Tourism president to focus on unified vision for diverse towns
Hinterland Tourism Sunshine Coast’s new president Wayne Parcell PSM, best known as the founder of the Rangebow Festival, brings two decades of hinterland community leadership to the role and says his focus will be on connecting the region’s diverse towns and visitor experiences under a unified vision.
Mr Parcell has been a Hinterland resident for 20 years and established the pioneering Rangebow Festival in 2022, to celebrate the creative life and spirit of Sunshine Coast Hinterland communities of Maleny, Montville, Flaxton and Mapleton through a rich mix of culture, music, theatre, nature, film and the arts.
In addition to his role as director of the Rangebow Festival, Wayne is also a board member of Maleny Community Centre and of Montville’s Chamber of Commerce. He is also a former President of the Montville Village Association and Montville Tennis Club. He received the Public Service Medal in 1996 in the Australian Honours List for his outstanding service to Australia.
Award-winning Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat’s co-owner Xochi Lindholm was elected Vice President) of HTSC. Other committee members elected were Lisa Brereton (Treasurer), Debi Latino (Secretary), Angela Brushe, Stuart Whitney, Carissa Maloney-Ronalds, Steve Koepenick, Michael Cross and Jason Weeks.
HTSC has a membership of 250 tourism businesses and works closely with regional tourism operator Visit Sunshine Coast to promote the unique landscape and attractions of the Hinterland region.
Mr Parcell said he was honoured to be elected as President as he has a strong affection for the Hinterland.
“Living on the hinterland, I appreciate the economic and cultural diversity of the entire region,” said Mr Parcell. “It is fundamental to community engagement and delivery that there is recognition of the distinct communities, their differences and their contribution within our region.”
Visit Sunshine Coast CEO, Matt Stoeckel, said that Wayne’s establishment of the Rangebow Festival and his enviable record of volunteering made him an ideal leader for such a distinctive region.
“The Hinterland plays a vital role in making the Sunshine Coast a premium tourist destination, renowned for its natural landscape, outstanding accommodation, rich food culture and dynamic arts and cultural scene,” said Mr Stoeckel.
“We look forward to working with Wayne and his new committee to promote the region’s established strengths as well as emerging experiences such as Dark Sky Tourism and agritourism.”
www.visitsunshinecoasthinterland.com.au
New Hinterland Tourism president, Wayne Parcell PSM, “living on the hinterland, I appreciate the economic and cultural diversity of the entire region.”