The Australian Cruise Association (ACA) AGM was due to be held in September 2020 at the Association’s annual conference in Townsville, but was postponed as a result of COVID and the resulting travel restrictions. Ahead of the rescheduled AGM on 25 November 2020, the ACA has made several new interim appointments to its Executive Committee.
The Chairman’s role, which was held by Grant Gilfillan for the past three years, will be filled by Philip Holliday, CEO of the Port Authority of NSW. Scott Lovett, Executive GM, Industry Development for Tourism NT will take on the role of Deputy Chair, vacated by Martin Bidgood when he recently left TUI (Intercruises). Bidgood’s position on the committee will be filled by Intercruises’ James Coughlan. Matthew Carley, Senior Manager for Port Operations at the Port of Brisbane, remains as Treasurer.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Grant for his incredible support and commitment” said Association CEO, Jill Abel. “Grant has been an incredible mentor to all of us during his time in the Chairman’s role and has steered us through a very difficult year consistently demonstrating incredible leadership in these challenging times. We now look forward to working with Phil who, as CEO of the busiest cruise port in Australia, will play a key role in the re-start of the cruise sector in this country.”
