Future Now Chairman joins Tourism WA board

John Wellborn, the former Wallaby and Chairman of Future Now, Western Australia's Creative and Leisure Industries Training Council, has been appointed to the board of Tourism WA.

Making the announcement Western Australia's Tourism Minister Liz Constable said Welborn was a passionate supporter of workforce development, a key area of importance for tourism, and would bring his experience in corporate finance and company administration to the board.

Dr Constable stated that "John Welborn has the background, experience, and skills needed to help the Tourism WA board grow tourism in this State.

"His appointment comes at an important time with the recent launch of our long term tourism brand, Experience Extraordinary, which will lead to new initiatives that will result in great outcomes for tourism in WA.

"As Chairman of Future Now, John has been instrumental in the significant expansion of the councilâs industry coverage to include hospitality and tourism.

"(His) commitment to the continual improvement of workforce skills to deliver a competitive edge for Western Australian industry will be a welcome addition to the Tourism WA Board."

Welborn is the Managing Director of Prairie Downs Metals Ltd, a Perth based junior exploration mining company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, and the Minister said he brings strong leadership and direction to the development of their base metal project in the Pilbara.

Dr Constable added "John is a former investment banker who is also well-known for his achievements on the rugby field - he is Western Australiaâs first born and bred Wallaby having played six tests for Australia between 1996 and 1999 - and brings to the board firsthand experience of major events.

"He was a founding player with the Western Force in their inaugural season in 2006 and having retired from playing now serves as a Director of Rugby WA."

Tourism WA Board members include Chairman Kate Lamont, owner of Lamont's Winery; Deputy Chairman David Mazitelli, principal of Mazitelli Pty Ltd; Howard Cearns, founding director of Little Creatures Brewing Pty Ltd; Alistair Donald, partner Freehills; Dixie Marshall, journalist/media presenter STW Channel 9; Gail Reynolds-Adamson, director of Kepa Kurl Enterprises Pty Ltd; and Trish Ridsdale, principal of Board Business.

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