General News
21 July, 2026
New CEO for local tourism
Former Maryborough local Joel Chadwick is the new CEO of Destination Central Victoria.
Maryborough local Joel Chadwick has been named the new CEO of Destination Central Victoria (DCV).
Mr Chadwick will lead the recently expanded tourism authority, formerly known as Daylesford Macedon Tourism, as they focus on attracting new visitors to the region.
Included in DCV is the Hepburn, Macedon Ranges, Mount Alexander and Central Goldfields shires.
Mr Chadwick said he hopes to build up the Central Victorian region’s already “amazing” destinations.
“The benefit for the region is not only gold rush history but it’s so diverse in all its offerings — from spa country, to arts and culture, to the food and wine of the region as well,” he said.
He enters the role with a wealth of expertise in the sector — both locally and further afield.
Mr Chadwick joins DCV from Tourism Midwest Victoria, where he’s held a number of senior roles, including acting executive manager visitor economy.
He’s also the current chair of Australian Regional Tourism, where he has previously been board director and treasurer since 2022.
Earlier still he’s held tourism-based roles in both Central Goldfields Shire and the City of Ballarat.
Mr Chadwick said his experience, and connections he made, will serve him well in his new role.
“Building that network and bringing that back into the region I think will have lasting benefits,” he said.
Mr Chadwick said he studied tourism at university and, in the years since, has found it a “happy” industry to work in.
“While there’s been ups and downs over the last couple of years with crises like the pandemic, where visitation comes to a stand still, what that amplified was that tourism and travelling isn’t just a want anymore it’s actually a need for people’s wellbeing and state of mind,” he said.
“Working with local businesses to strengthen their offerings and their experiences, which bring joy to people and make them smile deep down, is a rewarding role to do.”
Mr Chadwick said he hopes to collaborate with the community and represent their partners to strengthen tourism to the region.
He specifically mentioned focusing on populations sprawling out of Melbourne as a “low-hanging fruit” they could entice to the region.
“Marketing into those parts of Melbourne to entice them out ... is something that should be a focus in the short term to get the easy wins,” he said.
DCV Board chair Dianne Smith said Mr Chadwick brought a proven track record of delivering outcomes for communities.
“We look forward to Joel taking DCV into an exciting new chapter for the region,” she said.
Mr Chadwick will start as CEO of DCV on August 10.