Chair of Kakadu Tourism, Rick Allert AO, has retired after a decade in the position and has been succeeded by Lauren Ganley, a proud First Nations woman with decades of experience working to advance Indigenous engagement.

Based in Darwin, Lauren has served on the board of Kakadu Tourism since 2012.

Lauren is the Head of Telstra’s First Nations Strategy & Engagement, where she leads the strategy and ongoing governance of engagement with First Nations people and communities across Australia. Her extensive involvement in the NT community includes Director roles on the Boards of Community First Development, Agency Projects, Darwin Festival, NT Major Events, and the Australian Institute of Company Directors (NT Division).

Rick Allert ends his tenure with Kakadu Tourism at the same time as he finishes as a director on the Board of Indigenous Business Australia (IBA). He is also on the Board of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia and is a former Chair of Tourism Australia.

Kakadu Tourism is a pioneering organisation established with Kakadu National Park’s Traditional Owners to provide a comprehensive range of accommodation and tourism services across Kakadu.

Kakadu Tourism operates the world-famous Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel in Jabiru, Cooinda Lodge and Camping Ground, Yellow Water Cruises, Yellow Water Fishing, and Spirit of Kakadu 4WD Adventures operating from Cooinda.

The group is committed to advancing opportunities for the Bininj/Mungguy people of Kakadu and promoting Aboriginal culture and heritage through the operation of the Warradjan Cultural Centre.

The new Chair of Kakadu Tourism said she was excited about future opportunities for Kakadu’s tourism development.

“It has been very rewarding to have worked on the Board and with Rick for so many years, and I look forward to building on that legacy as Kakadu continues to rebuild its tourism sector after the substantial challenges of the pandemic and reduced air access into the Northern Territory,” said Ms Ganley.

“The role of Kakadu Tourism is focussed on providing an authentic visitor experience and working collaboratively with Bininj/Mungguy to achieve an economically, environmentally and culturally sustainable future for the Park.

“There is considerable work being undertaken to upgrade the tourism infrastructure of Kakadu National Park, and we have invested in upgrading our tourism product and working with Traditional Owners to provide a memorable connection with Aboriginal culture and traditions.

“With the prospect of enhanced air access into Darwin, we will be hoping to rebuild our international markets, as well as attract more Australians to visit this unique dual-listed UNESCO World Heritage reserve that has been inhabited continuously for more than 60,000 years.”

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