Born in Australia, Penny honed her skills over nine years in the UK, South Africa and then back home in Australia. Moving to the Barossa with her husband Michael Collett in 2002, she has held several leadership roles in wine and tourism and has travelled the globe as a tireless ambassador for Australia, her stories infused with all things Barossa - people, wine, food, heritage, innovation, promoting a highly appealing contemporary side of the Barossa that is rooted in the best traditions and heritage of the place.

Penny was General Manager of a Barossa heritage winery from 2001 to 2004, driving its restoration and repositioning, then in 2005, became General Manager at The Louise, rebuilding, rebranding and repositioning this luxury vineyard retreat from Peppers Hermitage to The Louise, and winning the National Tourism Award for Luxury Accommodation in 2009.

Instrumental in forming Luxury Lodges of Australia, she has been its Executive Officer since its formation in 2010 and continues to run this organisation from its birthplace, the Barossa.

Concurrently, Penny led the development of Tourism Australia’s premium and luxury strategy 2017-2020, and currently leads Tourism Australia’s Sustainability approach.

She has been on various advisory boards and committees at the local, state and national level including the Barossa Tourism Committee, the International Shiraz Alliance, panel member for the International Marketing Advisory Group for the South Australian Tourism Commission and a number of advisory roles for Tourism Australia.

She and her husband Micheal and daughter Matilda live in a State Heritage listed property in Bethany which they have lovingly preservation and restored.

As a parent, Penny feels she has a vested interest in ensuring the Barossa grows in appeal for young entrepreneurs, drawing from its deep community roots, but remaining relevant to the next generation.