About

Destination Goulburn Valley (DGV) is the independent voice for the region’s visitor economy, representing tourism, hospitality and place-based businesses across the Goulburn Valley.We operate as a not-for-profit, partner-led collective, guided by a Board of industry and skill-based leaders who live and work within the region. Together, we bring a grounded understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing local businesses and communities.

Our role is to deliver a coordinated approach to marketing, storytelling and industry development, while advocating for the region at local, state and national levels. We work alongside businesses to build visibility, strengthen connections and create opportunities that drive visitation and economic growth.

We are here to support and represent you. Whether it’s sharing your story, connecting you into campaigns and itineraries, or providing guidance and insight, we act as both a partner and a sounding board to help your business move forward with clarity and confidence.

As a partner-based organisation, all revenue is reinvested into promoting and developing the region. Through partnerships, we deliver marketing exposure, collaborative opportunities and access to industry insights.

At our core, we are locals. You’ll see us out and about, working alongside businesses, building relationships and championing the places that make the Goulburn Valley so special.

We are here to support, connect and advocate — ensuring our region continues to grow, thrive and be shared.

  • An independent, partner-led collective championing the Goulburn Valley’s visitor economy.

  • Story-led, collaborative and grounded in real connections that drive visitation and growth.

  • Local businesses, industry partners, Goulburn Region Tourism and government, working together to strengthen the region, alongside councils and independent groups across the Goulburn region and beyond.

Meet the team

Eugenie Stragalinos

Chair of the board

The founder of EMS Consulting, with over 30 years' in the private and public sectors. Guiding clients and business to improve results and implement complex business transformations and organisational change. Eugenie brings experience in working with executives and leaders, and supports clients to achieve excellence through redesign, adaption of new technologies, cultural and change management and organisational realignment.

Michael De Maria

Treasurer

A valued board member of DGV since 2015. Michael’s passion for hospitality shines in his work as Property Manager of Quest Shepparton. His vision extends beyond managing properties, as he actively contributes to the growth and development of the tourism industry in the region. His commitment to excellence in service and his forward-thinking approach have made him a valuable asset in both his role as a property manager and as a board member, driving positive change in the hospitality and tourism sectors.

Natalie Akers

Director

A Tallygaroopna-based dairy farmer, consultant and leader in water policy and regional innovation. With over 20 years’ experience across dairy research, agribusiness and government, she brings deep insight into the challenges and opportunities facing regional communities.

Natalie is a strong advocate for agriculture and liveability in the Goulburn Valley, contributing to conversations that shape the future of water, farming and regional development.

Louise Bannister

Director

A strategic and hands-on leader with experience in governance, communications and stakeholder engagement, Louise brings a strong understanding of regional communities and tourism’s role in strengthening local economies. Louise has worked across local government and regional tourism, translating strategy into practical outcomes. Her approach focuses on building strong relationships, improving engagement and creating opportunities for collaboration that deliver tangible benefits for businesses and the broader community.

Tess Nicholson

Director

Tess is a strategic brand, design and marketing specialist, having worked across studios, agencies and regional businesses, with a focus on storytelling, creative direction and strategic delivery. She has worked across agriculture, hospitality, retail and corporate sectors, partnering with businesses to shape their brand, refine their voice and strengthen their market presence. Tess played a role in developing the Destination Goulburn Valley rebrand and strategic direction. A Goulburn Valley local, born, raised and now based in the region with her family,

Haley Collins

Director

Hayley is a passionate Goulburn Valley local having been born, raised, and spending most of her life in and around the region. She holds a wealth of skill and experience in risk, compliance, and governance. She is currently employed as Chief Risk Officer and Company Secretary for the Goulburn Murray Credit Union. Hayley also owns and operates an Airbnb, ‘The Grand on Yarra’, with her husband Peter. They are both extremely committed to providing high quality accommodation experiences to guests travelling in and around our region and promoting all the Goulburn Valley has on offer.

Samantha Lewis

Director

A strategic and hands-on leader specialising in activation, campaigns and experience design, Samantha brings a strong understanding of place, people and the role storytelling plays in driving visitation and economic growth.Samantha has worked across tourism, hospitality and regional development, translating strategy into campaigns and experiences that deliver measurable impact. Her approach focuses on building strong partnerships, strengthening engagement and creating initiatives that connect communities, businesses and visitors in meaningful ways.

Our Story

Tourism Greater Shepparton (TGS) has been championing the Goulburn Valley region since the voluntary board's formation some 20 years ago. Seasoned marks an exciting new chapter for Tourism Greater Shepparton as we rebrand to become Destination Goulburn Valley. We’re a passionate group of locals who want to see our region thrive, especially after recent setbacks. As industry operators ourselves, we know the importance of food, beverages and hospitality in our region's visitor experience.

Thank you

Along the way many individuals and organisations have invested time, energy and experience to ensure the voices of local tourism operators and the needs of the tourism industry are taken into consideration by local and state government.  As we have transitioned into our new identity and renew our purpose we would like to give heartfelt thanks to members past and present.  We wouldn’t be where we are today without you.

In particular, we would like to acknowledge and thank the following for their dedication and contribution:
Carrie Donaldson, Ross Graham, Cheryl Hammer, Kate Smith, Sandra Vazzoler, Glenda Farrington, Brendan Magee, Alice Tallis, Ingrid Thomas, Louise Tremper, Gobie Raju, Jade Burley, Vicki Scott