Richard Munro
Chief Executive Officer

Richard has extensive experience in the accommodation sector, as well as the broader tourism industry. As an established industry leader he is well known to key decision-makers and is an outstanding advocate for Australia’s accommodation sector. Richard’s considerable experience includes his former position as Chairman of the Accommodation Division of the NSW Australian Hotels Association branch between 2007 and 2010 and General Manager of Star City Hotel & Apartments from 2001 to 2010. Richard is a former Director of Development with World Hotels and a former President of the Darling Harbour Business Association.

Michael Georgeson
Manager National Operations

Michael joins the Accommodation Association team with a 20 year background in accommodation, tourism and hospitality. Michael brings with him a breadth of experience covering business development, information technology, operational management, food and beverage management, quality control and accreditation. Michael's role is to manage and develop the Accommodation Association member services, ensure effective operations of the association and maintain industry relationships.

Kathryn Dent
Workplace Relations Business Partner (Legal)

Kathryn Dent is a Director at the workplace relations law firm People + Culture Strategies and is a specialist accredited by the Law Society in Employment and Industrial Law.  Kathryn has worked exclusively in this area for over thirteen years and has extensive experience with the accommodation and hospitality industries. Kathryn’s areas of expertise include award and agreement coverage, negotiating and drafting employment documentation and agreements, representing employers in a range of tribunals and courts in matters such as underpayment claims, unfair dismissals, adverse action, breach of contract and advising on all aspects of workplace relations including disciplinary issues, termination of employment, redundancies and restructures, restraints of trade and confidentiality, discrimination, work health and safety (OHS), privacy and workplace surveillance and independent contractors.

Noel Teskey
Workplace Relations Consultant

Noel joined the Workplace Relations team in October 2006 and brought with him a wealth of management knowledge and experience in workplace relations. He assists members with advice on a wide range of workplace relations matters, including  award interpretations, workplace agreements, industrial relations, workplace health & safety, worker's compensation legislation, dispute resolution and employer’s superannuation guarantee obligations. Noel provides on-site consultations and compliance audits and also conducts seminars and workshops throughout Australia. Noel holds a business degree majoring in Accountancy and Marketing and a graduate certificate in HRM with a major in Industrial Relations.

Trish Babu
Workplace Relations Advisor

Trish is a qualified solicitor and offers a valuable combination of experience in human resources and an understanding of legal compliance issues. Her strong career history includes employee relations, industry award interpretation, workplace policies and procedures, performance management, Hays job evaluation, OH&S, worker’s compensation and compliance with discrimination laws. Trish is responsible for advising members on workplace relations issues, providing guidance on awards and employment legislation and representing members before industrial courts and tribunals.

Tom Liao
Workplace Relations Advisor

Tom joined the Workplace Relations team in October 2011. Tom will oversee the Workplace Relations segment of the Association’s website and regularly contribute articles for the Association’s newsletter and magazine. Tom graduated from the University of Western Sydney with a double degree in Law and Business (majoring in Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations). Tom has previously worked in an advisory role for Wentworth Advantage, an HR consulting firm. Tom’s particular field of interest includes award interpretation, legal compliance and termination of employment.

Jason Amies
Events and Sponsorship Manager

Jason is responsible for the annual calendar of events, designed to enhance member engagement and facilitate dialogue on issues of importance to accommodation operators. Jason works with Michael Georgeson to organise events on operational and workplace relations topics. A major part of this involves developing strong and strategic partnerships with industry-relevant organisations to provide member benefits and financially sustainable events. Jason brings with him both venue and event management experience.

Jillaine Johnstone
Membership Consultant

Jillaine has been a member of staff for over 20 years. She is well known to owner/ operators and suppliers in the industry. Her role as Membership Consultant places her in constant contact with owners and operators as she consults with new members and also advises existing members on a variety of issues. She has helped many new operators enter the accommodation industry and is especially noted for her graciousness and willingness to help with any inquiry.

Avril Julius
Accounts Manager

Avril is responsible for accounts receivable and payable in addition to the Accommodation Association's financial record keeping. Prior to joining the Accommodation Association, Avril worked for Mazzcorp Accountants over a six year period where she assisted in the preparation of tax returns in liaison with the ATO and ASIC. Avril has extensive experience in MYOB, bookkeeping and administrative procedures. Avril has a background in teaching and is a former Primary School teacher, having undertaken a three year diploma at Zonnebloem Training College in Cape Town, SA. Avril has been working in Sydney since 2000.

Steph Busby
Marketing and Communications Co-ordinator 

Steph organises content for the Association's e-newsletter and magazine and also acts as the first point of contact for media enquiries. In addition to the above, Steph is responsible for mantaining the organisation's printed marketing collateral and reviews the website content. Steph has a masters degree in Media Production from Canterbury Christ Church University, UK and a background in media administration, research and editing.

Luna Lu
Administration Assistant

Luna is often the first point of contact for many callers to the Accommodation Association. In addition to organising our reception, Luna provides administrative support for the office and processes new and renewing members. Luna is the main contact for stationery and office suppliers. Prior to joining the Association Luna spent three years at Macquarie University and has two masters degrees in linguistics - a Masters of Translation & Interpreting and a Masters of Advanced Translation. After graduating, Luna worked at Think And Grow Pty Ltd, a graphic design & printing company located in Sydney CBD. Luna is originally from Shanghai, China and has been residing in Australia since 2005.

Veronica Manaras
Administration Assistant

Veronica joined the Accommodation Association in July 2011 as a part-time Administration Assistant. Her key responsibilities include the organisation of board meetings such as the preparation of board papers, minute taking and the travel and accommodation arrangements for board members. Veronica also assists in the general administrative functions of the Association as required by the CEO and National Operations Manager. Prior to joining the Accommodation Association, Veronica worked as a Personal Assistant to the GM of Star City Hotel and Apartments between 2004 and 2010 and as an International Sales Coordinator at Voyages Hotels and Resorts between 1999 and 2004. Veronica has diplomas in Retail Travel and Tourism and Sales and Marketing.