INDUSTRY TRAINING & EMPLOYMENT
GROWTH AND LEARNING - A CORE VALUE
We embrace a growth mindset. We know we can improve with effort and practice rather than believing we are simply good at something or not.
Learning is part of who we are. We are passionate about professional and personal development.
We are always increasing our knowledge and sharing it with others.
Training we proudly support includes:
WET TROPICS WORLD HERITAGE GUIDE PROGRAM
An industry-recognised program that builds knowledge in storytelling, cultural understanding, and environmental interpretation, helping guides deliver informed, respectful and engaging visitor experiences in the Wet Tropics.
QUEENSLAND WELCOMES YOU
A statewide training program that supports tourism and hospitality staff to deliver inclusive, welcoming experiences, with a focus on local stories, culture, and customer care.
WELCOME WITH PRIDE
An inclusive tourism accreditation program that builds confidence in working with LGBTQIA+ travellers, supporting safe, respectful, and consistent guest experiences.
QUEENSLAND GUIDING COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE
A statewide initiative connecting guides across the industry, supporting professional development, shared knowledge, and continuous improvement in guiding standards.
Learning With Each Other
We support internal cross-training, giving team members the opportunity to:
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Gain experience across different tours and departments
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Build practical, transferable skill sets
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Work across a range of environments and teams
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Grow confidence, capability and independence
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Develop long-term career pathways within the business
OUR VALUES
PASSION
We are passionate about making every tour special and memorable.
MOTIVATION
We are 100% committed to exemplary customer service for every single customer.
TEAM-FIRST
We work as a team. A team works together, united towards our daily, trip and company goals.
FUN & PROFESSIONAL
We sell fun for everyone, every tour, every day.
POSITIVITY
Our positive spirit carries through to the wider team and our customers.
GROWTH & LEARNING
We embrace a growth mindset, knowing we can improve with effort and practice.
Training That Protects People, Place & Culture
By investing in high-quality training, we equip our team to:
- Interpret landscapes with respect and care
- Operate in ways that protect the environment
- Deliver inclusive, positive guest experiences
- Contribute to a responsible and resilient tourism industry
- Make informed decisions that benefit people, place, and community
MEET SOME OF OUR TEAM!
RODDY - OWNER/ DIRECTOR
Roddy started as a rafting guide in 2007 and has since grown into the owner and leader of the business. Under his guidance, the company has evolved into Cairns Adventure Group, now home to a range of market-leading adventure tourism experiences, driven by his passion for the industry and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
JOE - GROUP OPERATIONS MANAGER
Joe began his journey in 2010 as a rafting guide and has since become the ultimate all-rounder. Now Group Operations Manager, he’s been across every part of the business and is the driving force behind keeping everything running smoothly—our go-to problem solver, hands-on leader, and the one quietly keeping the cogs turning behind the scenes.
LISA - CHIEF OF MARKETING
Lisa has been in the tourism industry since 2004, building an impressive career in the NZ adventure aviation sector, completing over 1,000 skydives and holding multiple national records. She joined the team in 2024 and is passionate about creating unforgettable holiday experiences and loves reading guest reviews, knowing we've made a genuine impact.
STEPH - GROUP FINANCIAL CONTROLLER
Steph began with the business in 1999 and brings over 27 years of experience across the group. With a strong foundation in both operations and finance, she now leads as Group Financial Controller, providing deep organisational knowledge, continuity, and strategic oversight.
PAUL - SENIOR RAFT GUIDE, TRIP LEADER, TRAINER
Paul has been guiding since 2006, with experience leading trips and exploring rivers around the world. As a senior guide and trip leader, he’s a respected trainer and mentor, known for his commitment to customer service excellence, safety, and keeping standards exceptionally high.
ADAM (BAM) - MARINE OPERATIONS MANAGER
Adam joined in early 2025 as Marine Operations Manager, bringing a lifetime of experience on the water—from abalone diving and tuna fishing to running his own commercial fishing business. A highly skilled skipper, he leads the team with confidence and is always good for a few expert fishing tips.
CLINTON - SENIOR RAINFOREST GUIDE
Clinton is a Cairns local who has been part of the team for 3 years, sharing his knowledge and helping train guides across the business. A passionate rainforest guide, he loves introducing guests to his backyard, especially the Daintree, where the history, diversity, and ever-changing environment make every day unique.
DANIELLE - GROUPS MANAGER & DIGITAL SPECIALIST
Danielle’s journey began with Raging Thunder in 1998, bringing over 26 years’ experience she now leads as Groups Manager and Digital Specialist, playing a key role in creating unforgettable holiday experiences for guests, combining expertise, passion, and a deep connection to the industry.
OLIVIA - RAFT GUIDE & TRIP LEADER
Olivia joined the team in 2022, starting as a rafting guide and earning her place through hard work and determination in a demanding industry. Now a trip leader, she’s a fierce and respected role model, known for her strong leadership and genuine care for both guests and the team.
TRISH - BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT MANAGER
Trish joined Cairns Adventure Group in 2023 as a local sales representative after making the move from the NT, bringing with her 17 years of tourism experience. Now Business Improvement Manager, she works across the business to drive positive change and loves collaborating with the team.
BELINDA - SKIPPER
Belinda joined the team in early 2025 as a skipper at the marina, bringing years of experience on the water, including commercial fishing. With an incredible work ethic and true all-round capability across jet boating, deckhand duties and front of house, she can do it all and is loved by both the team and our guests.
KYE - RAFT GUIDE & TRIP LEADER
Kye started rafting commercially in 2016 and joined the team in 2020. A Cairns local and second-generation raft guide, he was born into life of white-water. Guiding across all our rivers, he’s known for delivering fun, exciting, and welcoming experiences, with great energy and a natural ability to connect with every group.
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DAKOTA - CUSTOMER SERVICE & OPERATIONS
Dakota brings a strong hospitality background and a passion for learning, with experience spanning customer service, reservations, and events. Now working across customer service and operations, Dakota plays a key role in supporting guests and keeping day-to-day operations running smoothly.
ANDY - RAFT GUIDE & TRAINER
Andy joined the team in 2018, starting as a rafting guide and building his experience and qualifications through hard work and dedication. With a strong passion for the outdoors and adventure, he now leads as a trainer, helping shape the next generation of raft guides.
CUSTOMER SERVICE JUNIORS
Our Customer Service Juniors are high school students who join the Junior Program, working across weekends and school holidays. In customer service support roles, they build valuable transferable skills, gain insight into the tourism industry, and make a meaningful contribution to the team.
