Judi is married to Bob and they have two children, John and Kate.  Following a successful career in fashion spanning 13 years, Judi came to Thunderbird Park in 1999 to focus on marketing – her forte.  At that time Thunderbird Park was run-down, neglected and unloved.  It also had a clientele to match!  Whilst learning the ropes (a major learning curve) Judi sold a packet of crisps to a customer at the café counter one day.  When Judi told the price of $2 to the customer (with an oversized bare torso, stubbies and bare feet) he zealously threw the packet back at her, shouting he would never return to Thunderbird Park, where such outrageous prices were charged!  It was a defining moment and it became the catalyst for the turning point of today’s stylish and elegant property.  The reason for the defining moment?  Judi didn’t understand the Thunderbird Park clientele and never would.  Furthermore, they didn’t understand her either.  They were a complete mismatch.  She had to strip it bare – focusing on its natural beauty (which it has in spades) -  and, with help from Bob (a project manager), John (a landscape architect) and Kate (a learning έ development manager) -elevated it to the unique 4 star property it is today.

 

Email Judi or phone her on her direct line - +61 7 5545 7982

 

 

Email Kate or phone her on her direct line: +61 7 5545 7983

Tamara Moore
Executive Assistant to Judi Minnikin
Activities έ Marketing Manager
Internet έ Social Media Guru
Guest Relations Manager
(and seriously someone Judi can’t live without!)

 

Tamara first joined the Thunderbird Park team as the Wedding Co-ordinator in 2008.  She was head-hunted in 2010 – psyched herself into relocating (to an island) and left the Thunderbird Park community to further her career.  After three weeks in her new role, Tamara realised she missed the creative, progressive and fun work environment she had left behind.  In short, she returned to Judi and her team, and continues to thrive in working closely with Judi to further develop and spread the word on what an amazing and outstanding tourism experience Thunderbird Park, Cedar Creek Lodges and the fabulous adventure activities provide.  Tamara epitomises the versitility and diversification of the hospitality industry, gained through the multi-layers of Thunderbird Park, which makes her the outstanding team member she has become.

 

 

New Year 2000 was Desiree’s introduction to Thunderbird Park.  It was the birth of the new Millenium and baptism by fire for Desiree.  There were around 400 people attending either a wedding or a New Year’s Eve party – and if that wasn’t enough to manage – someone had an epileptic fit which added an ambulance, para medics and a fair dose of mayhem to the mix.  Desiree and Judi have been friends and neigbours since that time and, over the years, Desiree would always be available to help out in weddings and functions from time to time.  Now that Desiree’s  three daughters Paige, Elle and Taylor are grown up and pursuing their own careers, Desiree returned full time in early 2011 to be the wedding co-ordinator for Cedar Creek Lodges.  Judi knew she would be exceptional in this role and she was right.  Desiree’s commitment to her bridal couples, her attention to detail and her overall outstanding ability to achieve  the most beautiful weddings are her great strengths.  Her caring nature, dedication and grace are amongst her other outstanding attributes.

 

 

 

Peter had a tree change when he joined Thunderbird Park in 2007.  Coming from a high stress corporate role to pursue his passion as a serious ‘rock hound’  at Thunderbird Park’s famous thunderegg mine was a dream come true.  Peter first visited Thunderbird Park in 1976 when his family camped for a week and then returned subsequently for many years to come.  Peter has been collecting rocks, gems and minerals since he was 8, and has a personal collection of over 100,000 pieces from all over the world.  He is also a faceting* and cabbing* expert and has been teaching both for the last decade.  Peter is also an enthusiastic student of gemology, volcanology and geology. When he applied for the position, Judi said she thought he was over-qualified.  Peter convinced Judi  he was ready to turn his hobby and passion into his career and he could take the mine to new heights – which he has achieved in more ways than one.  Peter also brought with him a wealth of knowledge in workplace, health and safety and, as Thunderbird Park has prospered and staff numbers increased, it was necessary for this role to be implemented.  His rock shop at Thunderbird Park has a great selection of souveniers and impressive rock specimens.  If there is anything anyone needs to know about cyrstals and rocks – Rockadile Pete’s your man!

*faceting  = precious gem cutting
*cabbing  = shaping of rocks and minerals into cabochons for jewellery