Tunarama Reference Group Appointed

In preparation for the revitalised Tunarama Festival set for January 2026, the City of Port Lincoln and its event delivery partner, SRO Events, have appointed a dedicated community reference group. This group will work alongside Council and SRO Events in the lead-up to the event, offering insights, advice, and local knowledge to help shape the festival’s planning and direction.

Following a call for expressions of interest in April 2025, a talented and passionate group of community members has been selected to serve as advisors and ambassadors for Tunarama 2026. Applicants were sought for their experience in areas such as marketing, tourism, events, the seafood industry, and community engagement.

The reference group will meet monthly with Council and SRO Events to collaborate on festival planning. Members of the group include:

• Bridget North – Former Tunarama Quest Entrant, Festival Coordinator, and Tunarama Office Manager
• Darren Allard – Local media representative and long-time Tunarama participant
• Diana Mislov – Mayor, with extensive involvement in both Tunarama (Vice President, Treasurer, Quest Coordinator) and broader community organisations
• Elouise Dukalskis & Jemma Schilling – Local entrepreneurs, business owners/managers, and SRO Events representatives
• Gillian Steel – Country Arts Officer with strong ties to First Nations communities, local arts, and cultural groups
• Karena Cowley – Representative of the Port Lincoln Hotel, bringing expertise in tourism and event coordination
• Ngahuia Trewartha – Civil Celebrant and active community advocate

They will join Naomi Blacker, Manager of Tourism and Economic Development and Chair of the Reference Group, and Danielle Jones, Managing Director of SRO Events, in steering the festival’s planning process.

Manager Tourism and Economic Development, Naomi Blacker said, “We’re thrilled to be working with such a capable and enthusiastic group.  Their experience and passion will be invaluable as we build a new chapter of the Tunarama Festival. This reference group is just one of many ways for the community to get involved — we also encourage locals to consider volunteering, supplying goods or services, or sponsoring the event. After all, Tunarama is, at its heart, a celebration of Port Lincoln and the people who make it special.”

Anyone interested in contributing to Tunarama 2026 as a volunteer, supplier or sponsor can register their interest at the festival's official website: www.tunaramafestival.com.au.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

City of Port Lincoln Chief Executive Officer Eric Brown
Ph:  8621 2325 | Email: plcc@plcc.sa.gov.au