Who are we?

Launched in May 2006, the Young Tourism Network (YTN) is a non-profit networking group for the Victorian tourism, travel, hospitality and events industry.

Our mission

To foster career development and professional excellence of students and professionals of all ages in order to grow and strengthen the Victorian tourism industry.

Our core values

Contribution, collaboration, connection, learning and growth.

The Young Tourism Network exists to:

  • Empower students, new entrants and experienced professionals of all ages to connect, learn and grow, ultimately leading to increased personal and professional development and career enhancement.
  • Encourage collaboration and strengthen the relationship between the education sector and operators in the industry.

A 14-person, member-elected volunteer committee, who all work within and/or study tourism-related fields, runs operations, events, programs and communications that facilitate connections and collaboration between our members, students and industry professionals.

YTN would not exist without the support from the industry and our amazing Partners!

Committee

Madeleine-Sawyer
Madeleine supports regional tourism recovery and development within her Visitor Economy role at City of Ballarat. She holds a Master of Tourism and a Bachelor of Business and Commerce, which complements her background in hotels and hospitality.

Madeleine Sawyer

Chairperson
Originally from France, Maureen has a Masters in Tourism and works for the City of Melbourne in the Tourism and Events branch. She also plays a role in the Economic Development team, where she helps small businesses survive and recover from the COVID-19 crisis.

Maureen Pillon

Deputy Chair
Melissa Headshot
Melissa is a recent Bachelor of Ecotourism graduate and currently works for Tourism Tribe as a Digital Health Check Assessor. In this role, she provides digital marketing recommendations that help tourism businesses enhance their online presence. 

Melissa Adamson

Website & Content Coordinator
Isabel Hurley
Isabel works as a Strategy and Planning Coordinator at Visit Victoria, where she supports the recovery and development of the Victorian visitor economy. Isabel has also completed a Bachelor of Business and a Masters of International Sustainable Tourism Management.

Isabel Hurley

Trusted Advisor Program Coordinator
June O'Brien
June has a passion for gastro-tourism, Indigenous cultural stories and promoting local artisan producers. As the Tour Director of Epic Taste Experiences, her vision is to be a market leader who creates epicurean experiences that inspire visitors to love the region.  

June O’Brien

Industry Partnership Coordinator
Bridget Collins
Bridget is a Bachelor of Ecotourism graduate who is passionate about designing memorable tourism experiences that can inspire people to reduce their impact on the environment. The past six months she has been exploring Australia's East Coast and Northern Territory.

Bridget Collins

Membership Coordinator
Olivia-Salsbery (1)
Olivia recently completed her Masters in Sustainable Tourism Management, during which she conducted research on smart destination development. Olivia also has a background in strategic communications for agency, non-profit and public organisations.

Olivia Salsbery

Communications Coordinator
Emma Stock
Emma is based out at Uluru in Central Australia, where she works for AAT Kings as an Operations Assistant. In this role, she assists in coordinating the day to day operations of the coaches and guides. Emma also holds a Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management.

Emma Stock

Marketing & Social Media Coordinator
Alyssa Anderton

Alyssa Anderton

Social Events Team
Hugh YTN
Hugh is passionate about improving the tourism industry in regional Australia through his work in research, government relations and advocacy for the Caravan Industry Association of Australia. He also has experience in tour management in both Europe and Australia.

Hugh Fitzpatrick

Social Events Team
Jake Whitney
Jake currently works as a Course and Careers Advisor for Torrens University, where he assists high school students in turning their passions into a dream career. Jake also holds a Bachelor of Business (International Hotel and Resort Management). 

Jake Whitney

Professional Development Events
Screen Shot 2022-03-05 at 3.45.29 pm

Siobhan Killury

Professional Development Events
Headshots - Kate
Kate works for VTIC and is passionate about the tourism industry. She has a background in delivering tourism marketing and industry development activities with local government and regional tourism boards in both Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Kate Rickwood

Secretary & Treasurer
Lexi Connors
Lexi is an experienced travel writer, tour guide and travel agent who is currently studying a Masters of International Sustainable Tourism Management. Lexi also works for the City of Melbourne in the tourism and events branch as a Tourism Operations Supervisor.

Lexi Connors

Uni & TAFE Partnership Coordinator

Awards

Victorian Tourism Awards

In 2017, YTN won the RACV Victorian Tourism Award for 'Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer/s'

Victorian Tourism Awards

In 2010, YTN won the RACV Victorian Tourism Award for 'Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer/s'

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