Our Team

Alex Hill

PRESIDENT

Director of Experience at LACo (The Village and Drifter) and formerly Tourism & Business Destination Coordinator with Yarra Ranges Shire Council, Melbourne Operations Manager with Tourism Adventure Group, Alex has worked in management positions across Australia, Germany and The UK within the adventure tourism industry and government. A local of the Mornington Peninsula and part of the founding team of YTV. Please feel free to get in touch via alex.hill@ytv.org.au

Max Gibson

VICE - PRESIDENT

Max Gibson is the General Manager of Accommodation at the Mahony Group, overseeing five backpacker venues across Australia. With over 12 years’ experience working in backpacker hostels, including 10 years in senior management, Max brings deep industry insight to his role. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Victoria University (2023) and is passionate about strengthening youth tourism, particularly in his home state of Victoria.

Cassandra Richards

SECRETARY

Cass has worked in tourism and hospitality around the world, living in places like NZ, UK and Cambodia, and is now Regional Manager at YHA Ltd. She is passionate about sustainable tourism, great workplace culture and supporting the next generation of industry leaders.

Matthew Heyes

TREASURER

Matthew Heyes is the founder of Backpacker Job Board. A former working holiday maker originally from the UK, Matthew moved to Australia and began his adventure down under on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast before later settling in Melbourne. He built Backpacker Job Board in 2010, to better connect travellers and employers. Matthew is a regular advocate for the working holiday program and brings a background in digital marketing.

Julia Ponte

MEMBERSHIP & COMMUNITY MANAGER

Julia is a photographer, urban planner, and town explorer. She is a creative with a background in events, hospitality and travel – both as a ticket holder and a host. She is strongly committed to small business development at community levels and holds the position of President of the Footscray Traders Association.

Julia is well-travelled, having been to over 30 countries, allowing her to share her love for travel through the eyes of the consumer. And in case you’re wondering – Northern England, Cuba, and Russia were her favourite places to visit!

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