Matt Stoeckel
CEO
Matt joined the organisation in 2021 after almost five years at the helm of Tourism Fiji. He brought his experience in developing distinct brands for destinations and learnings from managing Fiji’s tourism industry (which contributes close to 40% of the national GDP) to the Sunshine Coast. Matt shares a passion for tourism and has a deep understanding of its role in the local economy and fabric of the community. As a destination marketing professional, he’s always looking forward and seeking new ways to make the Sunshine Coast shine!
Highlight Anything to do with making the Sunshine Coast the Craft Beer Capital of Australia!
For real place Racing his kids up Mt Coolum.
Sunshine moment If you really want to get Matt talking just ask him about his dog (who is named after the greatest rock star of all time…Tina Turner)!
Contact: Email Matt M (+61) 408 093 321
Guy Williams
Finance & Administration Manager, AKA Early Bird
Guy is the early rising numbers man, who is responsible for all VSC’s finances. What does he love about finance and administration? The ability to keep track, notice ways to improve budgets and systems and the satisfying feeling of reconciling complex accounts to ensure VSC continues to serve its members and the community wisely.
Sunshine moment Grateful for each day, Guy enjoys sunrise everyday as it means his eyes have opened and he’s still with the living!
Cool quirk Guy gets up most mornings at 3:30am to train at the gym. (Now that’s devotion!)
Contact: E Email Guy M (+ 61) 417 029 712
Chantal Vancam
Executive Assistant
Chantal is the details lady, organising the VSC Executives and team and keeping everything ticking along in the head office. Chantal loves organising, has worked in administration, HR, finance, events and television. She has co-authored a cookbook and has been a local to the Sunshine Coast for over 20 years.
For real place – Sunsets, fish and chips at Cotton Tree, sushi and smoothies at Mooloolaba
Sunshine moment – Montville cafes and hinterland walks
Cool quirk – Passed an intermediate French language exam
Contact: E: Contact Chantal P: (+61) 0429 608 896
Katrina Logan
Accounts & Admin Co-ordinator, AKA Head of Healthy Habits
Katrina is a self-professed ‘Accounts Nerd’ for the business. She reckons someone’s gotta balance the books and pay the bills and helps make sure the VSC boat floats and glides! While she loves all things health and nutrition, she’s also most at home with the balance sheets and understanding the flow of complex data that make up the VSC operation.
For real place Anywhere by the ocean or in the great outdoors.
Sunshine moment Living in paradise surrounded by my favourite people.
Cool Quirk A keen passion for all things health & nutrition.
Contact: E Email Katrina P (+61) 7 5458 8808
Kelly Ryan
Head of Marketing, AKA Hot Chip Detector
While Kelly’s no sailor, she is at the helm of the marketing department, directing and supporting a fantastic crew and providing value to tourism industry members. Kelly’s responsible for overseeing the organisation’s promotion and advertising efforts to build awareness of the Sunshine Coast and lure more visitors here. Kelly brings a wealth of tourism marketing knowledge to the team, drawing on several years’ experience with a major tourism peak body in Canberra and national major attractions. The most rewarding aspect of her work is sharing and celebrating the teams’ success.
For real place Mooloolaba Esplanade sipping coffee and soaking up sunshine.
Sunshine moment Beach days with the family – human and furry.
Cool Quirk Can smell hot chips a mile away.
Contact: E Email Kelly M (+61) 409 926 123
Lauren Grounsell
Brand and Content Manager
As Brand & Content Manager at Visit Sunshine Coast, Lauren brings a dynamic blend of savvy storytelling, strategic insight, and a genuine love for the region she calls home. With a career that began in the buzzing newsrooms of the Sunshine Coast Daily and Daily Mail Australia, Lauren has always had a passion for connecting people through compelling content.
Her transition into PR and Communications at Visit Sunshine Coast marked a turning point—igniting a flair for destination marketing and solidifying her place as a trusted voice for the Sunshine Coast brand. Today, she leads the Brand & Content team, crafting campaigns that shine a light on the Sunshine Coast’s natural beauty, rich culture, and laid-back lifestyle.
For real place The Spit Mooloolaba – beach days there are magic
Sunshine moment Sunsets over the Maroochy River – especially in winter!
Cool quirk I taught my cat to sing duets at dinnertime, her favourite is the 2002 hit ‘Dilemma’ by Nelly and Kelly Rowland
Contact: E Email Lauren| P: (+61) 0409 979 981
Allison Wallace
Digital & Performance Media Manager, AKA Research Nerd
While some might cringe at the idea of spending any time looking at data, this is Ally’s happy place where she deep dives into analysing data to provide juicy insights on the Sunshine Coast tourism industry, as well continually tweaking our campaigns to get the best bang for our buck.
For real place Sitting on her deck in Diddillibah around the fire pit enjoying the serenity.
Sunshine moment Morning sunrises at the beach. She’s not fussy about which one, but generally loves to catch those first rays at Mudjimba or Mooloolaba.
