Judi is married to Bob and she has a daughter, 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 a lot of help from Bob (a project manager) and Kate, who resides with her husband overseas and is a great sounding block and inspiration - elevated it to the unique 4 star property it is today.

 

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

 

Kate joined the Thunderbird Park team in early 2009 after ten years in the hospitality industry in Australia and New Zealand.  Originally Kate resided on the Gold Coast and commuted daily.  She and Thunderbird Park were such a great ‘fit’ that she, her husband, Jay, and two daughters, Georgia and Charlotte, relocated to Tamborine Mountain to be closer to Thunderbird Park.  Kate loves that ‘every day is a new day’ and thrives on Thunderbird Park’s natural rhythm and excitement to lead a team of some 55, over many departments and skill prerequisites.  Prior to Thunderbird Park, Kate has worked in traditional hospitality corporate structures, with a manual and requisition form for everything.  She thrives on being part of an independent family owned and operated resort, which values family, people, creativity and astuteness.  She has put her own stamp on her many faceted roles which she performs with dedication, commitment and great flair.

 

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

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

 

 

2005 was the year when Katy met Judi.  They instantly clicked  and, Katy made such an impact that, in 2006  Judi contacted Katy when she had a position available in her reservations’ team.  With Katy’s strong sales background, she shone in her role of meeting our guests’ expectations and, in fact, surpassing them.  She loves people and people love her.  She ensures that everyone who comes to Cedar Creek Lodges and Thunderbird Park is to have the best possible experience.  In 2008, Katy was promoted to Reservations’ Team Leader – a role she was born to fill!  Her leadership, great personality and her ‘joie de vivre’ continue to light up the lives of everyone with whom she comes in touch.  Her commitment, passion and dedication to Cedar Creek Lodges and Thunderbird Park are only surpassed by her beautiful relationship with Kristo and her son, Matty, and a relentless  pursuit of a lower golf handicap!

 

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 souvenirs and impressive rock specimens.  If there is anything anyone needs to know about crystals and rocks – Rockadile Pete’s your man!

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