Destination and Major Events Lead

• A varied and exciting role will have the successful applicant providing high level strategic advice and operational execution of events related programming, attraction and delivery.
• Competitive annual salary commencing at $120,255, willing to negotiate for the right applicant based on skills and experience, plus up to 14% superannuation.
• Commuter use of a Council vehicle
• Great range of additional benefits, including health & wellness programs, salary sacrifice options, salary packaging arrangements and a fortnightly RDO.

About The Region

Gympie is at the heart of a rapidly expanding region which stretches from rural valleys in our western reaches to the Cooloola Coast. Bordering Noosa and Fraser Coast Local Government areas, we are uniquely positioned to grow whilst still retaining our country charm. Our borders with North and South Burnett, and the Somerset Local Government areas link with our rural lifestyle, where you can enjoy our picturesque smaller townships, or our abundant local history. Our local festivals such as the Gympie Music Muster are renowned both nationally and internationally.

For someone seeking a high quality of life, with pristine natural areas and spectacular beaches, all within reach of Noosa, the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane, we are offering this unique opportunity.

Destination and Major Events Lead (Fixed Term Contract - 2 Years)

Remuneration: A nnual salary commencing at $120,255 , willing to negotiate for the right applicant based on skills and experience, plus up to 14% superannuation and commuter use of a Council vehicle.

Closing Date: Sunday 21st June 2026 at 11.00pm AEST

No late applications will be accepted. Only applications received via Council's online application system will be considered. Unsolicited applications from agencies will not be considered.

What We Are Looking For

Gympie Regional Council has an exciting opportunity for a suitably qualified professional for a full-time fixed term position for two years as a Destination and Major Events Lead. The purpose of this fixed term position is to provide high level strategy and support for Destination and Major events in the region (including Council produced or externally sponsored events).

Council’s involvement in, and regional hosting of, destination events is a paramount deliverable of this position, requiring highly developed planning, negotiation, strategic and operational skills. The role will also play a pivotal role in identifying and attracting events in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The position will provide strategic advice to the Executive Leadership team on events related programming, attraction and delivery. The position aims to garner value for money solutions to profile the Gympie region and host Destination Development events that drive economic and social benefit for the region.

Essential Knowledge & Skills

• Formal qualifications in a relevant field, such as Events Management, Tourism or Marketing.
• Demonstrated 5-10 years’ experience and proven success in the management of major events including development, implementation and evaluation.
• Demonstrated ability to align events with Council strategies, including tourism, economic development, place activation and liveability objectives.
• Excellent skills in managing time, deliverables and priorities to achieve specific objectives.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, both verbal and written with proven skills in quality report writing and upholding and enhancing a positive reputation for Council.
• Resilient customer service focus and demonstrated ability to respond to changing priorities, community needs and stakeholder concerns in changing and high-pressure environments.
• Proven experience in managing budgets, including the ability to attract sponsorships and grants from public and private sector organisations.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to a healthy and safe workplace: embracing safety and well-being initiatives, information and training, identifying and reporting hazards and incorporating safety into all daily activities.
• Queensland ‘C’ Class driver’s licence or above that is current and maintained.
• Police Check or willing to obtain.

Event Strategy and Delivery

• Lead the development and implementation of Council’s Destination and Major Events program to help position the region as an ideal place to visit, invest and grow.
• Provide expert advice and reports to Senior Leadership on Council’s role and return on investment in events.
• Build and manage strategic relationships with event-attracting bodies, event organisers, local tourist and business stakeholders to lift regional visibility, and drive local economic and tourism development.
• Identify and broker external funding opportunities, including applying for relevant grants and securing sponsorships, to support the delivery and expansion of events across the region.
• Oversee Council Event’s Framework and review and develop associated policies and procedures (e.g. Sponsorship policy), to ensure alignment and compliance with relevant legislative, regulatory and industry requirements.
• Lead and manage the end-to-end project delivery of Council delivered Major and Destination events, including concept development, supplier engagement, contractual and financial management, stakeholder coordination, risk management, WHS, event infrastructure and reporting obligations as required.
• In collaboration with Council’s Marketing and Communications Team, develop and implement Council’s marketing approach for Destination and Major Events to drive increased visitation and investment in the region.
• Monitor and manage Events budget in accordance with approved Council allocations, timeframes and procurement standards.
• Contribute to the development of, and adherence with, corporate plans, strategies and related reporting as required.

Event Support Services & Guidance

• Provide specialist advice to both internal and external stakeholders and event organisers regarding the planning, promotion, resourcing, logistics and compliance of their events.
• Coordinate Council support services with internal teams (e.g. roads, waste, venues, regulatory services) for Council Sponsored Events including Goomeri Pumpkin Festival, Gympie Show, Gympie Muster and any other sponsored events that arise within the contract period.

Position Description

For a full position description containing essential and desirable criteria, please click here.

Who To Contact

For information regarding the requirements of this role, please contact Council's Director of Community Sustainability, Alex Stengl via email ***email_hidden***

For assistance lodging your application using Council's online system, please contact Council's Officer Recruitment, Sue Rossi on 07-5481 0971 or email [email protected]

What we offer?

• Nine day fortnight / flexible work hours
• Access to employee health and well-being programs
• Fitness Passport: work out at over 25 local gyms for you and your family at a subsidised rate
• Generous superannuation scheme of up to 14 per cent
• Access to salary sacrificing and salary packaging arrangements
• Employee assistance program offering free confidential counselling services for employees and their families.

Our Values

• Accountability
• Communication
• Customer Service Focused
• Integrity
• Teamwork and Collaboration

For a full explanation of our values please click here. You will be assessed on your understanding of these values and how you have applied values such as these in your previous employment.

Our Process

Successful applicants will be required to undertake various checks such as skills, qualifications, reference, medical and national police.

Keen to apply? - Simply follow the instructions below:

• Download and review the position description above
• Complete the information below as requested using your personal email.
• Click 'APPLY'
• Attach your resume, covering letter and a single document containing copies of your qualifications, licences or tickets as applicable.
• Click 'NEXT' and 'CONFIRM'

Please note before continuing: It is advisable that you prepare your responses in a separate word or text document, saving your work as you go and that you then copy and paste this prepared information in the form before completing the application process. Please keep your responses to a maximum 300 words for each question.

Applications close on Sunday 21st June 2026 at 11.00pm AEST. No late applications will be accepted. Only applications received via Council's online application system will be considered.

Gympie Regional Council is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, and our people represent the community which we service. We invite all suitably qualified applicants to apply, including First Nations People, and people from diverse social, cultural and gender backgrounds.