Councils from New South Wales and Victoria have been recognised for their achievements in the tourism sector at the state’s respective 2021 Tourism Awards.
New South Wales awards
MidCoast Council’s Barrington Coast destination brand won gold in the Local Government Award for Tourism category and silver in the Tourism Marketing and Campaigns category at the NSW Tourism awards 2021.
MidCoast Council Mayor, Claire Pontin, said, “We’re delighted to see the planning that has gone into the development of Destination Barrington Coast and the results to date recognised, and I congratulate our destination management team on their persistence, passion and teamwork.
In accepting Barrington Coast’s awards, Council’s Manager of Growth, Economic Development and Tourism, Deb Tuckerman, acknowledged the Worimi and Biripi people of the MidCoast and recognised their connection to Country, without which they could not tell the story of the Barrington Coast.
Ms Tuckerman also recognised the contributions of consultants Destination Marketing Store and locally-based Heath and Hoff upon accepting the awards.
“These fantastic results provide a strong base from which to move forward and support the sustainable growth of the local tourism industry within this framework for years to come,” said Mayor Pontin.
Central Coast Council’s Marketing and Tourism team received a Bronze Award in the Local Government Award for Tourism category at New South Wales Tourism Awards 2021.
Local operators Australian Reptile Park received a Silver Award in the category for Major Tourist Attraction, and Ibis Styles The Entrance received a Bronze Award in the category 4.5 Star Accommodation.
Spokesperson for Destination Central Coast and Council Director, Natalia Cowley, said being recognised in the state’s prestigious industry awards was a fantastic achievement for the Central Coast and for Council’s dedicated Marketing and Tourism team.
“I am immensely proud of our Marketing and Tourism team who, in a relatively short period of time since bringing the function in-house in July 2020, have propelled our region onto the world stage with a powerful Destination Central Coast brand that heroes locals, local products and our spectacular natural environment,” Ms Cowley said.
“The team is continually finding new ways to support industry opportunities and grow the visitor economy. They have been particularly recognised for their work in supporting the local industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, and for their tourism management and visitor promotion strategies.
“We congratulate all award winners announced last night, and also want to congratulate Sydney Oyster Farm Tours at Mooney Mooney and Young Achiever, Central Coast local Amanda Woodbine who were named finalists in the Awards.”
Council Administrator, Rik Hart, said the Central Coast tourism sector is supported by teams at Council dedicated to seeing it prosper – teams who work alongside the community, industry and all levels of government.
“Tourism is an important pillar of the Central Coast economy and having a strong strategy for the long-term management of the sector which balances community needs and the protection of our environment is vital,” Mr Hart said.
“Council’s Central Coast Destination Management Plan 2022-25 was recently placed on public exhibition for community feedback and I look forward to seeing this return to Council for consideration later this month.
“I congratulate the Marketing and Tourism team at Council on their Bronze Award, and all our local operators for their passion and dedication to the Central Coast as a destination region.”
MidCoast Council: Destination Barrington Coast received the Gold Award, and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council received the Silver Award in the same category – Local Government Award for Tourism.
Victorian awards
The City of Greater Bendigo won top accolades in three categories at the Victorian Tourism Awards 2021 held at Melbourne Town Hall.
The City won the Local Government Award for Tourism for the second year in a row. It recognises excellence in tourism planning, the provision of tourism facilities and services, marketing, event development and management, and the overall contribution made both locally and overall to the state’s tourism industry.
Bendigo Visitor Centre was awarded gold in the Visitor Information Services Award category in recognition of its consistent high-quality customer service and face-to-face interaction with visitors.
The Living Arts Space (LAS) and the Uniquely Bendigo brand scooped gold in the Tourism Retail and Hire category. LAS is a niche exhibition venue celebrating the diversity of work from local artists and creatives.
The popular Uniquely Bendigo retail brand at Bendigo Visitor Centre promotes locally made artisan products, treats and crafted items; together with artworks or items featured in LAS exhibitions.
The City’s 2020 Bloom spring campaign was also a finalist in the Tourism and Marketing Campaign category.
City Manager Tourism and Major Events, Terry Karamaloudis, said the City was thrilled to win gold in three out of four nominated categories.
“It is fantastic news to win in so many highly competitive categories with contenders from across Victoria,” Mr Karamaloudis said.
“This is wonderful recognition of how our staff and volunteers have been able to overcome the enormous challenges during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to create unique experiences and welcoming opportunities for visitors.
“To achieve this and win three golds is just fantastic and the City is very proud of our staff and volunteers who deliver exciting tourism, events and visitor services, and work hard to make everyone’s visit to the region a memorable experience.
“Our staff and volunteers continue to show incredible creativity, resilience and passion for our local tourism industry and its recovery.
“The City also congratulates Balgownie Estate Bendigo for winning gold in the Unique Accommodation category for its glamping experience.”
Melbourne Airport and the international home of retired champion racehorses, Living Legends, were also both recognised at the awards.
Living Legends was awarded silver in the Cultural Tourism category, while Melbourne Airport was awarded silver in the Major Tour and Transport Operators section.
Living Legends also received a certificate of recognition for ‘resilience to navigate the challenges of 2020 and 2021’ and Melbourne’s premier surf park URBNSURF was recognised as a finalist.
Hume City Council Mayor, Carly Moore, said, “Hume City is proud to be home to a number of attractions, cafes, wineries and historic places, as well as Victoria’s primary gateway for travel, tourism and freight – Melbourne Airport.
“We are so pleased that Melbourne Airport, Living Legends and URBNSURF were recognised at this year’s Victorian Tourism Awards.
“Council is proud to support the visitor economy through a number of initiatives, particularly as we continue to navigate and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
