Founded in 2005 Tourism Macedon Ranges Inc (TMR) is a not-for-profit incorporated association (A0047827S) which represents the interests of visitor economy stakeholders in the Macedon Ranges.  

The Board of Tourism Macedon Ranges is composed of the leaders of the key business and tourism stakeholder groups in the Macedon Ranges and skills-based appointees.  

The key priorities of TMR are Communication, Advocacy and Support.  

The Board of TMR meets quarterly and hosts a Visitor Economy Stakeholder Meeting with representatives of Macedon Ranges Shire Council and Daylesford Macedon Ranges Tourism.  

TMR communicates with industry and business directly through our Board to their membership groups and networks.

Tourism Macedon Ranges is supported by volunteers with activities funded through grants and events. 

Who We Are

TMR works closely with Macedon Ranges Shire Council and launched the Macedon Ranges Thriving Villages and Town Centre Activation Plan Project in 2024 to encourage business and community to 

lead positive change in their town centres and build constructive relationships with Macedon Ranges Shire Council.  TMR delivers the Macedon Ranges Business Breakfast bi-annually to support local business and Council’s business engagement program.  

Our vision is a strong and vibrant visitor economy in the Macedon Ranges.

TMR’s Purpose

TMR’s Purpose is:

  1. To provide a representative voice advocating for tourism, hospitality and the broader visitor economy in the Macedon Ranges.

  2. To facilitate and support opportunities for visitor economy businesses.

What We Value

TMR’s Values have been defined as:

●      Integrity – TMR operates with the highest level of professional integrity.

●      Results – TMR values achievement and meaningful outcomes and is committed to making a difference.

●      Respect – TMR respects its colleagues and stakeholders and values the expertise they contribute.

●      Sustainability –TMR’s policy is sensitive to local environment.

●      Positive working relationships – TMR is empathetic and open minded, it considers others’ feelings and provides the opportunity to speak, question, and be heard.

Our Mission

To provide a collective voice for tourism and work with stakeholder groups to achieve a strong and vibrant visitor economy in the Macedon Ranges.

Meet the Board

  • Nikki Barker

    CHAIR

    Nikki began as an advertising representative at Elliot Midland Newspaper Group, where she refreshed the Macedon Ranges Guardian masthead and founded the Macedon Ranges Business Awards. In her subsequent roles with Daylesford Macedon Tourism, Windarring and Campaspe House, she developed a passion for collaborating with small businesses and not-for-profits, building strong partnerships with groups like the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group and the Woodend Farmers Market.

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  • Andrew Towner

    DEPUTY CHAIR

    A hospitality executive with experience in Europe, Asia and Australia, Andrew now consults and operates Braeside Mt Macedon Country Retreat. Andrew is the previous Chair of Tourism Macedon Ranges (TMR), past President of the Macedon Ranges Accommodation Assoc., member of Daylesford Macedon Ranges Destination Management Forum and Macedon Ranges Business and Tourism Industry Group.

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  • David Rivers

    SECRETARY/TREASURER

    David brings a wealth of marketing and executive management experience from a career in the oil and travel industries. Now retired to the Macedon Ranges, David was formerly Chair of Tourism Macedon Ranges. David is past Deputy Chair of the Macedon Ranges Accommodation Assoc. & sat on the Daylesford Macedon Ranges Destination Management Forum and Macedon Ranges Business and Tourism Industry Group.

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  • Jenny Stillman

    BOARD MEMBER

     With a background as an equine veterinarian and Macedon Ranges grazing property owner, Jenny also has a long history of community engagement in the eastern corridor region. Having previously served on the local Community Bank board, Jenny is the current Vice-President of the Eastern Macedon Ranges Business and Tourism Association Inc (EMRBATA). Jenny is also current Chair of the Macedon Ranges Business and Tourism Industry Group and Deputy Chair of LEAD Loddon Murray.

    EASTERN MACEDON RANGES BATA

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  • Renata Morello

    BOARD MEMBER

     Winemaker and part owner of Lyons Will Estate and current President of the Macedon Ranges Vignerons Association.

    Prior to moving to the region 10 years ago Renata was a senior health services researcher in Government and University organisations and has high level experience in project and research management. 

    MACEDON RANGES VIGNERONS ASS.

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  • Peter Chiller

    BOARD MEMBER

    Peter has 59 years of experience in the hospitality industry, having owned and managed two motels and a licensed restaurant in New Zealand, and served as licensee for two hotels in Victoria. He ran a nationwide coffee business for 12 years, becoming the largest vendor for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, and acquired the Lancefield Guesthouse in 2006.

    He managed two conference centres in Melbourne and one in Sydney for 20 years for a charitable organisation. Currently, he is a founder and shareholder of Lost Watering Hole Brewery and purchased the Town Fryer takeaway in Lancefield in 2023. He also served as President of the MRAA for seven years.

    MACEDON RANGES ACCOMMODATION ASS.

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  • Christina Tantsis

    BOARD MEMBER

    Christina Tantsis is the Director and founder of Sisko Chocolate, a premium chocolatier known for its handcrafted, artisanal products. With extensive experience in business management and product development, Christina is committed to sustainability and collaborates with local producers and businesses to create high-quality chocolates and experiences. With retail in both Hawthorn and Kyneton, she is set to open a new chocolate HQ and café in Trentham. Through her work, Christina continues to foster strong community connections, focusing on innovation and excellence in every aspect of her business.

    BUSINESS KYNETON

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  • Heather Allen

    BOARD MEMBER

    With a background in print media and advertising, Heather Allen started as a typesetter and later became a print buyer and production manager. After briefly leaving the industry to own and operate a hotel in North East Victoria, she transitioned into hospitality and tourism, building her career for five years. She then combined her marketing and tourism experience to launch and manage Champions Brock Experience in Central Queensland and was Operations Manager at HDT Special Vehicles for two more years. Following a move back to Victoria, she and her husband created and ran a tapas wine bar in Beechworth.

    KYNETON FOOD COLLECTIVE

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  • Lisa Fowler

    BOARD MEMBER

    Lisa is a licensed real estate agent and business owner in Mount Macedon with extensive local knowledge and is dedicated to delivering a rewarding experience to her clients that exceeds expectations.

    Lisa is a current member of the Macedon and Mount Macedon BATA.

    Lisa is a strong supporter of and involved in a number of community and sporting groups in the Macedon Ranges.

    MACEDON & MOUNT MACEDON BATA

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