luang Prabang by means of local transport – busses, motorbikes trucks and whatever means necessary. Armed simply with a small phrasebook, I was graciously welcomed by locals in villages along the way. Sleeping in villages in and in Monasteries, eating the most ‘interesting’ foods, a highlight was volunteering my skills an English teacher to these ‘Mini Monks'”. ❤️
“In 2017 I spent most of the year in FIFO mode between Cairns and Lake Toba – Northern Sumatra. Working for the Tourism arm of the Jokowi Government, my job as master planner was to work alongside Surveyors, Civil Engineers and local Villagers to create absolute Green spaces into Tourism destinations. This, to date was one of the greatest adventures I have had working overseas, and I sincerely can’t wait to head back over there as soon as COVID permits.”. ❤️
I have been living and loving the Tourism Industry here in Tropical North Queensland for 32 years. I started out running then owning Backpacker Hostels on Grafton Street. After purchasing 2 Toyota Coaster busses in 1991, we pioneered the road to Cape Tribulation with Backpackers onboard. This was indeed an adventure for all involved, in 1996 leased a vessel we called ‘Jungle Diver’ to take International and Domestic travellers to the Great Barrier Reef from Cape Trib Beach.
I have owned and managed Travellers bars, restaurants, been contracted by Global ? Travel companies to establish bespoke initiatives in related markets.
During the course of my journey, I have developed a profound love for our beloved Great Barrier Reef and our Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest, but most of all our amazingly beautiful Indigenous Cultures of our First Australians.
This is where I have created ReefTree. Some 20 years ago, after studying Rainforest ?? Biology here at TAFE, I learnt that our Mangrove systems are so very important to our precious Eco Systems and our Aboriginal peoples along the Queensland coastline.
Mangroves are the filter from the Rainforest, and the Nursery of the Great Barrier Reef. They are the supermarkets, hardware stores, and medicine ⛑ cabinets of our Indigenous peoples of the coastline. Absolutely integral to my favourite natural assets. ReefTree = Reef – Rainforest – Rock Art Resilience.
People, Culture & Travel are of the utmost importance to my very existance.
ReefTree offers accumulated experience, knowledge, understanding and assistance to our First Australians whom are entering the Tourism market here in the North. I have worked alongside and with many an Aboriginal business, consulting, connecting and facilitating their journeys. With 2021 being the Year of Indigenous Tourism, NOW is the time to create bespoke Export Ready Tourism initiatives for – not only the golden age of domestic tourism here in the North, but for when our international borders reopen to millions who have their eye on Australia for handling COVID 19 so very well.
With my eternal flame ? of optimism burning brightly, I am extremely excited about our new year ahead, and would love nothing more but to take you on my journey!
“2015 / 16 I spent 2 years contracted to STA Travel Global as Sales & Marketing Manager for their Global Backpacker brand. Great insight into corporate life after being self employed for most of my life.
Gudju Gudju graciously obliged by conducting Welcome to Country for the Global brand, right here in the Cairns store..! ‘”. ❤️
I have supported Indigenous Culture in my business life for the past 30 years. Sharing with Australian friends & visitors, foreign tourists and locals alike. Hosting & watching such Dance shows & Cultural displays gives me an immense sense of pride in Australia
