Our 2026 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.

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.

Jarrod is the General Manager of Alivio Tourist Park Canberra, with over 20 years’ experience in tourism and hospitality. Leading a 700+ occupancy operation and a team of 50+, he has driven the park’s success, including numerous Australian Tourism Awards. Jarrod is recognised for his focus on team development, guest experience, and innovation, alongside his commitment to sustainable tourism. He also serves as Treasurer of SKAL Canberra and board member of the National Capital Attractions Association.

Kai works at Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre in the Visitor Experience team and has previously worked at the National Zoo and Aquarium. Kai has been working in the tourism industry in Canberra for over 8 years and is passionate about the Canberra region and all it has to offer. Currently completing a Bachelor of Business, Management at the University of Canberra, Kai is dedicated to shaping the future of the tourism industry and supporting the next generation of tourism professionals. Kai won the Young Achiever Award in 2025.

Lauren is a creative entrepreneur and educator with a passion for connecting people through art and entertainment. As the founder of The Typsy Sketching Club, she curates and engaging experiences, workshops and events that foster local creativity and celebrate the human form. In addition to running her business, Lauren is guiding the future tourism professionals as an educator at the Canberra Institute of Technology, where she shares her knowledge of the tourism industry, local hotels and attractions, and visitor engagement. 

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.

Sarah McDougall brings extensive experience across tourism, destination marketing and communications in the Canberra Region. A sixth-generation Canberran and experienced NSW tourism awards judge, she has strong local insight and a deep understanding of the visitor economy. Sarah has written and supported numerous award submissions across tourism, events and hospitality, many achieving finalist and winning results.
With hands-on leadership experience in the agri-tourism and the wine sector, alongside her work as a communications consultant, Sarah works closely with small businesses to strengthen their marketing, connect with new audiences and support sustainable growth. Her industry knowledge and strategic perspective provide a well-rounded approach to assessing excellence across the visitor economy.