Our team
Linda Tillman
Linda Tillman
Over two decades of unwavering dedication in the industry, Linda’s passion, skill and determination have reshaped the landscape of regional events and tourism.
Linda's journey in the tourism industry includes front-line roles, from delivering events for government and private enterprise, to CEO of a regional tourism organisation, and judging the national Tourism Awards in Vanuatu.
Linda's consultancy, Tilma Group, has been a transformative force in the Australian regional tourism industry for nearly two decades. Out of the successes of rEVENTS Academy, a capability building program for regional event teams, she more recently co-founded the Australian Centre for Regional Events with fellow event specialist, Cathy Treasure.
Borne from Tilma Group, a consultancy with 17 years’ experience in regional events and tourism, the Australian Centre for Regional Events empowers regional communities through robust event management training.
In addition to her role in regional tourism development, Linda plays a pivotal part in the delivery of regional events across Australia providing strategic planning, training and development to hundreds of local councils and community organisations.
Her innate ability to identify untapped opportunities, coupled with tertiary qualifications in business and tourism and extensive experience across local government, education, and private sectors positions Linda as a seasoned professional with exceptional insight and knowledge at local, regional, state, and national levels.
Linda's achievements speak for themselves. Winner of the Young Achiever in Tourism Award early in her career, Linda has gone on to be recognised for driving great outcomes for regional destinations and events through awards including the Regional Development Australia Northern Inland NSW Innovation Award for the Tenterfield True brand development, the Local Economic Contribution Award for Visit Deni Destination Appeal Campaign and many state and national tourism awards for clients.
Linda's strategic acumen is a boon to grassroots efforts. Her ability to guide communities toward successful outcomes is exemplified in her multifaceted approach to strategic and community-driven projects.
During COVID she collaborated with Destination Gippsland and six local governments to develop a first-of-its-kind entity, Events Gippsland to elevate the region through innovative event initiatives. In 2024, she won a contract with collaborator JJ Strategic Consulting to develop and deliver a statewide Visitor Experience Program for the Queensland Government.
Linda has been involved in the strategic development and delivery of over 100 events in regional Australia and supported an additional 200 events through training and development.
As a proud regional Australian, Linda’s genuine grasp of regional communities and their unique nuances is the driving force behind the success of Tilma Group and Australian Centre for Regional Events. She envisions her legacy through her work as an alumni of success stories that reinvigorate rural and regional communities.
Linda finds joy in acting as a catalyst for positive change for people involved in regional tourism and events. Her contributions to the revival of regional economies’ growth and sustainability have left a lasting impact on the communities she serves.
Cathy Treasure
Cathy Treasure
Cathy Treasure’s events experience is the definition of variety. She has worked on over 50 events on four continents, from global to local.
She’s done everything from cricket and rugby world cups to the Olympics, spearheading global media operations for South Africa’s inaugural ICC World Twenty20 event, to driving the Parkes Elvis Festival to iconic status.
Cathy’s unparalleled experience in events gives her insightful and multifaceted perspectives.
Cathy is a skilled, strategic, and seasoned architect and advisor who has left an indelible mark on countless events spanning over three decades. Hailing from regional Australia, Cathy's extensive international experience in event execution has not only enriched her own career but helped shape regional communities for the better.
Cathy is renowned for elevating the Parkes Festival to unprecedented heights, earning it Hall of Fame status in the NSW Tourism Awards.
As Director of the event and subsequently the Visitor Economy and Major Events Specialist for Parkes Shire Council, Cathy led the transformation of the festival into a benchmark event renowned across the country.
Earlier in her career, as marketing and events manager for The Entrance Town Centre Management Cathy's dedication and expertise propelled a regional event from 8,000 to 35,000 attendees in just four years.
She orchestrated a year-round calendar of unforgettable events that both drove local participation and significantly boosted the visitor economy.
As co-founder of the Australian Centre for Regional Events, Cathy offers strategic advice and practical, hands-on skills.
She is passionate about education, and at Griffith University she tutored and lectured hundreds of students in subjects related to events management.
Cathy is a speaker at events forums, seminars, and conferences throughout Australia, where she shares her wealth of knowledge, delving into case studies of successful events and the frameworks that underpin them.
As a consultant she crafts business plans and grant funding applications, a talent that has helped her secure more than $500,000 for a single event.
As a board member of Destination Central West, Cathy advocates for the regional events industry, championing initiatives to enhance the visitor economy.
There, she is recognised for her up-to-date knowledge, practical problem-solving abilities, and unique diversity of skills spanning sports events, music festivals, media operations, business planning, and the education sector.
Cathy's commitment to community welfare is evident in her successful launch of a social venture for disadvantaged women. The catering business, driven by a meticulously crafted business plan, secured the funding it needed to get off the ground.
This endeavour is a prime example of Cathy's diverse skill set, from business planning to execution.
Cathy's journey is marked by significant achievements and a commitment to creating and managing great relationships, a skill that sets her apart.
Her formal qualifications include Australian Institute of Company Directors accreditation and Australian Certified Economic Development certifications, coupled with a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Sports Administration.
Cathy Treasure continues to shape the landscape of regional events and visitor economies.