General Manager

Destination Central West NSW (DNCW) works across 12 local government areas, connecting Destination NSW, councils, tourism organisations, industry, businesses and communities to grow the Central West visitor economy.

We're looking for an exceptional leader to guide DNCW through its next phase, bringing people together and turning strategy into practical, measurable outcomes.

About the Role

Reporting to the Board through the Chair, the General Manager will lead the DNCW team and oversee delivery of the organisation's business plan, budget and funding commitments, aligned with the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035.

This is a hands-on leadership role based in the Central-West of NSW and involves regular regional travel. The role spans three key areas:

Leadership & Delivery

• Turn strategy into clear priorities and measurable outcomes.
• Lead and develop a small, capable team.
• Maintain strong financial management, governance and funding compliance.
• Provide clear, practical advice to the Chair and Board.
• Balance strategic leadership with direct involvement in delivery.

Regional Partnerships & Influence

• Build trusted relationships across Destination NSW, councils, tourism organisations, industry, Aboriginal communities and government.
• Build cooperation across destinations with different priorities and opportunities.
• Represent the Central West credibly and advocate for agreed regional priorities at state level.

Growing the Visitor Economy

Lead and coordinate regional priorities across:

• Visitor access, accommodation and industry capability.
• Marketing coordination and digital visibility.
• Regional events development and business events capability.
• Market ready visitor experiences and multi-day itinerary development.
• Aboriginal cultural tourism.
• Data, insights and regional intelligence.

What We're Looking For

You'll be an experienced and credible leader who can build relationships, create clarity and deliver outcomes across a complex stakeholder environment.

Your background may be in tourism, destination management, regional or economic development, government, industry, or an organisation with similar partnership and governance responsibilities.

You'll bring:

• An understanding of visitor economy business needs and industry development, or readily transferable expertise.
• Strong strategic and operational leadership.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Commercial judgement and financial discipline.
• Experience working with Boards, government or funded organisations.
• The ability to lead and develop a small team.
• Strong communication and public-facing capability.
• A genuine commitment to regional NSW and culturally respectful engagement with Aboriginal communities and businesses.

Candidates stepping into their first General Manager role may also be considered where they can demonstrate the capability, judgement and experience required.

Why Destination Central West NSW?

This is an opportunity to play a genuine leadership role in the future of the Central West visitor economy.

You'll work across Bathurst, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan, Lithgow, Mid-Western Regional, Oberon, Orange, Parkes and Weddin, connecting government, industry and communities around shared regional opportunities.

If you enjoy bringing people together, turning strategy into action and making things happen across regional NSW, we'd like to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion about the opportunity, please call Damien O'Donnell on [0407 725 760](tel:0407 725 760) or email