Coralie grew up on the South Coast and attended Bomaderry High School. She spent her early years working in retail and hospitality, with her family owning a combined antique shop and café.
After finishing school, she pursued her passion for photography by starting her own wedding photography business. Small business was in her blood, and she thrived in this entrepreneurial space.
However, after having her first child, Coralie realised that the demands of the wedding industry, particularly its weekend-heavy schedule, were no longer a good fit for her lifestyle.
Having already developed a strong connection with those involved in the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, transitioning to a role as Marketing Manager there was a natural step. After a few years, she moved on to a marketing role at the nearby Stockland Shopping Centre, further expanding her experience in business and community engagement.
Her growing reputation and connections led to an exciting opportunity when she was put forward for the role of Tourism Manager for Shoalhaven City Council. She embraced the challenge, stepping into a role that required promoting the broader region beyond the well-known Jervis Bay and its famous white sands.
“We focused on positioning the Shoalhaven as a destination for experiences, not just a single location,” Coralie explains.
Under her leadership, the team developed award-winning marketing campaigns, including the widely recognised 100 Beach Challenge. As her passion for the industry grew, so did her responsibilities, expanding to include economic development and advocacy.
Her expertise became particularly critical during the bushfires of late 2019. Thanks to strong relationships with local business chambers and tourism operators, her team was able to provide timely and accurate updates. At times these were even faster than other official communication channels, helping visitors and businesses navigate the crisis.
The challenges didn’t stop there. In 2020, the region faced severe floods, followed closely by the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, Coralie also served as Chair of Australian Regional Tourism. This role allowed her to channel vital information between local businesses and national decision-makers, ensuring their needs were heard and addressed at higher levels of government.
A solutions-focused leader, Coralie has a talent for identifying patterns and bringing people together to drive meaningful change. She thrives on connecting with businesses, industries, and individuals, using her advocacy skills to create opportunities where they’re needed most.
When considering her next career move, she reflected on what truly motivated her. “I realised that I love making a difference and wanted to take on a role that supports businesses in achieving their goals.”
Recognising the strength of local business chambers on the South Coast, she saw an opportunity to influence change at a regional level. This led her to her current role as Director at Business Illawarra, where she has hit the ground running.
“I’ve loved visiting businesses back-to-back, walking through their operations with business leaders, and getting to know their strategic plans. Seeing firsthand what they’re trying to achieve allows me to identify common challenges and advocate for the necessary changes.”
Coralie’s career on the South Coast is a testament to the diverse opportunities available in the region. Her journey serves as an inspiration to others looking to forge a path in business, advocacy, and economic development.
