On Thursday 22 October 2025, we held our 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the International College of Hotel Management. Our thanks to the college for hosting and to the ICHM students for their excellent and professional hospitality.
Board Update
During the AGM, we announced the results of the recent TiCSA Board election. I’m pleased to confirm that Justyna Jochym was re-elected and to extend a warm welcome to newly elected member Kate Anderson. The strong field of nominees reflects the regard in which TiCSA is held by members and our role as the voice of South Australia’s tourism industry.
Following the AGM, the Board met to confirm officer appointments. With Siggi Frede choosing not to seek reappointment as Chair, I was elected Chair, and Simone Douglas was elected Deputy Chair. I have served on the TiCSA Board for five years (including two as Deputy Chair) and bring leadership experience from a broad career spanning government, private sector and member based organisations, with expertise in governance, advocacy, innovation and stakeholder engagement. Simone will be a very familiar name to many of you as a popular digital marketing expert and influential hospitality business owner, and was elected to the TiCSA Board in 2023.
I would like to acknowledge Siggi’s enormous contribution as Chair and the achievements of TiCSA under her leadership over the past two years. Siggi will continue to serve members as a Board member and will remain a valued contributor to the growth and development of our industry. We also acknowledge outgoing appointed Board member Craig Costello, who has stepped down after six years, and Lauren De Cesare, who resigned prior to the election. Both have been highly valued contributors, bringing balanced, practical perspectives and strong advocacy for regional and small business interests.
2024/25 in Review
The AGM was an opportunity to reflect on the significant output and achievements of the past financial year. Highlights include:
- Membership growth to 1,155, a particularly pleasing result given the challenging operating environment for tourism businesses.
- While overall revenue decreased due to the conclusion of a government-grant project, revenue from membership, partnerships and sponsorships increased. Liquidity remained within the acceptable range.
- Strong collaboration with the South Australian Tourism Commission, including two joint Board meetings and delivery of the Tourism for Good initiative co-designed with industry.
- Quality Tourism Framework: 543 Quality & Sustainable Tourism accredited members; 113 Star Rated accommodation properties.
- Business capability programs: 335.5 hours of one-to-one coaching delivered; 836 participants across 32 workshops and webinars.
- Events:
- 2025 South Australian Tourism Conference: 315 delegates and 43 speakers.
- Leadership lunches: seven events connecting members with government leaders.
- 2025 Tourism Summit: 270 attendees at our key policy event.
- 2024 South Australian Tourism Awards: 106 entries, with 625 industry peers celebrating excellence at the Gala Dinner.
For full details, please see our:
The next 12 months will again be a big year for TiCSA. Immediate priorities include supporting and advocating for businesses and regions impacted by the ongoing algal bloom and finalising our policy platform ahead of the 2026 State Election. The Board and I look forward to working with, and on behalf of, you, our members and partners, to provide strong, constructive representation for South Australia’s tourism industry.
Penny Gale
Chair
Tourism Industry Council SA