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Aerial view of a lone car driving down a long dirt road through a dense forest with mountains in the background.

Ambassadors

Meet Our Ambassadors

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Kylie Rixon

Owner Operator
Sunset Tourist Park
Mount Isa | Outback
I have red dirt running through my veins, that’s how passionate I am about Outback Queensland. I am based in Mount Isa, where you can go from sand dunes in the south, to the gulf country in north, world class attractions in the east and knocking on the door of the NT just 200km to the west. I haven’t even started talking about everywhere in between yet! If you are looking for adventures that will stay with you for a lifetime, come and see the other side of Queensland, I’ll be sure to tell you where to go! 
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Richard Kinnon

Founder | Outback Pioneers
Longreach | Outback
My passion for all things outback and Australian drives everything I do, especially through our award-winning Outback Pioneers tourism business in Longreach, Queensland.

For me, the greatest reward is seeing our ‘city cousins’ come out here to reconnect with their heritage and experience the outback spirit that defines this incredible country. I’m always up for a yarn, sharing my personal journey of resilience, sprinkled with a bit of quirky wit and humour.

Beyond Longreach, I’m passionate about travelling across the region to share the outback story with others. Whether I’m speaking with school children, inspiring them with tales of our pioneering past and the importance of resilience, or engaging with seniors, helping them relive the days of Australia’s rich rural heritage, I feel privileged to connect with people of all ages.

I’m deeply committed to putting Outback Queensland on the map. By preserving our outback way of life and continually improving the visitor experience, I aim to ensure every guest leaves with a genuine sense of the outback and the pride I feel to call this incredible place home.
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Nadine Lorenz

Manager - Visitor Services & Membership
Mackay Isaac Tourism
Mackay Issac
I am a proud Mackay local passionate about promoting my hometown's beauty and diversity. With a career in tourism, I spent eight years with the Diamantina Shire Council in Birdsville. Now, back in Mackay, I serve as the Visitor Information Manager for Mackay Isaac Tourism. Mackay Isaac Tourism showcases the unique attractions, rich cultural heritage, and stunning landscapes of the Mackay and Isaac regions. In my role, I enhance visitor experiences, provide essential information, and promote local events and tourism activities. My extensive experience and deep local knowledge drive tourism growth and ensure visitors have memorable experiences.

The Mackay Isaac region offers pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and rugged outback beauty. Visitors can explore Eungella National Park, Mackay's art deco architecture, and the Isaac area's rich mining history. As an ambassador promoting drive itineraries in Queensland, I ensure visitors discover the essence of the Mackay Isaac region through curated road trips highlighting the best this beautiful area offers.

Brooke Turner

Manager | Broadwater Tourist Park
Gold Coast Tourist Parks
Gold Coast
When I was six years old my parents made the decision to pick up our family of 6 and take on caravan park management on the Gold Coast. Growing up within the caravanning industry, I was quick to realise that my passion and career would lead to something within the tourism industry. I graduated with a double degree in Business and International Tourism and Hotel Management in 2022. During this I undertook a few roles such as resort kids entertainment, bartending at one of the Gold Coast's busiest bars, and resort & caravan park receptionist.

In 2023, I took on a Business Development Role with the Caravan Park Association of Queensland and I now also manage the Broadwater Tourist Park on the Gold Coast with my partner. We pride ourselves on the importance of making sure every guest has an exceptional and memorable stay with us.
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Kelly Cattanach

Business Development Manager
Habitat Noosa | Everglades Eco Camp
Noosa | Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast to me is one of the most magical places on Earth. This region, with its diverse landscapes and vibrant communities, offers a blend of natural beauty and sustainability that deeply resonates with my values. Is has so many unique experiences within close proximity to each other. From the visually stunning Glass House Mountains and the humble townships between to over 100km of coastal foreshore, there’s plenty of space to find your special place. There’s an abundance of activities on offer and the Sunshine Coast is home to a number of unique markets and breweries. 

Known as “Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry” because of its amazing fresh, local produce supplied from over 900 producers. It's home to Australia’s only Everglades with untouched landscapes and tranquil waterways located between two UNESCO biospheres. The Sunshine Coast ticks all of the boxes where you will discover hidden gems and create memories for life!
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Patrice Brandenburg

Director Communities
Diamantina Shire Council
Birdsville | Outback
I’m proud to represent the Diamantina Shire region in Far Western Queensland. With over 20 years of experience in major events and festivals across Australia, I arrived in Birdsville in 2023 as Interim Tourism Manager—and quickly fell in love with the town, the shire, and the vast beauty of Western Queensland.

I am Passionate about showcasing the 94,000+ square kilometres of the Diamantina Shire, I celebrate its rugged frontier spirit and its role as the gateway to the Munga-Thirri–Simpson Desert National Park.
The Diamantina Shire is a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich heritage, and unique attractions. In my role, I focus on enhancing visitor experiences, sharing valuable information and personal experiences, and promoting local events and tourism activities. My deep industry knowledge and local insights drive tourism growth, ensuring visitors create unforgettable memories—supported by our Tourism app. As an advocate for drive itineraries in Queensland, I help travellers discover the true essence of the region through carefully curated road trips that highlight its best experiences.
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Glenda Daly

Manager - Business Development and Strategy
Cobbold Gorge
Forsayth | Tropical North Queensland | Outback
I grew up on a wheat and sheep farm in Central West NSW in a small country town where my family live and farm today.

From Boarding School in freezing Goulburn to the warmer climate of Lismore for University I then ventured out into the world.

In 1995 I headed overseas on a working holiday, returning to Australian soil 7 years later. My passion for travel and tourism was founded after spending 6 years in Africa working as an overland driver and tour leader.

Moving back to Australia, Resort management in NSW and QLD was a great vocation for the next 6 years with many industry networks and connections made during this time. In 2008 after a lap around the country to find our next home, our love for Outback Australia was rekindled and my family moved to Longreach where I had the pleasure of working over the next 6 years.

In 2014 we relocated to Townsville and I commenced work with Cobbold Gorge, firstly as Marketing Manager then for the past 10 years as General Manager. Having worked in the industry for the past 30 years, I am thrilled to be an ambassador for Drive Queensland to promote the state, regions and destinations.
Drive Queensland acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and live. We pay our respects to Elders both past, present and emerging; and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

© 2026 Drive Queensland. Images courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland and Drive Queensland Partners

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