Greta Donaldson of Bendigo Brittle Wins the Coveted Kathryn Mackenzie Award at 2025 NSW Tourism Awards, Cementing Her Leadership in Australian Tourism!

Published on December 9, 2025

Greater Bendigo’s tourism industry continues to thrive, with local businesses and operators gaining recognition for their dedication and innovation. One of the standout figures in this growing sector is Greta Donaldson, the Founder and CEO of Bendigo Brittle, who was recently awarded the prestigious Kathryn Mackenzie Award at the 2025 tourism awards. This award celebrates individuals who have demonstrated exceptional efforts in promoting the region and enhancing the visitor experience, and it is named after the former City of Greater Bendigo Tourism Manager, Kathryn Mackenzie OAM, whose hard work has been foundational to the region’s success in tourism.

Greta’s dedication to the tourism industry, along with her passion for promoting local produce and creating innovative experiences, has made a lasting impact on the region’s visitor economy. Over the years, Greta has taken Bendigo Brittle from a local product to a nationally recognized artisan brand, demonstrating the transformative power of regional tourism businesses in creating a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive tourism economy.

Leadership in Regional Tourism Growth

James Myatt, Executive Officer of Destination Greater Bendigo Loddon, congratulated Greta on her exceptional contributions, acknowledging her leadership, commitment to innovation, and regional pride. He highlighted that Greta’s work with Bendigo Brittle had played a significant role in promoting the city’s unique tourism offerings while fostering local pride and collaboration within the region’s tourism community.

In 2025 alone, Greta dedicated over 200 hours of her time to organizing and delivering The Bloomin’ Good Market, a local event that engaged 240 businesses from across the region. This market has become a significant event, showcasing the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of local tourism operators and providing a platform for promoting the diverse attractions and products of Greater Bendigo.

Greta’s efforts go beyond simply running a business. She has become a key figure in promoting the region’s local ingredients, sourcing pistachios from Wedderburn and chillies from Loddon Shire. Her focus on sustainability and supporting local farmers and producers has contributed to the region’s growing reputation as a hub for farm-to-table experiences. In addition, Greta’s commitment to inclusive employment has opened doors for women, migrant communities, and NDIS participants, further strengthening the community impact of her business.

Reflecting on Katherine Mackenzie’s Legacy

Greta expressed her heartfelt gratitude for receiving the Kathryn Mackenzie Award, acknowledging the tremendous influence that Katherine Mackenzie OAM had on her business and on the broader tourism sector in Greater Bendigo. Katherine’s tireless efforts in promoting Bendigo as a key tourism destination laid the groundwork for businesses like Bendigo Brittle to flourish.

As Greta looks forward to celebrating ten years of Bendigo Brittle’s operation in 2026, she recognizes that Katherine’s leadership and vision played a critical role in her business’s success. Greta’s recognition is a testament to the lasting legacy Katherine Mackenzie left in the tourism community, and her influence continues to inspire local businesses in the region to achieve excellence and innovation.

A New Era for Destination Greater Bendigo Loddon

The Kathryn Mackenzie Award was presented during the inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Destination Greater Bendigo Loddon, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the organization. Destination Greater Bendigo Loddon now serves as the peak tourism body for Greater Bendigo, Heathcote, and Loddon areas, working to represent the tourism sector and drive future growth.

The organization has recently been recognized as a Visitor Economy Partnership by the Victorian State Government, which enables it to take a more proactive role in developing the region’s tourism strategy. With a focus on increasing funding opportunities, enhancing collaboration, and providing stronger industry representation, Destination Greater Bendigo Loddon is well-positioned to continue driving tourism growth in the region.

The partnership model provides a unified strategy for promoting the region’s tourism offerings, creating a platform for local businesses to thrive while attracting more visitors to experience the region’s unique attractions. As the tourism sector continues to grow, this new partnership ensures that Greater Bendigo remains a competitive and sustainable destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Strategic Growth and New Leadership for the Future

The AGM also saw the announcement of new Industry Director board appointments for Destination Greater Bendigo Loddon. These appointments include Tynille Thurlow from Bendigo Heritage, Rhianwen Seiter from MacKenzie Quarters, Alissa Van Soest from Discovery Science & Technology Centre, and Ann-Maree Davis from Little Sangria. These leaders will help steer the direction of the organization, ensuring that the region’s tourism sector continues to evolve and meet the needs of both tourists and local residents.

With these new appointments, Destination Greater Bendigo Loddon is positioned to lead the region’s tourism efforts into a new era of growth and innovation. The focus will remain on promoting the region’s rich cultural heritage, diverse natural landscapes, and world-class visitor experiences, while also fostering collaboration and sustainable practices across the tourism industry.

Tourism’s Role in Greater Bendigo’s Economy

Tourism remains a cornerstone of Greater Bendigo’s economy, driving significant economic growth and providing numerous employment opportunities. As more domestic and international tourists discover the unique offerings of the region, the tourism sector is expected to continue expanding, providing lasting benefits to the local community.

Greta Donaldson’s recognition at the Kathryn Mackenzie Award highlights the importance of individual contributions to the success of the tourism industry in Greater Bendigo. Her efforts, along with the work of other local businesses, have helped shape the region into a dynamic and attractive destination. The continued growth of tourism in the region is a direct result of the collective efforts of local businesses, organizations, and community leaders committed to ensuring that Greater Bendigo remains a vibrant, welcoming, and sustainable destination for travelers.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Greater Bendigo

With the success of the Kathryn Mackenzie Award, the continued support of the Wagga Wagga Destination Management Plan, and the new leadership within Destination Greater Bendigo Loddon, the future of tourism in Greater Bendigo is bright. Local businesses, like Bendigo Brittle, will continue to drive innovation and highlight the region’s unique cultural, culinary, and natural experiences. The tourism industry in Greater Bendigo is well-positioned for long-term success, attracting visitors from all over the world and contributing to the ongoing economic prosperity of the region.