A well-known face in the region sits quietly behind Bowen Tourism and Business as the Chair of the Committee, discreetly guiding the strategic vision of the non-for-profit organisation.
Jenn Honnery is originally from Brisbane but moved to the region in 1999 and fell in love with the local way of life.
“I moved here to work in a pub and have a break from uni and I didn’t make it home!” explains Jenn.
With a degree in Architecture, she was soon employed as a surveyor for a local gold mine.
She then went to help a friend on a nearby cattle station and it was here she met her husband, Jason.
The couple moved to Collinsville and later purchased an organic mango farm which is located between Bowen and Collinsville.
Jenn completed a Multi-Media Design Degree and a Masters in Communication.
When she is not running the mango farm with her husband, she is busy building websites and working as a graphic designer.
In 2017, Jenn decided it was time for a change and embarked on a role as Sales and Marketing Manager for Bowen Tourism and Business.
When the new role proved to be too demanding around her other work commitments, Jenn decided to step down but was still eager to contribute as a volunteer committee member.
She was later elected Chair.
“The role translated nicely as I had an interest in the local tourism industry but could bring in skills with marketing and design and an understanding of small business,” she said.
Since becoming Chair five years ago, Jenn has witnessed much change.
One of the highlights has been helping to increase the marketing budget so Bowen Tourism can “stand on its own two feet”.
She has also enjoyed forming a strong connection with Tourism Whitsundays.
“I am especially excited that Sunrise came to the Big Mango this week – that certainly pulled a lot of eyes onto Bowen,” she said.
