Ryley Heap

Ryley is an experienced economic development professional specialising in regional and remote
destination development. He currently holds the role of Senior Economic Development Officer at the
Town of Port Hedland in Western Australia’s Pilbara region where he is responsible for
implementing sustainable initiatives to grow and diversify one of Australia’s largest regional
economies.

Starting his tourism career working in marketing and business events for Yarra Ranges Tourism, the
regional tourism board representing the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, Ryley understands the
importance of tourism for regional prosperity. Prior to relocating to Port Hedland, Ryley lead
Tourism Development in the East Arnhem Land region of the Northern Territory for three years by
delivering and implementing the region’s first Destination Management Plan in partnership with
Traditional Owners, Northern Territory Government and local stakeholders. Ryley also led the
development of East Arnhem Live, a regional music festival designed to build local capacity while
attracting visitors to East Arnhem Land during the shoulder season.

Ryley holds a Master of Tourism, Graduate Certification in Data Science, Bachelor of Commerce
(Marketing) and is currently completing a Master of Economics.