• The Departments
• Zoo Crew Legends

Marketing

The marketing department has the important job of getting out there and letting everyone know what an awesome place Australia Zoo is! We consider ourselves pretty darn lucky as marketers, because we know our product is the best and we are all proud to be representing Australia Zoo in the tourism market.

Our marketing office is always an exciting place to be-with media calls, advertising deadlines, press releases, trade shows, trips interstate and overseas, familiarisation tours, meetings, web site design and oh so much more! Of course one of the most gratifying parts of our job is being recognized with prestigious awards such as the most recent-2004 Australian Export Award for Accor Tourism Export and of course the big one-the Australian Tourism Award for Major Tourist Attraction 2003/2004!

The marketing team is a young, eager and dynamic bunch who are ecstatic to be working at the best place in the world!

Nat takes a break to meet a gorgeous new addition to the Zoo

Natalie

Director of Sales and Marketing

We lured Natalie away from her extensive marketing career in professional services to join our dynamic marketing team in April 2005. Nat brings a wealth of sales and marketing experience to the team, along with her contagious passion and enthusiasm! Nat is a big picture thinker and gets excited about creating new concepts, marketing strategies and plans. Blink and you’ll miss her as she’s is often out and about doing business for the Zoo or meeting with industry friends and colleagues.

And check this out - we also have our very first Olympic medalist in the Zoo Crew! Nat was a member of our very successful Australian Women's Softball team 'Aussie Spirit' that won a Silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. Wooo-hoo!

Emma was born to work at Australia Zoo!

Emma

PR & Communications Manager

Emma heads up the PR and Communications team which includes all things media, advertising, promotions and events.

She has a passion for marketing and communications, and loves finding new and creative ways to tell the world about the incredible conservation work we do here at the Zoo.

She reckons she has the best job in the world - and says she was born to work at Australia Zoo (her family and mates agree whole-heartedly!)

Emma loves walking around the Zoo and chatting to the Zoo Crew who do an inspiring job protecting wildlife and their habitat every day.

She says the biggest surprise so far has been how much she loves snakes!

If not typing madly on her laptop, or brainstorming new ideas with her team, she can be found wandering the Zoo with an eye out for a story...

Kerstin

Events Coordinator

From the state of Frog Cakes, Haighs Chocolates and great festivals, Kerstin has joined the vivacious Australia Zoo marketing team after living and working in Adelaide for most of her life.

After completing her Bachelor of Communication at the University of South Australia, Kerstin was snapped up by a boutique Event Management company which exposed her to some great events including V8 Supercar Races, international cycling races and her favorite, high end fashion shows! After such success and great experience, Kerstin came to Australia Zoo very excited to share her passion for event creativity and coordination to make Australia Zoo's events world class!

When Kerstin is not busy researching new and exciting event concepts and planning Australia Zoo's events down to the minute, she will be seen enjoying her new Queensland lifestyle by exploring the boroughs of Brisbane and the beautiful beaches that Queensland has to offer!

Bridget plans our next big event with some help from a cheeky wombat!

Bridget

Events Executive

Bridget welcomed the change from corporate event management to the creative, imaginative and often unpredictable nature of Australia Zoo events! Joining the Zoo Crew in December 2009 after five years running events throughout Australia, New Zealand and the UK, Bridget oversees all of the Zoo's monthly promotional days, school holiday activities and VIP events.

Returning from London to Australia in May 2009, Bridget most recently managed the events at the Royal Queensland Show, or 'EkkA' and now couldn't be happier working in the energetic and vibrant marketing team at Australia Zoo.

She is passionate about animals and wildlife spotting in far flung continents. Having hugged elephants in Thailand, relaxed with monkeys in Indonesia, swum with Piranhas in the Amazon, cuddled a sloth in Brazil, been spat on by llamas in Peru, kissed a hairy 'coo' in Scotland, shared her lunch with squirrels in London and been up-close and personal with flamingos, tarantulas, boa constrictors, caimans, mountain lions and pink dolphins in the wild.

With a dual degree in Business Management and Psychology, Bridget loves nothing more than creating successful and memorable events. She has lived, worked and travelled all over the world, but is now thrilled to be living back where her home and heart is - Queensland!

Ash takes time out from his desk to cuddle a python!

