Zara Gerven

I grew up in Tasmania and in 2002 was one of the first graduates of the University of Tasmania’s Bachelor of Tourism course. After working in the Tasmanian tourism industry, I broadened my horizons by moving to the NT where I worked for Tourism Northern Territory and AusIndustry. Here I managed a tourism development fund and working for AusIndustry across the NT to promote a range of grant and tax concessions to small business.

In 2006 I completed a post grad certificate in Responsible Tourism from the University of Greenwich and shortly after in 2007 took my skills overseas, undertaking an Australian Youth Ambassador for Development posting in Tonga.  Working at the Ministry of Tourism in Tonga, I trained staff in a number of areas including project management, applying for grants and data collection, as well as the development of a number of community based tourism initiatives.

I have recently returned to Australia after 6 months in West Africa managing a locally owned tourism venture. I commenced with the Australian Antarctic Division in March, working within the Australian Marine Mammal Centre.

My role as Marine Mammal Grants Officer encompasses the administration of the AMMC Grants scheme (including negotiation of funding agreements), provision of secretariat support to advisory and assessment committees and general administrative support for the AMMC.