Cool quirk Would trade almost anything for a good serve of broccoli.
Contact: E Email Alli M (+61) 428 223 009
Maddy Schilg
PR Manager
Maddy is responsible for all of VSC’s consumer-facing media relations – from pitching Sunshine Coast stories to journalists, to coordinating broadcast opportunities and hosting media in the region. After spending five years in London working with renowned travel brands, Maddy decided the warmer climes of the Sunshine Coast were much better suited for her love of outdoor swimming.
For real place Anywhere with a freshwater swimming hole
Sunshine moment Ocean pool swims at King’s Beach
Cool quirk During her time living in the UK, Maddy shook hands with King Charles III on his first day in the job (and has the video to prove it)
Contact: E Email Maddy M (+61) 0419 526 501
Deanna Byers
Creative and Design Lead
Deanna makes sure the Sunshine Coast is presented as progressive, consistent, ‘on brand’ and engaging as possible. She turns ratty word docs into ravishing visual campaigns that get people leaning forward in their seats. Drawing on several years’ graphic design and creative services experience in the tourism industry Deanna creates highly engaging designs and assets to compel people to choose the Sunshine Coast.For real place Can’t get enough of Coolum Beach’s laid back, beach town vibe.
Sunshine moment Sunset walks on the Coolum Boardwalk – it has amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, fresh sea air and most times wildlife – sea eagles, water dragons, turtles or even a passing whale.
Cool quirk Deanna loves all things nature and animals.
Contact: E Email Deanna M (+61) 428 768 548
Kali Weibler
Marketing & Events Coordinator, AKA Coffee Enthusiast
Kali is our smart-as-paint marketing coordinator and helps us deliver highly engaging, memorable and visually stunning marketing campaigns. She also supports VSC’s members with co-operative marketing opportunities which enable them to advertise or promote on our platforms and other channels to help them raise their profile and increase sales. Managing the vast VSC image library and making sure the Sunshine Coast shines is a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it!
For Real Place Boardwalk strolls at Caloundra with an iced latte in hand.
Sunshine Moment Diving into the ocean after a sunrise walk on the beach.
Cool quirk Loving Buderim Ginger Beer a little too much!
E Email Kali M (+61) 0428 886 927
Annabel Robertson
Social and Content Coordinator
A born-and-bred Sunshine Coast local, Annabel is passionate about social media storytelling and creative writing. Her writing has been shortlisted for several story prizes in the UK and she has recently completed a Master of Digital Communication degree at QUT. When not seeking out social media trends and story ideas, Annabel can frequently be found exploring hidden destination gems amongst the Coast’s rolling green hills, spectacular beaches and winding creeks.
For real place: Standing by the creek that flows down past her childhood home in the hinterland, watching a platypus swim, and being fully immersed by the lush greenery.
Sunshine Moment: Sitting at a café in Maleny in the peak of autumn, drinking a hot beverage and enjoying the golden leaves adorning the roadside nearby.
Cool quirk: Annabel has four (very tame) free-range pet chickens that she looks forward to greeting whenever she returns home.
Ali Thompson
Business & Leisure Events Manager, AKA Cabaret Queen
Events is embedded in Ali’s DNA! From small scale business events to major festivals, Ali draws on her international experience in UK, Asia, New Zealand and Australia to make events front and centre across the Sunshine Coast.
For real place A fave spot is Cotton Tree
Sunshine moment:Flying over Old Woman Island (Mudjima Island), watching whales swimming and turtles frolicking in their natural environment.
Cool quirk: Ali has a love of the stage and has previously co-produced and performed in several musicals including her all-time favourite, Cabaret where she performed as Texas, a Kit Kat girl.
Contact: E Email Ali M (+61) 419 737 175
Leisa Balic
Business Events Coordinator, AKA Beach Lover
I have worked in hotel management, corporate banking, real estate, and hospitality, honing my skills in event management and organisation. I have worked on many successful events and promotions. I have a love for connecting people and this is what inspires me on a daily basis. I love the beach life, loving nothing more than a swim in the ocean, I am a foodie at heart and I love travelling to new places. I value family time above all and find joy in the simple pleasure of a shared meal followed by a tidy kitchen.
Sunshine Moment: Turtle watching from Point Arkwright to Coolum Beach
For Real Place: Mount Coolum Lookout
Cool Quirk: I am an avid gardener and cook! I love to plant herbs and flowers and use them in cooking delicious dinners for my little family.
Contact:
E | Email Leisa
M | (+61) 419 737 175
Andrew Fairbairn
Head of Industry & Trade Development, AKA Head People Connector
Andrew loves working with businesses and tourism is his passion having worked in the travel & hospitality industry across a range of sales, marketing, and business development roles in Australia & Asia Pacific. His motto is #TeamSunshineCoast and leads VSC’s engagement with industry, events, and partnerships.
For real place Running the Tanglewood Track in Noosa National Park.
Sunshine moment Weekend ritual is spending mornings along the Noosa River (Gympie Tce) connecting with family, drinking coffee and watching the world float by. His kids love playing along the foreshore.
