THE Australian Society of Travel Writers (astw.org.au) committee recently convened to elect its office bearers and new committee members. 

Spokesperson Ms Deborah Dickson-Smith said the committee bowled over by the response to the call-out for nominations for the vacant positions on the committee, and by offers of support from those interested in helping to nurture our society through the unprecedented times the tourism industry, and indeed the world, is facing.

She added, “We would like to thank all those who nominated; we look forward to harnessing all nominees' expertise and experience for the benefit of the society in future”.

The new committee is as follows:

President: Elisa Elwin

Secretary: Carla Grossetti
Treasurer: Deborah Dickson-Smith
Writer members: Keren Lavelle, Catherine Marshall, Natascha Mirosch, Christina Pfeiffer, Tim Richards
Public relations members: Saskia Baker, Kylee Kay

The Australian Society of Travel Writers (ASTW) is the most highly respected travel media body in Australia. Founded in 1975 and incorporated in 2011, it is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting ethical and honest travel, and the unbiased reporting of it.Incoming president, Ms Elisa Elwin said, on behalf of the society, “I would like to thank outgoing President Helen Hayes, Vice-President Aleney de Winter, Secretary Jeremy Bourke, Public Relations member Mandy Dwyer and Writer member Sue Preston for their dedication and commitment to the ASTW. We wish them all the very best”.

About the ASTW

The ASTW is a 300-strong group of travel writers, editors, radio and television broadcasters and producers, bloggers, guide book authors and photographers (as well as travel industry public relations and marketing professionals) whose work appears regularly in major newspapers, magazines, airwaves and websites across Australia and the world.

All ASTW members must satisfy strict criteria to join and are obligated to substantiate their membership annually by providing details of their paid published output or industry participation. They must also adhere to a Code of Ethics. By ensuring that only bona fide applicants are admitted, the ASTW maintains its integrity and the professionalism of the travel industry.

For more information contact:

ASTW: Saskia Baker or Kylee Kay- pr@astw.org