About Us

Bowen Tourism and Business is a not-for-profit organisation whose main role is to promote and showcase our beautiful region and its businesses.
Bowen Tourism and Business operates two information outlets in Bowen - the fully accredited 'Big Mango' Information Centre on the Bruce Highway south of Bowen, and the 'Front Beach Booth' on Bowen's foreshore.

BTB provide professional information and booking services, souvenir and local merchandise retail, destination marketing for our region and membership support.

Our Committee

Bowen Tourism and Business has an elected committee of local businesspeople who set the strategic direction of the organisation.

Committee members

Chair Jenn Honnery – North Queensland Farmers

Deputy Chair Natalie Lydom – Palm View Apartments

Treasurer Chloe Bauer – Birds Fish Bar

Secretary Leanne Abernethy – Bowen Tourism and Business Manager (no voting rights)

Bernie Mackie – Rose Bay caravan Park, Bowen

Michelle O’Regan – Stackleroth Farms

Amanda Brockbank – Meraki Whitsundays

Erika Schmidt – Sicher in Down Under

Tim Booth – CEO of Tourism Whitsundays (appointed position)

Cr Michelle Wright – Whitsunday Regional Council (invited representative)

Our volunteers

The 24 volunteers at Bowen Tourism and Business are the heart and soul of the Bowen Visitor Information Centre and Front Beach Information Booth.

Together they welcomed almost 70,000 visitors during the 2025/26 financial year, contributing to a record 16% increase in visitation.

Passionate locals, former visitors who now call Bowen home, and volunteers from Grow and Evolve Whitsundays work side by side to deliver genuine country hospitality, authentic local knowledge and personalised visitor experiences.

More than volunteers, they are storytellers, ambassadors and passionate advocates who strengthen Queensland’s tourism industry while creating unforgettable memories for every visitor they meet.

More than a tourism hub, the Bowen Visitor Information Centre is the welcome mat to our region, with volunteers who embody genuine country hospitality. Whether greeting first-time visitors, assisting returning travellers or sharing hidden local gems, they consistently deliver warm, personalised service that reflects Bowen's values of friendliness, professionalism, inclusivity and community pride.

Many volunteers have supported Bowen Tourism and Business for more than 15 years, demonstrating remarkable loyalty to our organisation and our community.

Their wealth of local knowledge and experience enables them to create meaningful, memorable visitor experiences every day.

Our Staff

Bowen Tourism and Business has three full-time staff, a pool of casual staff and 24 very dedicated volunteers.

Leanne Abernethy

Bowen Tourism Manager

Leanne joined Bowen Tourism and Business as Sales and Marketing Manager in May 2021 and now leads the organisation as Manager. She oversees its strategic direction, destination marketing, visitor services, business operations and community partnerships.

Having lived in the Whitsundays since 2007, Leanne brings an extensive background in media, communications and leadership. Before moving into tourism, she spent 30 years in the publishing industry as a journalist, editor, manager, designer and multimedia director, including her role as the Managing Editor of the Whitsunday Times and Whitsunday Coast Guardian newspapers.

Leanne is a passionate advocate for Bowen and the wider Whitsunday region. Guided by her belief that tourism is everyone’s business, she works closely with industry, businesses and the community to strengthen Bowen’s visitor economy and showcase the destination to a wider audience.

Her leadership is driven by a commitment to ensuring every visitor discovers the remarkable experiences Bowen offers and leaves with a genuine connection to the region.

Glenn Burling

Visitor Services Coordinator

Glenn joined Bowen Tourism and Business as a Sales Consultant in 2018 before progressing to Visitor Services Coordinator in 2022. A long-term Bowen resident, she brings extensive local knowledge and now oversees the day-to-day operations of the Bowen Visitor Information Centre.

Glenn is passionate about creating a welcoming and memorable experience for every visitor. Her knowledge of Bowen and the wider Whitsunday region allow her to confidently assist with local attractions, tours, accommodation and travel planning.

Creativity is also an important part of Glenn’s role. She designs, selects and purchases the centre’s expanding merchandise range, developing distinctive products that celebrate Bowen, support local suppliers and give visitors a special reminder of their time in the region.

Cindy Tonks

Sales and Administration Assistant

Cindy joined Bowen Tourism and Business in January 2024 and now supports the organisation across administration and membership services. Her friendly nature, strong local knowledge and genuine enthusiasm for Bowen make her a valued member of our team.

Originally from the Central Coast of New South Wales, Cindy moved to Bowen with her husband in 2023 and quickly fell in love with the region. She enjoys helping our members, meeting visitors and sharing everything that makes Bowen such a special place.

Outside work, Cindy loves exploring the local area and staying active. She can often be found enjoying an early-morning walk or run and taking part in the local parkrun.

About Bowen Tourism and Business