about us | board of directors

Mr Gary Wachter | Deputy Chairman

Mr Gary Wachter is a veteran in the outdoor amusement industry having owned and operated a number of attractions throughout Australia, including the prominent Bungy Jump right in the heart of Surfers Paradise.

Gary currently sits on the board of AALARA (Australian Amusement Leisure and Recreation Association) and Gold Coast Adventure Travel Industry; and is heavily involved in Gold Coast Rotary Clubs and the Youth Exchange Programs.

Mr Steven Wright | Director

Steven Wright has spent over 20 years working in the sports and entertainment industries. A qualified solicitor, Steven has also held positions as CEO of the Australian Formula One Grand Prix and the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix in Melbourne as well CEO of Richmond Football Club in the AFL.

Steven has recently founded his own consulting company on the Gold Coast – SBEC Solutions which focuses on working with organizations in the Sport, Business, Events and Community sectors.

He is also currently a director of the Tigers In Community Foundation Ltd and founder of the Korin Gamadji Institute that focuses on leadership and skills development for indigenous youth. He has also previously held several other board positions with community based organizations. Steven's formal qualifications include – Master of Laws, Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and Bachelor of Economics.

Mr Greg Cox | Director

Mr Greg Cox is a Graduate of City College San Francisco, with a major in Hotel Management. This led to resort management roles in Fiji and Penang Malaysia with the Shangri-La Hotels Group until moving to Australia. Since then I he has enjoyed over 27 years in various General Management positions with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Greg’s current role as General Manager Holiday Inn Surfers Paradise, and Regional General Manager Queensland & PNG, (IHG), gives him the opportunity to gain a close understanding of where we need to direct our efforts in Marketing, and also within the greater needs of Queensland, as he tours the State regularly.

Ms Laura Younger | Director

Ms Laura Younger has a business background in membership organisations in Australia and Britain running university facilities including bars, catering, retail, sports and welfare at both Griffith University Gold Coast and the University of London. Laura is currently the General Manager of ATHOC (Australian Timeshare and Holiday Ownership Council) and the President of the Surfers Paradise-Broadbeach Chamber of Commerce.

Laura has a Master of Business administration from Griffith University and a Bachelor of Arts from University of Southern Queensland.

Mr Lino Girardi | Director

Mr Lino Girardi originally from Melbourne has called the Gold Coast home since 1982. Lino is the owner of Cocktails and Dreams Nightclub and has been involved in the business since it started 20 years ago.

Lino is also the current President of the SPLVA (Surfers Paradise Licensed Venues Association Incorporated) and has been actively involved for the past 15 years. The SPLVA is an incorporated association of liquor licensees in the Surfers Paradise precinct with a focus on late night trading. The SPLVA promote the responsible use of alcohol, providing a safe and secure environment for patrons in Surfers Paradise and improving the image of Surfers Paradise as a desirable destination for entertainment.

Having previously played in premierships with the local AFL club, The Southport Sharks, he is now heavily involved through his business in sponsoring local sporting and cultural teams throughout the Gold Coast.