Ash

Ash hails from the windy coastal country town of Warrnambool in South West Victoria. In 2004 Ash made like a whale and migrated north in quest of a warmer climate and a sunshine filled way of life.

In August of 2007 Ash joined the Australia Zoo family working in the retail store Croc Lair. In May 2008 Ash succeeded in obtaining a highly sought after and privileged position among the Zoo’s elite Reception Crew, A team of highly qualified professionals exclusively selected to be the centre point of all communication in the Zoo.

Ash has recently completed a Bachelor of Business (Tourism) and Marketing at the University of the Sunshine Coast and aims to use his qualifications to promote Australia Zoo and our goal of Conservation through Exciting Education.

Ash has also recently travelled to the Fijian Highlands, where he participated in a beneficial/educational expedition with a purpose of creating a Sustainable Tourism Business Proposal for a small scale tourism operator.

Kylie relaxes in Roo Heaven

Kylie

Marketing and Communications Assistant

Kylie joined Australia Zoo's awesome PR and Communications team in June 2008, after moving to the Sunshine Coast from Central Queensland, and thinks she has the best job in the Zoo - writing about and promoting all the new and exciting things going on!

With a Marketing degree under her belt, and experience in advertising, sponsorship and events, Kylie took up the position in Public Relations, and believes she has found her calling.

No two days are the same at the Zoo - whether she's writing media releases, hosting a film crew or getting hands-on learning all about the gorgeous animals that call Australia Zoo home, Kylie thrives on communicating the conservation messages about how everyone can be involved in protecting our wildlife.

Kylie loves the Zoo's gorgeous elephant girls, and rates walking past the koalas on the way to work and having one of the awesome roving animals wondering through the office among the highlights of her day.

Wayne's impressed by the size of Australia Zoo's attractions

Wayne

Business Development Manager

Wayne is a very proud husband to Andrea and father of two young boys. He lives and breathes for his family and his work (in that order). Wayne is very well known within the tourism industry for his passion and energetic approach. He has been lucky enough to have a very colourful 15 year career with key Australian and International tourism products.

Wayne's marketing career includes nine years with the Warner Bros. / Village Roadshow Theme Parks group on the Gold Coast followed by two years with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts (based in Sydney selling the USA based theme parks and resorts) and most recently four years with QR (Queensland Rail) who operate the largest range of great Australian train journeys.

Wayne's strength is his strong and successful working relationship with all of the key wholesale and retail companies within the Australian and International Travel & Tourism Industry.

Look out for Lyn in the Crikey Corolla!

Lyn

External Promotions

Lyn joined Australia Zoo in October 2008. She came to the Zoo from Australian Media and entertainment giant, Village Road Show where she looked after the merchandise and promotional aspects for many years within their Entertainment Division.

Lyn is very proud of her decision to swap the CBD concrete jungles for the trees & wild life of the Sunshine Coast.

The majority of Lyn's time will be enjoyed on the road promoting Australia Zoo's exciting events which all help fund great wildlife conservation efforts not just in Australia but all around the world.

You simply can't miss her driving around in the Crikey Corolla. If you see her around make sure you give her a wave.

Lyn has always had a passion for nature and wildlife and enjoys her daily contact with any of the 1000+ animals at Australia Zoo. Her favourite animals are Elephants, Tigers, Crocs, Koalas, Macaws...and the list goes on!

Hanging out with her favourite Australian animal, the Dingo.

Caitlin

Events Coordinator

Caitlin joined Australia Zoo's Marketing team in 2010 and has settled in nicely. She rates it as the most rewarding thing she has ever done!

After 13 years in the hospitality industry, Caitlin decided to study a Diploma of Event Management at TAFE and kick start her marketing career. She developed a great feel for the Sunshine Coast while working on many great local events such as the Noosa Festival of Surfing and Caloundra Music Festival.

After being born in Malaysia, raised in country Victoria and traveling halfway round the world and back, Caitlin has come to call the Sunshine Coast and Australia Zoo home.

Whether she is planting trees, recycling or advising people to use green bags and turn off their appliances, Caitlin is always focused on conservation and spreading the message.

If she's not in the office you can guarantee Caitlin is checking out a Koala show, looking for a roo to feed or watching an Irwin documentary!

