The GRT Board members
Peter Russell
Chair
Company director and senior executive with forty years of experience in enterprise leadership. Former chair of Yarra Ranges Tourism. Has led growth initiatives across technology, private equity, franchising, hospitality, and agriculture. Focuses on sustainable value creation and strategic planning. Committed to strong corporate governance. Mountain bike enthusiast.
James Carlin
board member
James Carlin is the Managing Director of Latitude37 Pubs. He and his wife Valerie have owned and operated the Tooborac hotel and brewery since 2005 and founded Latitude 37 Pubs in 2024. James is passionate about providing his customers with a unique and memorable experience. He is known for his commitment to quality and his dedication to his staff and customers.
Bonnie Cavanagh
Board member & COO Taungurung Land and waters council
Bonnie is the Chief Operating Officer of TLaWC, with lifelong ties to Taungurung Country and the Broadford community. As a Taungurung woman, Bonnie is proud to not only strongly represent her mob, but to support their aspirations and build an exciting future for the Taungurung Nation. Prior to joining the corporation, Bonnie was a highly respected and long-serving public service employee, bringing with her extensive experience in governance, project management, community and stakeholder engagement, communications, policy, and justice.
Alison Angus
Board member
Alison Angus is an experienced tourism professional and owner of Ashlan Farm farmstay accommodation on the Strathbogie Tableland. With a strong background in local government, she specialises in accommodation, visitor servicing, events, volunteer coordination, digital marketing, and industry engagement. Known for her collaborative approach, Alison builds strong relationships that drive shared goals and positive outcomes. Passionate about promoting rural and remote Australia, she is dedicated to helping communities grow and inspiring travellers to explore regional destinations.
Gabriella Calandro
Board member and Chair of Governance, Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee
As Head of Engagement at Shepparton Art Museum, Gabriella drives audience growth through innovative programming, marketing, and strategic partnerships. She has worked to successfully secure government and foundation funding and developed collaborations and partnerships with regional businesses, fostering relationships that have attracted intrastate and interstate visitors to the Goulburn region.
Rachelle Quattrocchi
Board member
A proven executive, with deep expertise in leading strategy, long term financial planning, asset management, major projects and delivering services that are responsive to the needs of the community. Rachelle has a community-focused leadership style, and strong advocacy with a commitment to support the local needs of the communities of Strathbogie.
Fiona Le Gassick
Board member
Fiona Le Gassick is an accomplished executive with over 30 years’ leadership experience across local government, education, and community services. As Chief Executive Officer of Greater Shepparton City Council, she leads strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and initiatives that grow regional prosperity. Fiona has driven key outcomes in the visitor economy through destination branding, marketing campaigns, and major events.
Mary Agostino
Board member
Mary Agostino is an accomplished leader who has built strong and enduring relationships across government, business, community and the not-for-profit sector. She is committed to continuous improvement and delivering the best outcomes for communities. In 2021, Mary was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in the Leading through Disaster category for her exceptional leadership in bushfire and COVID-19 response and recovery.
Lee Rowland
Board member and Chair of Creative Content Committee
Lee is an accomplished tourism operator and senior business leader, driving award-winning success with Go Adventure Nagambie and championing regional development across Victoria. With a strong corporate background—including executive roles in major FMCG companies. Lee now serves as General Manager, Supply Chain at Brown Family Wine Group, blending strategic leadership with operational excellence.
Alaina Tuckett
Board member
Born and raised in Shepparton, Alaina is the co-owner and operator of Elsewhere at SAM, a café located within the Shepparton Art Museum. With a strong passion for hospitality and community, she is dedicated to celebrating the richness and vibrancy of regional Victoria. She is a strong advocate for spotlighting the incredible food culture, experiences, and opportunities across the region. Her role on the board reflects her belief in the power of collaboration to enhance the region's profile as a must-visit destination.
James Mele
Board member
Owner of The Meat Room in Kilmore East, James is a specialist in traditional Italian charcuterie. Trained through generations of family practice, he has mastered salami, sausage making, passata and pizza. His products have earned national recognition, including multiple Gold Medals at the 2023 AMIC Australian Charcuterie Excellence Awards and in May 2025 received 3 Gold Medals at IFFA held in Frankfurt, Germany.