Board of Commissioners

Established under the Tourism NT Act, Tourism NT is governed by a Board of Commissioners who report to the Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, the Hon Joel Bowden. The main role of the Board is to determine Tourism NT policy and ensure that the organisation performs in a proper and efficient manner.

Michael Bridge, Chair, Darwin

Michael Bridge - Board of Commissioners

Michael was reappointed as Chair of the Board of Commissioners in September 2019 having first been appointed in 2012. Michael was CEO of Airnorth for 19 years, having overseen the company's growth from a small charter company to Australia's second oldest continuously operating airline brand. He has years of experience on Boards including as Chair; some examples include the Regional Aviation Association of Australia and the Aviation Industry Superannuation Trust. He currently serves on the Board of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), NT Major Events Company and is Chairman and shareholder of national labour-hire group, CGH. The CGH Group employs more than 3,500 staff through their network of offices. Michael is an ambassador for the Australian Aviation Hall of Fame, Business Events Northern Territory and the Museum and Arts Galleries of the NT. Michael holds an airline transport pilot's license and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Trish Angus, Darwin

Trish Angus - Board of Commissioners

Experienced health, government and board executive

Trish was born in Katherine and is of Jawoyn heritage. Trish has a Masters in Tropical Health and nursing qualifications. She held senior executive public sector positions in the areas of health, housing, local government and community services for more than 20 years in the NT and was awarded the Public Sector Medal in 2013.  

Trish's employment and professional experience includes working in the Australian Defence Force, public hospitals and Aboriginal community controlled organisations. She has extensive governance experience, including board and committee memberships across a range of sectors including being a member of the Independent Review Panel of the NT Government's Alcohol Policy in 2017 and a member of the 2020 Menzies Research Centre Quinquennial Review team.

Trish is currently a Director of the CareFlight Board and member of their Audit and Risk Committee, Director of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia Board and Chairperson of their Audit and Risk Committee, Director of the Venture Housing Board, and Indigenous Business Australia's nominee Director of the Tennant Creek Foodbarn Partnership.

Mick Burns, Darwin

Mick Burns - Board of Commissioners

Darwin businessman and owner operator of Porosus Pty Ltd

Mick has lived in the Territory since 1981, with involvement in a wide range of industries, businesses and developments. He has successfully owned and operated hospitality venues since 1985, and is a current Director of various hospitality businesses. Mick is a Director of Crocosaurus Cove Pty Ltd which was constructed in 2009. A past President (NT) and national board member of the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) for over 10 years, Mick was awarded national and life membership in recognition of his service; and is current Vice President of Hospitality NT, maintaining his involvement in the industry. He owns and operates the Darwin Crocodile Farm housing approximately 70,000 saltwater crocodiles and is an industry member of a working group on behalf of the Crocodile Farmers Association of the NT. Mick represents the tourism sector on Team Territory, is a former Chair of the Tiwi Bombers Football Club and works closely with a number of remote Aboriginal communities.

Denis Pierce, Sydney

Denis Pierce - Board of Commissioners

Director, Linchpin Pty Ltd

Denis has over 40 years of multi-national experience in the tourism and travel industry. As Group Managing Director South Pacific and Managing Director Australia with ATS Pacific, an inbound travel management company, Denis led the company through sustained revenue growth and into a public listing, demonstrating his ability to grow returns from global markets. In his current role as Director of the Linchpin Company, Denis provides strategic advisory services to Tourism Australia's Signature Experiences, distribution development and partnership management teams. He is current Chair of the Australian Tourism Export Council and a member of the national 11 person advisory panel Tourism Restart Taskforce, formed under the auspices of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Denis is a former board member of Tourism NSW, Tourism Tropical North Queensland and International College of Management (Sydney).

Michaela Webster, Adelaide

TNT board commissioner

Chief Commercial Officer, G'Day Group

Michaela has over 30 years experience in growth and transformation, most recently as Chief Commercial and Chief Operating Officer of The G'day Group, Australia's largest and fastest growing regional accommodation provider. Michaela played an integral role in the group's rise to a $1 billion company, and its significant investment in local tourism economies across Australia including the development of Australia's largest independent park network G'day Parks. She continues to provide support and advice to the organisation.

The G'day Group own and operate Discovery Darwin, Kings Canyon Resort and Glen Helen Lodge in addition to several properties located throughout the Territory, including MacDonnell Range Holiday Park. Independent parks Wintersun Cabin and Caravan Park in Alice Springs, Outback Caravan Park in Tennant Creek, Larrimah Wayside Inn, Riverview Tourist Village in Katherine are also part of the G'day Parks network.

Michaela is a current board member of Southern Cross Care SA, NT and VIC; was named Telstra SA Business Woman of the Year (Corporate) and previously held senior roles at Westfield Australia, Westfield UK and led the growth of one of Australia's largest private business's, Peregrine Corporation.

Michaela is a former board member of the Australian Refugee Association and mentors young entrepreneurs.

Paul Ah Chee, Alice Springs

image of Paul Ah Chee Ngala

An Aboriginal man from Alice Springs in Australia's Northern Territory, Paul has been engaged with the tourism industry over the last 24 years. A founding member of the Northern Territory Aboriginal Tourism Advisory Council, Paul’s contribution to the tourism sector was recognised with a Northern Territory Chief Minister's Award for Excellence in 2009, and in recognition for his contribution to the Indigenous community received the Centenary Medal in 2003. Paul is current Chair of the Aboriginal Tourism Committee.

Paul’s goal is to assist by providing opportunities and pathways for individuals or groups to become economically self-sufficient and the ability to make choices about their future and day-to-day living. He also has a passion and strong connection to the creative industries specialising in music. 

To download the Board Charter please click here.

Page last updated on 07 March 2024