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Capricorn Tourism Email Newsletter
 

Wednesday October 14, 2009

Tourism in Capricorn proves it’s still Number 1!

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Tourism in the Capricorn Region is still proving to be number 1 again in 2009! The region took home 8 of the 18 awards presented at the Central Queensland and Southern Great Barrier Reef Tourism Awards on the weekend.

The Awards were presented during an open‐air function in Bundaberg’s picturesque Botanic Gardens on Saturday evening with the theme “Stars of Tourism”. Ben Southall, Winner of Best Job in the World, was a guest presenter and was on hand to congratulate Capricorn’s entrants.

Capricorn Tourism’s Chairman, Grant Cassidy said “The Tourism Awards evening showcased those among us whose dedication to the tourism industry brings benefits not only to themselves, but to the whole of the Central Queensland and Southern Great Barrier Reef region”.

Capricorn Tourism would like to congratulate all Capricorn region winners, including: Capricorn Caves (winning Major Tourist Attraction, Ecotourism, and Best Submission) Champions Brock Experience (Significant Tourist Attraction), The Horse and Carriage (Heritage and Cultural Tourism, Hall of Fame), Capricorn Tourism (Specialised Tourism Services) and Emus Beach Resort (Backpacker Accommodation).

To read the full press release please click here.
 

IN THE REGION: Mary Carroll, Capricorn Tourism's new CEO

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Capricorn Tourism is looking forward to welcoming new Chief Executive Officer Mary Carroll, who is due to visit the region on October 15th for the Capricorn Tourism Annual General Meeting. Mary is due to commence her new role in early December (possibly earlier), whilst current Chief Executive Alan Chamberlain remains in a part-time capacity.

Mary told the team that she was “extremely excited about coming home, I’m looking forward to visiting the members and seeing all the changes to the local tourism industry that have occurred over the last three years.”

“I’m very much looking forward to working with the team – both the paid staff and wonderful volunteers without whom our visitor information centres would cease to operate. The Capricorn Region has such a dynamic and diverse mix of operators, and I’d like to congratulate the winners at the recent Central Queensland and Southern Great Barrier Reef Tourism Awards who have showcased the hard work and innovation our regional tourism industry has to offer.”

Untangle My Web - Online Marketing Workshop Nov 4-5

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Capricorn Tourism invites all members to attend a free Online Marketing Workshop, facilitated by Fabienne Rabbiosi, Chief Executive Officer of tourism-focused online marketing business Untangle my Web, and lead consultant for the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse Tourism e-Kit.

This 3 ½ hour workshop will help assist your understanding in key areas of online marketing, including:

• meeting the needs of online travellers,
• increasing online booking conversion,
• using social media effectively (including Facebook, Youtube, Trip Advisor etc),
• setting up Google analytics,
• online strategy and web partnerships
• and much more...

Limited places are available for the workshops which will be held in Rockhampton, Capricorn Coast and Central Highlands, please click here for more information and to RSVP.

National Motorhome Rally

More than 900 campervans and motorhomes that recently descended on Rockhampton for one of the country's biggest RV rallies have firmly placed the Capricorn region on the drive tourism map.

The 24th National Rally of the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia was held from the 28th September to 3rd October, and attracted around 2000 people to Rockhampton, placing the Capricorn region's tourism credentials on show.

The team at Capricorn Tourism worked closely with members to provide a range of packages for these visitors, with over 400 visitors enjoying of tours and attractions.

Interested in packaging opportunities? Call Chantelle Ludcke on 07 4927 2055 for more details. 

New Supervisor Joins Central Highlands Visitor Information Centre

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Central Highlands Visitor Information Centre has been joined by a new supervisor, Maureen McMartin, who will join the Capricorn Tourism team on job share basis with current supervisor Nicole Travis.

Maureen came to Emerald approximately four years ago from Hillston, NSW. Maureen has a keen interest in history and tourism, and has been exploring the region’s many attractions. Maureen says, “My last trip was along the Dig the Tropic Geotourism Trail which was fascinating to say the least.”

Maureen has a wide range of experience in a variety of areas, including setting up and running her own businesses, and has been heavily involved with community organisations for many years. We welcome Maureen to the Capricorn Tourism Team and look forward to working with her in the future.
 

