Meet the GALTA Team

Director & Life Member

0416 290 291

rod@galta.com.au

Rod was the President of GALTA between 2011 - 2016 and was awarded Life Member of GALTA in 2016.  Rod was the first Australian to receive an IGGY award (in 1995) for services to gay tourism internationally. He served three years as a board member and Director of Tourism Noosa, was a committee member of the Sydney Gay Business Association and still proudly represents Australia for the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA). 

President

0419 230 670

president@galta.com.au

Mario is the current President of GALTA since November 2016 after serving as Vice President and Director.  Celebrating over 15 years in the travel industry and 9 years of co-owning Australia’s largest LGBT tour company Planetdwellers. I love showing off the beauty of Australia to the world, it is always a joy seeing guests faces when they first see some of our iconic and renowned places. The LGBT traveller is an ever increasing market and I hope we can make Australia their number travel choice.

Director, Company Secretary

0421 109 775

admin@galta.com.au

Dennis joined GALTA in 2011 as Director and has since also taken on the Company Secretary role. Dennis has a long career in the airline & tourism industry spanning over 25 years and is current Country Manager APAC for Back-Roads Touring Co.  Previous roles included General Manager Australia for Scoot Airlines, 15 years with Virgin Australia in various commercial roles, Ansett Airlines and various hotel positions. Dennis enjoys all things about travelling and connecting with the community.

Director, Media

07 5430 5003

media@galta.com.au

Louise has been working in tourism for 20 years and has experience in business and strategic planning, product and segment development and destination marketing. Prior to her role as Marketing Manager with Tourism Noosa, Louise managed segment marketing for Tourism Victoria, including gay and lesbian travel. Louise oversees GALTAs media portfolio as well as member and consumer newsletters.

Director, VIC Representative

0400 046 183

vincent@galta.com.au

Over the past 20 years Vincent has held the position of General Manager at many hotels and resorts in North Queensland, Gold Coast and Brisbane, and has worked for Tourism Queensland. He moved to Victoria in late 2010 after purchasing Quest Echuca, selling it 4 years later, and is now the proud owner of the iconic Tolarno Hotel in St Kilda. Vincent is also Vice President of SKAL International Melbourne. 

ACT Representative

04123 09992

alex@galta.com.au

Director and Editor at Fuse Magazine. FUSE Magazine not only brings a community together, but has also created an exceptional opportunity for business, government and community groups to connect to the gay and lesbian demographic in Canberra and Australia. Fuse is a vibrant Australian gay and lesbian lifestyle magazine (GLBTI).

Membership Consultant

0412 156 605

david@galta.com.au

David joined GALTA as a Membership Consultant in May 2017. He brings 15 years of experience in the publishing, marketing and communications fields and currently works at DNA Magazine as their Partnerships & Campaign Strategist. As a big proponent for gay rights and recognition of our lifestyle, David sees huge value for the travel industry in coming onboard to welcome and support gay-friendly travel and tourism. David is also the Social Media Manager for the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Business Association (SGLBA) and in his spare time, he spends 4 hours each week with ACON as a Community Support Network & Community Visitor Scheme volunteer. When he's not out supporting our community, you'll find David in one place everyday - at the gym!

Central Queensland Representative

0432 351 533

gerry@galta.com.au

Current experience in corporate travel, leisure domestic and wholesale inbound, tradeshows, product famils and 3rd party website promotions to maximize revenue growth. Strong leadership and relationship building skills to develop, drive and mentor a great team. Analytical skills to set and review sales strategy for business development across key portfolios to drive growth.

North QLD Representative

0438 188 398

jay@galta.com.au

Founder of FNQ Magazine and go2gaycairns.com. Nominations and Awards: 2014 - FNQ Magazine - finalist, Best Non-Daily Publications in the QLD Multi-Media Awards, 2005 - Nominated for Australian Of The Year, 2003 - Announced as Mr All Queensland - Cerebral Palsy League of Queensland

NSW Representative

0416 114 911

michelle@galta.com.au

Australia PR owner, Michelle Grima, is a leading national media consultant within the travel and lifestyle sector.  She is a multi- award-winning metro and regional newspaper journalist.

In 2000, Michelle made the transition from journalist to tourism media promoter as Tourism Tasmania’s Destination Media Manager and established the specialised Visiting Journalist Program for the island.

A decade later, Michelle has established her own consultancy from the Blue Mountains with clients from Sydney through to the Central West in the accommodation, attractions, food and wine, garden, and beauty sectors.