- Kia Dowell appointed to Tourism Western Australia's Board of Commissioners
- Will bring experience in economic development, Aboriginal leadership, and business
Respected Aboriginal business leader Kia Dowell has been appointed as a new Commissioner on the board of Tourism Western Australia.
Ms Dowell is the head of Strategy and Innovation at Indigenous Business Australia, and is responsible for the delivery of a five-year national strategy for the organisation which is the lead Commonwealth agency for Aboriginal economic development.
Tourism Minister Paul Papalia welcomed Ms Dowell to the board acknowledging her career achievements, as well as her service to other boards including Aboriginal consulting firm Codeswitch, which she co-founded; Macquarie Groups' First Australians Employee Engagement Group; and as Chairperson of the Gelganyem Trust board linked to Rio Tinto's Argyle Diamond Mine.
Ms Dowell will replace Elizabeth Gaines who resigned from the Tourism WA board after her appointment as Chief Executive of Fortescue Metals Group - the first woman to head a major Australian mining company.
Collectively, Tourism WA Commissioners have extensive experience and diverse skills across a range of fields including finance, law, governance, aviation, tourism and hospitality, events, product development, travel wholesaling, and regional and economic development.
Profiles of the board members are available at http://www.tourism.wa.gov.au
Comments attributed to Tourism Minister Paul Papalia:
"Ms Dowell will add considerable value to the board's membership having established herself as a leader across commercial, cultural, and community roles.
"She is widely recognised for her work to support the growth of profitable and sustainable organisations that serve a greater social purpose informed and led by Aboriginal communities.
"The composition of the Tourism WA board is a deliberate mix of professional people from within and outside the tourism industry."
Minister's office - 6552 5600
