The Subcommittee
ThepeopleguidingSKIWA.
Seven industry leaders volunteering their time to shape the next generation of WA tourism professionals.
Supported by Tourism WA and SKÅL International Perth.
Jack Sherrell
Co-Chair & Coordinator
Michael Collins
Co-Chair
Principal, CF Global (Australia)
Margaret Wilson
Secretary & SKIWA Fellow
CMW Management
Terry Austen
Treasurer & Consultant
TenGolf Group
Jason Gelineau
Service Excellence Advisor
JAG Hospitality
Melissa Beamish
Head of Events & Operations
Karen Robinson
Advanced Skills Lecturer
NMTAFE — Travel & Tourism
Our Mission & Story
Elevating
WA Tourism.
SKIWA was born from a desire to bridge the gap between emerging talent and established leaders in the Western Australian tourism industry. We saw a need for structured, high-impact mentoring that goes beyond generic advice.
Our mission is clear: to accelerate careers, foster deep industry connections, and elevate the standard of tourism professionals in WA.
We stand for true support, real-world insights, and actionable growth for every individual who passes through our doors.
The SKIWA Impact
50+
Alumni Mentees
100%
Industry Connection
Core Values
Pillar 01
Excellence
Striving for the highest standards in everything we do, inspiring our mentees to push their professional boundaries.
Pillar 02
Connection
Building meaningful, lasting relationships across the Western Australian tourism ecosystem.
Pillar 03
Growth
Continuously learning, adapting, and elevating our skills to stay ahead in a dynamic industry.
Pillar 04
Generosity
Willingly sharing knowledge, time, and lived experiences to uplift the next generation of leaders.
The Elite Network
The SKIWA
Alliance
Made possible exclusively through a curated coalition of Western Australia's most powerful tourism and hospitality entities.
Initiating Partners
Curated Venues
Inclusion Champions
Careers Insights
WA Tourism Careers &
Industry Common Questions
The fastest way to get a job in WA tourism and hospitality is through direct industry networking and mentorship. Programs like SKIWA connect students directly with hiring managers, general managers, and tourism executives in Perth, bypassing traditional application processes.
While traditional graduate programs exist at universities, the SKIWA Mentoring Program serves as an elite, practical alternative. Over 6 months, graduating students receive one-on-one professional coaching from Perth's top hotel and tourism leaders.
The best networking events for tourism students in Western Australia are hosted by SKÅL International Perth and Tourism WA. The SKIWA mentorship program includes exclusive access to these premium VIP networking events held at venues like Pan Pacific and Perth Convention Centre.
Professional tourism and hospitality mentorship in Perth typically ranges from $200-$500 per session. However, the SKIWA program provides 6 months of elite mentorship, including 6 sessions and networking events, heavily subsidized starting at just $65 for students.