4/6/1964 – 7/6/2024
The Coonawarra Vignerons Association are saddened to learn of the passing of former Executive Officer, Karen Ronning after a long but brave battle with cancer on the 7th June 2024.
Karen joined the Coonawarra Vignerons and Coonawarra Grapegrowers Association in August 2000 as Wine Technical Officer, which later evolved to the role of Executive Officer.
In 2006 she took up a role with Zema Estate as the National Public Relations, Sales and Marketing Manager, a role she fulfilled until February 2013.
With a passion for Tourism, her career path took Karen to the warmer climates of Queensland as Destination Director – Southern Great Barrier Reef for Tourism and Events Queensland. This was followed by the appointment of Karen as Kiama Council Tourism Manager, in 2017.
More recently Karen joined the Victorian Government’s Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions as a Senior Advisor in the Tourism Events and Visitor Economy area.
Karen had a great fondness for Coonawarra and established many lifelong friends during her time here, many who are in disbelief at her passing.
Karen’s leadership of Coonawarra was characterised by her thorough professionalism, dedication, energy and sense of fun. Her strategic thinking and ability to bring others together to realise a clear vision, was the hallmark of her time as Executive Officer.
She recognised the importance of building and maintaining partnerships that would benefit the region. She was renowned for her quiet encouragement, patience and wisdom in all she undertook.
During her time in Coonawarra, she completed the Australian Rural Leadership Program that further consolidated her experience and knowledge and encouraged her to take the Chair of the South Australian Food and Wine Tourism Industry Group from 2007 – 2012.
She held a board position on the South Australian Tourism Industry Council from 2009 – 2012. These positions she used to shine the spotlight on Coonawarra and the Limestone Coast.
Karen will be remembered for her love of food, a glass of sparkling red and the laughter and good conversation that came with it. Her intelligence, wisdom and calmness will always be an enduring memory to those that had the great fortune of knowing her.
Karen will be greatly missed by all the communities she served and by all the numerous friends she has made in her lifetime. Her final year was difficult and so undeserving of someone that gave so willingly to others without reserve, but she faced it with courage, grace and dignity, the same way she conducted her whole life.
We extend our sincerest condolences to her partner Fitzy and Karen’s family at this sad time.
