Our Judges

Avon is a tourism industry veteran with a passion for helping businesses thrive. He has a proven track record of driving growth and innovation, and his work has been recognised with both state and national awards.

As a leader within the ACT Government, Avon is responsible for developing and implementing digital strategies that support the local community. He is also a respected content creator and brand strategist, and his work has been featured in multiple publications. Avon is a creative storyteller who is always looking for new ways to engage audiences. As a digital influencer with a large following on digital media his work helps to promote tourism businesses and strengthen the visitor economy.

Carol Cartwright has lived and worked around Canberra for her whole life. Working in the cultural sector for over thirty years at Australian Parliament House, the National Museum of Australia and the Australian War Memorial where she headed up Education and Visitor Services; she has a love for Canberra Region and Tourism, particularly the visitors’ experience.  Since retiring Carol has remained very active sitting on the National Council of the Australian Museums and Galleries Association (AMaGA) for twelve years and remaining involved in the sector.  In her spare time she loves family get togethers, walking, visiting Canberra and Region wineries and attractions, drinking coffee and  travelling overseas.

Holly currently works with the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House’s Museum Experience Team but her career in tourism and cultural heritage began over ten years ago when she moved to Canberra to join the industry that let her see what museums were hiding in their storage spaces. A fan fave of the ever-growing Canberra food and wine scene, Holly is dedicated to showcasing what this wonderful region can offer.  Holly holds degrees in Business Management, Psychology, Heritage and Museums.

Lauren is a current member of the team at VisitCanberra, after spending over 15 years in management roles in the hospitality and tourism industry across the ACT. Lauren is passionate about Canberra and the region, and is dedicated to supporting the recovery of the visitor economy. In her spare time, Lauren enjoys eating and drinking at many of Canberra’s wonderful restaurants and bars, dancing up a storm and getting out in nature with her dogs.

Madi is an operations professional with a rich background in the hospitality industry. With extensive experience across hotel operations, Madi has honed her skills in managing complex environments; now applying this knowledge within the technology sector.

Beyond her career, Madi is deeply passionate about travel, hotels and unique tourism experiences. She finds joy in discovering new destinations, indulging in great food and immersing herself in local cultures.

Having called Canberra home for over 15 years, Madi fervently advocates for the region as a premier tourism destination. Some of Australia’s finest tourism operators can be found right in our region’s backyard.

Madi has sat on all sides of the Tourism Awards table, having written winning submissions, been nominated herself, and having served as a judge across multiple years. She believes that partaking in the Tourism Awards can enhance visibility, recognize industry excellence, and drive business optimization simultaneously.

Malakai is an experienced hotelier with a passion for excellent guest experience. Beginning his career journey in housekeeping and guest services, he soon rose through the ranks to arrive at his current role of Rooms Division Manager, Hotel Realm and Burbury Hotel and Apartments at DOMA Hotels. In early 2023, committed to a connected industry, Malakai spearheaded the establishment of the Canberra Hotels Front Office Network. He is the ACT State Director for AICR and in 2023 Malakai won the Excellence Award in Rooms Division at the Tourism Employee Awards and the Young Achiever award at the Canberra Region Tourism Awards.

Roslyn has worked in tourism and the cultural sector for 25 years. She has written for HerCanberra and presented an ABC radio segment on movies and TV. Recently retired from the National Capital Authority, where she has been both the Attractions Manager and the Visitor Experience Project Adviser, she is strongly committed to telling the story of Canberra as Australia’s capital. Although originally from Queensland she is a diehard Kenberran and passionate about all things ACT, truly believing this region is the best place to visit in Australia.

Ryan works in local government in the wider Canberra Region, leading Council’s initiatives in economic development, destination strategy, and tourism and performing arts marketing. His team has been responsible for a range of award-winning projects, with a focus on achieving long-term industry development outcomes.

With extensive professional experience in the accommodation sector in both metropolitan and regional Australia, Ryan has a passion for working with small businesses to explore innovative ways to connect and communicate with new customers and to develop and execute efficient marketing and distribution strategy.