Who is Daryl Raven?
Daryl is a husband, a father and a born and bred Kiwi who has become a proudly adopted Queenslander! He is a tourism industry leader who has been presented with the most amazing opportunity to fuse all of that expertise into a 26-year-old Arts company with a rich history and use music to promote and accentuate a visitor’s understanding of this beautiful State – whilst prioritizing local stories and community impact along the way.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
It’s the most stereotypical thing to say in response to this question but ‘everything happens for a reason’. Every step I took, be it purposefully intended and successful or trepidatious and educational has got me here today and I feel very privileged to have the life I do.
Who inspires you and why?
A few years ago, I was asked to do something similar to this interview and I mentioned my grandfather. Sadly, he has now passed away but his memory and his learnings are still the most valuable I’ve received. His memory, and his wisdom inspire me to be a better person in everything I do. I’m far from perfect in practicing what made him such an exceptional human but I hope I make him proud.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I’d keep doing what I know best – that is maximising the intersection of people and places. Through tourism, culture and events, I’ve seen how connecting people with natural environments, cultures, and communities can create pride, opportunity, and genuine human connection. Music being weaved into this mix acts as a special storytelling catalyst to give people a reason to gather; and tourism gives them a reason to explore once they are together. This idea strengthens communities, celebrates identity, and opens hearts. If I can continue building experiences that normalize the connection between people and place, and to each other, that’s a difference I want to make.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
After 15 years working in the tourism industry this is a very tough question to answer so I’ll cheat and give a few responses. Favourite ‘iconic’ destination is New York, favourite ‘wow’ destination is Lofoten Islands, Norway, favourite ‘foodie’ destination is Italy, for best beaches (outside of Queensland) is Croatia, and most recently favourite family holiday destination is Fiji – such an amazing place and our kids simply love it there.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Very hard to go past a trip to the coast as a Queenslander. Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast we’re happy either way but a true favourite for my little family especially is the walk out to King Island from Wellington Point in Brisbane’s Redland’s! Such a great day out when coupled with fish and chips on the beach afterwards, or an ice cream in the sun!
What are you currently reading?
An instruction manual on how to pitch our new family size tent! We’re heading away camping in a few weeks and whilst I can confidently run a board room, or revamp an organizational strategy, the last thing I want to do is embarrass myself in front of my wife and kids and not be able to expertly get the tent up first go.
What are you currently listening to?
Honestly, my playlists are an output from the very privileged position I’ve had in building the Qld Music Trails. When you spend years creating these experiences alongside incredible artists, you can’t help but become a fan of their music.
I’ve got Wade Forster, Greta Stanley & Bronson Diamond, and Troy Cassar-Daley on repeat from our country-leaning Outback Trail. From the Reef Trail, it’s a mix of Busby Marou, Josh Pyke, and Xavier Rudd.
I also keep coming back to a few other Music Trails alumni I’ve worked with from Ball Park Music, Thelma Plum, Budjerah, William Barton, King Stingray and so many more. My playlists are getting big but that’s a good problem to have.
Happiness is?
My family! I’m blessed with a wife who is so supportive and enables me to be in this incredible role. The care she takes in empowering me and our three incredible little humans is unparalleled. I cherish the little moments, I live for our kids’ learning achievements, and I am proud beyond belief to be able to go home to them all every night. The rest is just gravy.
What does the future hold for you?
From a work perspective I want to continue doing what QMF and the Qld Music Trails already do so well. I also would love to continue to challenge myself with more growth and learning, and I would be lying if I wasn’t immensely excited about the opportunity to contribute to the musical and cultural storytelling elements surrounding the lead up to and the delivery of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. Queensland’s Games will be one that will forever shape this state and this country and to potentially play a role in that event would be incredible.
Daryl is the Chief Executive Officer of Queensland Music Festival (QMF) – who present the first-of-its-kind music tourism experience and signature initiative, Qld Music Trails. For more information, visit: www.qmf.org.au for details.
Image: Daryl Raven – photo by Glenn Hunt