Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary announces a new General Manager

With a career spanning 20 years across the tourism, sport and entertainment sectors, Travis has held senior executive positions with the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) as Senior Club Services Manager and the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) as Manager of Executive Operations.

Most recently, Travis was the General Manager – Business Development and Strategy of Kalwun Development Corporation, overseeing the organisation's 2025 Strategic Plan, tourism, events, marketing and communications.

With extensive knowledge of enhancing the guest experience, community engagement, stakeholder relations and strategy, Travis has played lead roles in significant projects, including the development of the VCR's $128m Club Stand and the GC2018 Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), a major Australian sporting event first and winner of the Queensland Premier's Reconciliation Award.

At the VRC, Travis had oversight for the Club Services function of the business, which included the organisation's membership, guest services and race day hospitality areas.

With a passion for community engagement, Travis has led significant projects in the reconciliation space partnering with not-for-profit organisations, tourism bodies and government agencies to deliver tangible outcomes and partnerships for and between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and other Australians.

Travis will take over from current Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary General Manager Michael Kelly, who will transition into a state wide role within the National Trust focusing on Strategic Projects for the Trust, including the Sanctuary. Michael has been the Sanctuary's General Manager for the past 6 years and during that time has overseen the transformation of the tourism icon culminating in the winning of the title of Best Major Tourism Attraction in Queensland and second best in Australia in 2021.

Travis says, "I am thrilled to be joining the incredible team at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and helping shape the next chapter at such an iconic, award-winning and much-loved tourist attraction. With 2022 marking the 75th anniversary, our tourism recovery gaining momentum and several milestone projects on the horizon, it is such an exciting time at the Sanctuary. I am looking forward to contributing to enhancing the guest experience, thanking our loyal members who have supported the Sanctuary throughout the pandemic and welcoming the return of our international visitors."

National Trust of Australia (Queensland) CEO Jayme Cuttriss explained, "We are delighted to be welcoming Travis to our Executive Committee for the National Trust as General Manager of Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. His strategic ability, extensive operational experience, and guest focus will be valuable in leading the passionate Sanctuary team. We are excited to be expanding our Leadership team in line with the recovery of tourism to the Gold Coast and look forward to welcoming guests back to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary."