Bendigo Heritage preserves, restores and shares the stories of some of the city’s most significant heritage sites, including Central Deborah Gold Mine, Bendigo Tramways, the Bendigo Joss House Temple and the Bendigo Military Museum.
We are proud to care for these places, but they exist today thanks to the passion of those who fought to protect them and the many people who have dedicated the past 40 years to maintaining and presenting them for the community. Bendigo Heritage is guided by a volunteer Board of Directors who generously give their time to help steer the organisation into the future.
As the overarching organisation, Bendigo Heritage brings these places and stories to life through Bendigo Experiences.
To deliver products and experiences that support and grow the heritage story that enriches Bendigo.
We care about each other: Supporting and considerate
We care about our customers: Providing the best possible experience.
We care about the business: Putting in our best efforts to contribute to its success.
We are flexible, adaptable, and nimble: Embrace change, learning and evolving.
We are innovative and driven: Trying new ideas and approaches.
We are quick to respond to change and challenges: Making the most of opportunities.
We are proud to be part of Bendigo Heritage and its role.
We are proud to play our part and are accountable for the success of Bendigo Heritage and ourselves.
We are committed to being our best and doing our best.
We are committed to the organisational values of Bendigo Heritage.
We are risk wary.
We are informed.
We report.
We learn.
We are just and fair.
Chairman
Tom has a long and successful history in the tourism sector. He is one of the founders of the highly successful Great Ocean Road Marketing program, co-creator of the Great Southern Touring Route, and founding General Manager of the Melbourne Aquarium.
His former board and strategic roles include Chairman of the Country Victorian Tourism Council; founding Chairman of Destination Melbourne; Board Director of Tourism Victoria for 12 years; leading the restructure of Regional Tourism and the introduction of Regional Tourism Boards across Victoria; and formerly a Regional Tourism Advisor.
Tom was recognised for his contribution to Victorian Tourism in 2003, when he was named Tourism Achiever of the Year at the Victorian Tourism Awards. He was awarded a Centenary Medal by the Federal Government in 2000 for his contribution to regional tourism and his focus on nurturing young tourism professionals.
Now living in Bendigo, Tom currently serves as Chair of Destination Greater Bendigo Loddon, the region's Visitor Economy Partnership, and brings this ongoing tourism and destination marketing experience directly to the Bendigo Heritage Board.
Deputy Chair
Adam is an enterprise executive and non-executive director with more than 25 years' experience across banking, wealth management and technology, gained largely within ASX-listed organisations, including senior leadership roles across the APAC region and 10 years as an AFSL Responsible Manager. He has held P&L accountability for a customer portfolio generating 25–30% of global group revenue within a $650 million business and has driven commercial growth through M&A and strategic partnerships, including a $60 million-plus acquisition program, while leading one of the sector's largest licensee networks, comprising 350 advisers and $16 billion in funds under advice.
Adam has served as a Non-Executive Director of The Bendigo Trust since 2021, including as Deputy Chair and Chair of the Finance & Risk Committee. He holds a Bachelor of Business (Public Relations) from Swinburne University of Technology, has studied digital transformation at Copenhagen Business School, and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
CEO
Born and raised in Bendigo, James has close to two decades' experience across community development, local and state government, and the private sector. His career spans community development and youth programs, a role as a ministerial adviser in the Victorian Government, operational and project delivery on the Bendigo Hospital Project with Downer, and several years as a publican running his own hospitality business in Bendigo. At just 19 he became the youngest councillor in Bendigo's history and one of the youngest ever elected in Victoria.
Since becoming CEO in 2020, James has led the organisation through significant transformation: navigating COVID-19, building a strong safety and compliance culture, and improving its financial sustainability. He has delivered major capital works including the $13 million Bendigo Tramways workshop redevelopment and the Central Deborah Gold Mine Groundwater Project and secured federal government funding for the delivery of the Central Deborah Gold Mine Revitalisation project. Under his leadership the organisation has posted year-on-year growth in both revenue and visitor numbers, setting new records.
He holds a Bachelor of Business (Entrepreneurship) from Swinburne University of Technology and completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors' Company Directors Course in 2012.
James is passionate about doing great things and having fun along the way, and he is still just as happy at the controls of a tram as he is in the boardroom. Above all, he believes in building communities where people can belong, contribute and be valued.
Michael has had a long association with The Bendigo Trust as a volunteer, principally through his involvement with the Bendigo Tramways since 1972.
In 2006, he retired from teaching in Swan Hill after 32 years of service with the Department of Education.
Michael has been a member of the board since 2007.
Ryan is an experienced lawyer and governance advisor, having practised law for more than a decade in Bendigo and Melbourne across commercial law firms and in-house counsel roles, including at Maddocks, Robertson Hyetts, and most recently as Manager, Governance & Performance at the City of Greater Bendigo.
After working regularly with Bendigo Heritage throughout his time at the City, Ryan jumped at the opportunity to accept a Council-appointed Director role with Bendigo Heritage in late 2023. Ryan has since moved on from the City of Greater Bendigo, now serving as General Counsel at Coliban Water.
Ryan resides locally with his young family.
Stacie is an accomplished executive and non-executive director with extensive experience in customer strategy, brand, marketing, communications and business transformation across the financial services, not-for-profit and government sectors.
With more than 18 years' senior leadership experience, she has led strategic growth, organisational transformation and customer-focused initiatives for large organisations and is recognised for her expertise in strategy, governance and stakeholder engagement.
Stacie holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Bachelor of Business (Marketing and Human Resources) from La Trobe University, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).
She lives in Bendigo with her family and is passionate about contributing to the economic and social prosperity of the Greater Bendigo region. Stacie also serves as Chair of the Bendigo Stadium Pty Ltd Board.
Tony has more than two decades' experience in enterprise transformational leadership roles across the public and private sectors, working in technology, financial services, marine and emergency services industries.
Tony is a seasoned future focused Chief Executive and Board Director with a proven track record in leading complex, asset-intensive, service delivery organisations. His understanding of market dynamics and emerging trends has helped him identify opportunities for strategic expansion and market disruption in several companies, including Vodafone Global Enterprise, Telstra, and Goulburn Valley Water. Tony has since gone on to become the inaugural Chief Officer of Marine Rescue Queensland and continues to contribute to boardroom discussions nationally through the Australian Institute of Company Directors, including risk management of high-risk asset-based operations and service delivery transformation increasing customer and community value.
Tony holds a Bachelor of Business Management, a Certificate in Leadership and Strategy — Change Management and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Mesh is an experienced local government leader with over 20 years of service across community development, libraries, heritage, tourism, and cultural programs. She is currently the Manager Community Partnerships at Murray River Council, where she leads a diverse portfolio including community services, volunteers, disability inclusion, and community partnerships. Mesh brings a strong record of community engagement and building collaborative relationships that strengthen regional communities.
With a background in curating exhibitions and delivering public programs, Mesh is passionate about connecting people with their local history, stories, and sense of place. Her leadership has helped shape community-focused initiatives that celebrate heritage while creating inclusive spaces for learning, connection, and cultural exchange.
Mesh holds a Bachelor of Arts (Tourism) from RMIT University and a Graduate Diploma in Museum Studies from Deakin University.
Mesh joined the Bendigo Heritage board in May 2025 and is committed to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Bendigo region.
I don’t want to miss great experiences coming up!
