AFTER more than a decade on the Shoalhaven Tourism Board, Ulladulla’s Joe Puglisi has stepped town to take on a new job.
Joe is the new manager of Shoalhaven City Councils’ Nowra visitor information centre.
He is looking forward to the challenge and told the Times he remains passionate about growing tourism in the region, including Ulladulla.
“It’s an exciting time to be involved with tourism,” he said after a week in the top job.
“The industry on the coast has grown immensely over the past 15 years and will continue to do so.
“I’m looking forward to working closely with local tourism operators and the tourism board.
“I think I will really enjoy it.”
Joe said he “thoroughly enjoyed” his time on the tourism board, but said it’s “time to move on”.
He said he chose to resign from the board because his new job could become a conflict of interest.
Passionate about tourism, Joe and his family operated Tory’s Seafood restaurant in Ulladulla for almost 30 years.
He was a founding member of the Ulladulla Food and Wine Festival committee and the Tabula Rasa (now artsFEST) committee.
A member of one of the town’s pioneering fishing families, Joe has been involved with the Blessing of the Fleet Festival and also held positions on the Ulladulla Tourism Association, Chamber of Commerce and former MUCTAB organisations.
During his decade with the Shoalhaven Tourism Board, Joe served as chairman for six years and was often Ulladulla’s only representative on the council committee.
He said after stepping down he hopes someone will take on the role as Ulladulla’s voice.
“There are a lot of good people with good ideas out there.
“I would encourage anyone interested or passionate about tourism to please put their hand up.
“Tourism is such an important industry for Shoalhaven and especially the Ulladulla area,” he said.
Departure leaves big hole to fill on board
Following the resignation of Joe Puglisi, Ulladulla will have no representatives on the Shoalhaven Tourism Board.
Joe has been a member of the board for more than 10 years and has left a big hole to fill by someone who is passionate about tourism on the south coast.
Shoalhaven City councillor Robert Miller is calling for someone to “step up” and nominate for the board.
He said himself and fellow councillor Amanda Findley would be left carrying the torch for Ulladulla’s tourism operators if no-one took on the role.
“Ulladulla desperately at least one member on the tourism board,” Cr Miller said.
“Amanda and I are not on the front line of tourism.
“We need someone to step up and nominate for the board which decides how council spends its tourism money.
“The board uses funds from council and the State Government, as well as a tourism levy, to promote and market our region.
“We need to ensure Ulladulla and Milton get a fair share of that promotion.”
Cr Miller said tourism board nominations close this week and interested person should contact council immediately.
Applicants are interviewed by council’s manager and tourism manager before being selected for the board.
Cr Miller said the majority of people currently deciding how to promote the Shoalhaven are from Nowra.
“Please, anyone who operate a tourism business or accommodation should seriously consider becoming involved.
“It is crucial that Ulladulla doesn’t miss out.
“Joe has done a great job and now it’s time for some new faces and fresh ideas.”
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