6. GRC Mayor Hartwig MVR GM Linda Barry RRC Board Member Garry Davison GRC CEO Robert Jennings
The Board of the Rattler Railway Company announced today that Linda Barry, the General Manager of the Mary Valley Rattler, will be leaving her position at the end of the month to take up a major role with a national recruitment company. She departs after two years at the helm of the Gympie tourism icon.
In her place, the Board announced that Sherry Lowe, the current Deputy General Manager, would be promoted to General Manager.
Ms Lowe has worked for the Rattler since 2021 and has lived most of her life in the Gympie region. Before joining the Rattler, she spent 16 years with Cooloola Shire and Gympie Regional Council, where she provided support in areas such as corporate governance, executive services and several commercial enterprises.
Ms Lowe has been on the Gympie Chamber of Commerce for two years, bringing her background in business, local government, commercial enterprises and tourism leadership to the organisation.
Chair of the Rattler Railway Company, Ian McNicol, said that it was with regret that the Board had to accept Ms Barry’s resignation as she had played an important role in rebuilding the Rattler’s business after the disasters of Covid and then the Gympie floods.
“Linda has added great value to the Rattler over this time including a focus on organisational culture, connecting closely with the local community and a refresh of the strategic plan,” said Mr McNicol.
“She has ensured the business is well placed to take advantage of opportunities following the formal separation from Gympie Regional Council last year. The Board would like to thank Linda for her work and wish her well as she embarks on the next stages of her career in a nationally based role back in the world of recruitment and HR.”
Sherry Lowe GM Mary Valley Rattler
Mr McNicol said the Board was pleased that Sherry Lowe had agreed to step into the General Manager role as she brought with her extensive experience of both the Rattler and the region.
“Sherry knows the Rattler and Gympie incredibly well and has performed strongly in the organisation since being recruited,” said Mr McNicol.
“The appointment will provide the organisation with continuity as Sherry has worked very closely with Linda, the Senior Leadership Team, the Board and stakeholders over the past few years.
“While there’s no doubt that the past three years have been tough for the Rattler because of natural disasters and Covid, we are very optimistic for the future, which is highlighted in the expansion of our Classic steam services from three to four times weekly.
“Sherry inherits a team of really passionate workers and volunteers who continue to contribute substantially to the region’s economic prosperity.”