Quirk or other As local as they come, but it took him 10 years living and working overseas to realise just how amazing living on the Sunshine Coast is.
Contact: E Email Andrew M (+61) 427 562 100
Emily Zinowki
Trade & International Manager
Emily is our international trade and industry engagement guru at VSC. She works closely with our trade partners and operators, facilitates product training, and cooks up our tactical trade campaigns. As our star representative, Emily is our lead at domestic and international trade shows and events (tough job, but someone’s gotta do it), and she also loves spruiking the best of the Sunshine Coast on agent famils!
For real place Mooloolaba mornings – Starting each day at the beach, watching the sunrise with a BIG cup of coffee in hand.
Sunshine moment Soaking up the sun with my son and watching him experience all his firsts – camping at Rainbow Beach, boating around Mudjimba Island and digging in the sand at Noosa Main Beach.
Cool Quirk Canadian born to Polish and Dutch parents, Emily has lived in Canada, London, Paris, Karlsruhe and Sydney before calling the Sunshine Coast home. She speaks enough French and German to order a cheeky beverage overseas.
Contact: E Email Emily M (+61) 438 785 072
Beth Mahoney
Industry Development Manager, AKA Platter Champion
Beth is a people-person, confidently coordinating VSC’s visitor ambassadors through to interstate tourism trade professionals, all of which elevates the vital first impressions of the Sunshine Coast. She wears the yellow information centre ‘I’ with pride as she manages the region’s accredited Visitor Information Centres, while working alongside an incredible team of 80 volunteer ambassadors who provide tourism travel information and support. Beth also organises events for VSC’s Industry and Trade and Business Events teams, including trade roadshows, networking nights, Real Talks and Sunshine Soiree to name a few.
For real place Being in or on the water in the Pumicestone Passage is her happy place.
Sunshine moment Styling a mean platter of local cheeses.
Cool Quirk Beth’s 181cm tall, but loves a great pair of high heels!
Contact: E Email Beth M (+61) 458 788 285
Tara Boberg
Industry & Trade coordinator
Tara is your go-to gal for all things member-related at VSC and plays a key role in managing the VSC Membership program, supporting a diverse group of over 450 members! Whether it’s helping members access marketing resources, facilitating connections, or encouraging collaboration across the network, she’s always happy to assist. Tara also gets involved in trade engagement, assisting, and representing VSC at trade shows and events, helping ensure the Sunshine Coast shines on every stage.
For real place Loves long summer days at the beach.
Sunshine moment Yoga & Coffee. Bliss!
Cool Quirk Petrified of Grasshoppers. Loves chocolate and red wine, ideally at the same time!
Contact: E Email Tara M (+61) 409 485 419
Caitlin Zerafa
Communications Manager
With almost a decade of newsroom journalism under her belt, Caitlin is passionate about sharing the stories of Sunshine Coast’s people and places. As a natural communicator, she is deadline driven, fact hungry and has a deep local knowledge of the region. Making the leap from the newsroom (most recently at My Weekly Preview, Sunshine Coast News and Salt) to the world of communications, Caitlin brings a rare mix of creativity and logical thinking to the Visit Sunshine Coast team.
For real place – Walks along Noosa River or Mooloolaba/Alexandra Headland, ideally with a coffee in hand.
Sunshine moment – A swim at Noosa Main Beach or Mooloolaba Spit, or catching the sunset wherever I can see the sky.
Cool quirk – loves the gym, high protein snacks and a good pun!
Contact: E Email Caitlin M (+61) 417 345 050
Justin Franks
Digital Product Manager, AKA Sunrise Swimmer
Justin is a skilled product manager with over a decade of experience implementing digital solutions to solve problems, including a recent overhaul of the visitsunshinecoast.com website. With a big love of learning, testing and implementing new digital technology, Justin loves the challenge of introducing new solutions to increase business success. For example, a new membership renewal and communication portal.
For real place Exploring somewhere in the Glass House Mountains or Kondalilla Falls National Park.
Sunshine moment Sunrise swims at Mooloolaba, followed by coffee.
Cool Quirk He once ran away with the circus (true)!
Contact: E Email Justin M (+61) 429 088 236
Peter Hook
Communications Consultant, AKA The Whale Chaser
As an old news-hound, Peter loves discovering what makes the Sunshine Coast attractive to the media and to visitors. Having worked with Australia’s most prolific travel writers and broadcasters for decades, he has a knack for tapping into the media trends that get the Sunshine Coast into the headlines for the right reasons. Peter’s passionate about this ‘piece of heaven’ – its nature, its food, its culture and even the heritage of this young, but richly diverse place.
For real place Trekking the Hinterland Great Walk and taking in the vastness and richness of the region from the summits of Mt Coolum and Mt Ngungun.
Sunshine moment Swimming with whales off Mooloolaba, an unforgettable and powerful experience.
Contact: E Email Peter M (+61) 407 462 213