The Our Country Advisory Service (OCAS) is dedicated to empowering emerging and established Indigenous tourism operators, sector-aligned businesses, and community-owned organisations. By providing targeted support, advice, toolkits, and advocacy, OCAS helps businesses grow their tourism products and services, contributing to the expansion of Queensland’s tourism sector and the creation of new jobs.

High-quality, unique First Nations tourism experiences are vital for attracting visitors to Queensland, growing the tourism industry, and boosting regional employment. To support this vision, OCAS was established in 2019 to help First Nations businesses navigate and harness available opportunities.

What we do

OCAS works collaboratively with First Nations communities, government agencies, and tourism stakeholders to strengthen First Nations tourism offerings. Our key activities include:

  • Engaging with cultural knowledge holders
    Partnering with First Nations people to showcase their culture and create meaningful connections with the tourism sector.
  • Providing guidance and tools
    Supporting organisations, individuals, and businesses to progress from aspirational to visitor-ready, and ultimately to market and trade-ready status.
  • Cross-sector collaboration
    Working with local, state, and federal government agencies, as well as industry stakeholders to develop and promote First Nations tourism experiences.

Aligned with Destination 2045

OCAS is committed to the Destination 2045 (PDF, 5.6MB) vision, focusing on delivering and supporting First Nations tourism experiences that enhance employment opportunities and build industry capability. Key initiatives from the strategy include:

  • work with First Nations peoples to support culture and Country and create access to valued tourism experiences (Ecotourism 1.7)
  • deliver and support First Nations tourism experiences that enhance employment opportunities and enhance industry capability (Industry 6.4).

Meet our team

OCAS is delivered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culturally sensitive allies within the department. Our dedicated Senior Business Development Officers, serving the Torres Strait Islands, Northern Peninsula Area, and the Northern, Central, and Southern Queensland regions, provide invaluable support. Offering tailored advice on business pivot strategies and identify opportunities for industry mobilisation, empowering businesses to adapt and grow in an ever-changing economic environment.

Senior Business Development Officers

Dedicated OCAS officers for each region in Queensland are:

OCAS support staff

More information

Email tourism@detsi.qld.gov.au to access the service.