Seven years ago, I formed the Australasian Dark Sky Alliance (ADSA) with a deep belief that the night sky matters – not just for its beauty, but for its role in conservation, culture, and our connection to the planet.
ADSA became an organisation I truly loved and cherished. Together, we helped grow awareness of dark skies, the impact of light pollution, and the importance of protecting night as part of our natural heritage. It has been an honour to help build that movement across Australasia and to work alongside passionate advocates who care deeply about the future of our night environment.
Now, I’m stepping away with gratitude and pride, making space to focus on another lifelong passion: tourism and travel.
With more than 35 years of experience in tourism – from flight attendant to cook, from guide to host and stargazer – I’m excited to bring those skills together in a new way. Tourism has always been about connection for me, and I believe one of the most powerful experiences we can offer people today is a genuine connection with the night.
This next chapter is about launching Dark Sky Tourism Australia – blending dark sky experiences, eco tourism, sustainability, and storytelling under the stars. It’s about bringing people into the night, helping them understand its value, and positioning Australia as a leader in dark sky tourism.
I’m looking forward to working with tourism providers, government, and local communities to help build experiences that are environmentally responsible, economically sustainable, and deeply inspiring.
The stars are calling, and I’m ready.
Marnie