Nicole discusses the importance of sales with George the llama on Australia Day

Nicole

Sales Assistant

Nicole began working at Australia Zoo way back in November 2003. Originally starting in the Croc Lair gift shop, Nicole then spent 2 years working in Australiana and is now located in Marketing. She has also spent time in photography, at the Tiger Cart, in the Crocoseum boutique and helping out with "croc hosting" in the Crocoseum. With such a diverse range of job opportunities for Nicole here at the Zoo, you can rest assured that she is never bored and absolutely loves her job almost as much as her favourite animal - Lily, our massive Reticulated Python!

Michelle meets one of our gorgeous baby American Alligators

Michelle

Sales Support Executive

Michelle joined the Zoo Crew in November 2008, taking on a newly created sales support role, which will see her getting out and about and spreading the word about all the awesome things to do at Australia Zoo.

Growing up on the Sunshine Coast and having travelled the world and worked in the tourism industry for over 8 years, Michelle is excited to be home and sharing her knowledge in one of the world's leading tourism destinations.

As Michelle enjoys travelling and learning new things, she will be kept very busy learning all there is to know about Australia Zoo, its animals and the rest of the Zoo Crew. When not at the zoo Michelle loves to visit friends and family or just relax by the beach.

Craig gets up close to a gorgeous White Rhino's here at the Zoo.

Craig

Business Development Manager (Domestic)

Craig joined Australia Zoo's marketing team in 2008, and loves working for Queensland's number 1 Major Tourist Attraction.

Craig's career has taken him from California to Ayers Rock, London to Brisbane, and now to the beautiful Sunshine Coast. His 14 year career has included working with major attractions and hotels/resorts including Dreamworld and WhiteWater World, Radisson Edwardian Hotels, Voyages Resorts and Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort.

Craig works with all Australia Zoo ticket sellers throughout this great nation to ensure customers can purchase their Australia Zoo tickets conveniently. When not increasing awareness of Australia Zoo, Craig can be found on the go walking our bonzer ticket sellers through the zoo and educating them on our amazing animals.

Craig's favourite animals at Australia Zoo include "Swazi" the Southern White Rhinoceros (pictured), our Asian Elephant 'Bimbo', 'Kirra' the Dingo, 'Bashii' the beautiful Sumatran Tiger, and 'Acco' the Saltwater Crocodile.

For R&R away from Australia Zoo, Craig loves nothing more than to spend time with his drop-dead gorgeous wife, family and friends.

Belinda gets up-close to one of Australia Zoo's echidnas!

Belinda

Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Belinda jumped on board the Australia Zoo marketing team in July 2008, taking on the busy and exciting role of looking after the Zoo's advertising and promotions. Coming from a background in property marketing, Belinda enjoys the new and exciting environment of Australia Zoo. Stepping outside her office to get up close with all of the awesome animals - especially the spiky little echidnas - is the highlight of her day.

In her down time Belinda loves to spend time with her family and watch a game or seven of Rugby League.

Fan mail Jan

Jan

Fan mail

Hi there Crocodile Hunter fans! If you have written a letter to the Irwin's in the past then I'm the person who passes your message onto them. My name is Jan and I am Australia Zoo's International Correspondent.

I started at Australia Zoo in 1993 as an Animal Keeper, but I left several years later to give birth to my two children, Liam and Holly. When I returned to Australia Zoo, I took on the interesting role of responding to the vast amount of fan mail that the Irwin Family gets. On average, they can receive up to 600 letters per month - around 150 letters per week.

I really enjoy responding to your letters on behalf of the Irwin's because it gives us the opportunity to thank you personally for the loyal support you have shown the entire Australia Zoo team over the years. It is only with your feedback that we can learn how to improve and grow.

The Departments

Initially a small family business, the expansion of Australia Zoo has seen the Irwin family employing hundreds of energetic people with a variety of skills.

With thousands of visitors from all over the world passing through the gates daily, all team members understand the importance of making a lasting impression to our patrons. A job at Australia Zoo is more than a vocation, it's a lifestyle - just ask any of our team members. Australia Zoo employees love animals and conservation, have an exceptional self-drive attitude towards work and of course, wear the world famous khaki uniforms with pride! You just have to walk around the Zoo to feel the electricity in the air. The atmosphere creates an exciting experience for all visitors and a dream workplace environment for all employees.