Since stepping down as president of Illawarra Coal in 2012 Colin Bloomfield has earned the title funpreneur for his involvement with Brett Baker with activity businesses around Wollongong.
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Mr Bloomfield is familiar with both traditional and burgeoning industries which will equip him well for a new role he has recently taken on as chair of Destination Wollongong.
Mr Bloomfield takes over the role heading the city’s peak tourism body from University of Wollongong’s SMART Infrastructure Facility chief operating officer and Wollongong councillor Tania Brown.
He has been a director since 2015 and said tourism infrastructure iand events are a key to continuing to grow the local visitor economy which has just been boosted by a five per cent increase in visitor numbers and a 14 per cent growth in economic contribution, according to the latest National Visitor Survey.
Mr Bloomfield will work closely with Mark Sleigh and his team at Destination Wollongong. He will push for infrastructure priorities such as an international cruise ship terminal and a major conference facility.
He said new attractions were always welcome and praised Wollongong City Council for the work it was doing improving infrastructure. That includes the Blue Mile Tramway upgrade presently underway.
Attracting more national and international events and more cruise ships is a priority for growth in visitation from around the globe.
“Wollongong’s visitor economy is strong and has the potential to grow substantially and become an even greater contributor to a strong Wollongong economy,” Mr Bloomfield said.
“Our coastline is world class, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. We need to continue to develop these areas to provide residents and visitors alike with functional infrastructure sympathetic to its natural setting. Walking trails, bike tracks, bars, cafes and restaurants serviced by excellent transport infrastructure is what will bring more value to the local economy.”
Mr Sleigh said Mr Bloomfield’s experience in business and government consultation would be invaluable as the city advocates for and delivery major infrastructure projects.
“Colin has been instrumental in developing a clear strategic direction for the organisation and we look forward to working with him and the board to deliver on that in the coming years,” Mr Sleigh said.
Colin Bloomfields career:
- A former miner.
- Leadership roles with BHP Billiton/Illawarra Coal.
- Part owner of Funscape Pty Ltd which operates Breakout Bar and Escape Rooms, Hangdog, Hangtime and Revolution Laser Arena in Wollongong.
- Chairman of both Mastermyne Group Ltd and the Flagstaff Group.
- Director of Wollongong Golf Club and the Community Alliance Credit Union.
Read more:
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- Wollongong's Crown Lane escape room bar Breakout
- Coal boss heads off with many admirers
- Illawarra Coal chief bows out for family
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