REMINDERS: Capricorn Tourism AGM and Networking Function

All members are reminded that the 2009 Annual General Meeting for Capricorn Tourism
and Development Organisation Inc will be held at 5:30pm on Thursday, 15th October.

Following the AGM we will also be holding a social networking function at WIN Television
studios. This is a great opportunity to tour the behind-the-scenes action at the station, as
well as a chance to network with other members.

Capricorn Tourism’s new CEO, Mary Carroll will also be in attendance!

For more details on the AGM and Networking Night, please click here. 
 

CAPRICORN EVENTS: Hitting the High Notes - Big River Jazz Wrap Up

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The Capricorn Business and Events team is proud to announce the success of the 2009 Big River Jazz. The iconic Rockhampton event was held from 10th -12th September, attracting over 1000 attendees over the 3-day program.

The drawcard evening concert hosted at The Rockhampton Ski Gardens, was re-directed to include a comprehensive array of Jazz performers, highlighted by the Brisbane based ensemble Miguel supported by performers from CQ University Bachelor of Music program and a range of local artists.

Other highlights included jazz performances held at Cassidy’s Seafood and Steakhouse and The Leichhardt Hotel which provided a lively start to the event, followed by The CQ University Jazz Program Launch, with the program concluding at the Heritage Village Markets Jazz Session on the Sunday. 

SPECIAL MEMBER OFFER: Ian Weigh Motors Heats Things Up!

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 Ian Weigh Motors heats things up this October, with the hottest prices in Central Queensland!

To make sure you don't miss out on their range of hot, hot deals, visit the friendly staff or check out the Ian Weigh Motors website today. 

 

MEMBERS NEWS: Sublime Gifts Launches this November

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New member Sublime Gifts is proud to announce the launch of their brand new website, www.sublimegifts.com.au, which will be live from 1 November, 2009.

Sublime Gifts is an online business offering consumers a variety of experience-based gifts from a range of tourism, attraction and retail products and services. The products and services offered by Sublime Gifts are sourced from a variety of operators from the Capricorn area and surrounds. They aim to promote the region as a source of unique and niche experiences, whilst providing operators with a cost-effective way to market their business online.

For more information on Sublime Gifts and how you can get involved, click here to read their brochure.

Congratulations!

Capricorn Tourism would like to congratulate Keppel Bay Marina General Manager Kylie Smith (nee Wilson) on her recent marriage to Matt Smith. We wish the happy couple all the best!

WHAT'S ON: Emu’s Beach Resort’s 1st Birthday Celebrations!

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Can you believe it’s been a year already? To thank you for your support over the past year, Emu’s Beach Resort would like to invite members to their Birthday Celebrations, on Saturday 17 October 2009. Including an open day and birthday party including BBQ dinner and live music, this should be a great day.

Click here to view more details, to RSVP please contact the team at Emu’s on 07 4939611.

Events at Seaspray Resort & Spa

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Looking for a day of elegance and excitement? Coco’s at Seaspray have you covered with their Melbourne Cup Picnic Race Day, on 3rd November. With a picnic luncheon, beverages, sweeps and prizes for the best dressed, this is sure to be a great day for all.Click here to find out more.

Wanting a break? Grab your best girlfriends (or your mum) and enjoy a couple of days of food, wine tasting, bling, relaxation and exhilarating fun at Seaspray Resort & Spa’s Girlfriend’s Time Out!

This exciting package will run from 18th -20th November, including accommodation, a range of activities including high tea, classes (learn to surf, cooking, belly dancing and more), all meals and some beverages. Click here to find out more.

Melbourne Cup at Kershaw House

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Get set for racing fever this November as Kershaw House hosts a special Melbourne Cup Luncheon on November 3rd. This luncheon includes sweeps, a raffle and lucky door price, fashion parade and much more. Book a table of 8 and have a great day at Kershaw House. For more information or to make a booking, click here.

Membership Renewal

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Don’t forget! Membership renewal for 2009/2010 financial year is now open. All members will have now received a membership prospectus, outlining Capricorn Tourism activities, membership benefits and the new organisational structure and branding. Don’t miss out on the wide range of activities set to benefit the region and your business. To view the prospectus, click here. 

Thank you to our sponsors

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