mackay tourism awards 2022

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MEDIA RELEASES

October 2023 

• Region’s Tourism Industry shines bright at 2023 Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards

June 2023 

• Roam your own way in the Isaac Region

February 2023 

• MAKE IT Mackay Isaac 
• Mackay Loves Bonza on Valentine's Day

December 2022 

• Strong Tourism Recovery Results for Mackay Isaac

November 2022

• Mackay Isaac Region Shines at State's Top Tourism Award Ceremony

October 2022

• Mackay Isaac Region cements 5-year tourism destination plan
• Huge success for Mackay Isaac's Lucky, Catch & Snap first year

September 2022 

• U pwards trend in business travel in The Mackay Isaac Region
• $2,100 worth of Holiday Vouchers to be won thanks to the Visitor Information Centre Passports Competition
• New tourism chief appointed to take over the reins for Mackay Isaac Tourism

Mackay Isaac’s Lucky Catch & Snap competition launches

• Mackay and Isaac photo competition an outstanding success
• Mackay Isaac Region sits on the top 10% in the world for tourism assets 
• Winter warmed up for Mackay Isaac tourism operators
• Domestic tourism growth seen in the Mackay Isaac Region
• #visitmackay and #ourisaac competitions back by popular demand
• Regional tourism chief to leave
• Mackay Isaac's Lucky, Catch & Snap
• Winter Campaign Launch

January 2022 

• Mackay ranked #77 of the 100 Most loved destinations around the world
• Let's get fishing, the ultimate fishing spectacular
• A classroom on the reef

December 2021

• Back in the saddle, the races are back

November 2021

• All aboard! Wildcat Mackay Ready to set sail
• Mackay Isaac Tourism operators clinch top honors
• Wildcat drops anchor in its new home

October 2021 

• Frenzy Thursday Flight Deal

#visitmackay #ourisaac

A multi-award winning attraction

We’re proud to be recognised as a multi-award winning attraction

Australian Tourism Awards

2019 Australian Tourism Awards

• Silver Award, 2019 Excellence in Food Tourism

2018 Australian Tourism Awards

• Silver Award, 2018 Excellence in Food Tourism

Queensland Tourism Awards

2023 Queensland Tourism Awards

• Silver Award, Excellence in Food Tourism

2021 Queensland Tourism Awards

• Bronze Award, Excellence in Food Tourism
• Bronze Award, Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries

2019 Queensland Tourism Awards

• Gold Award, Excellence in Food Tourism
• Silver Award, Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries

2018 Queensland Tourism Awards

• Gold Award, Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries

2017 Queensland Tourism Awards

• Hall of Fame, Excellence in Food Tourism
• Gold Award, Tourist Attractions

2016 Queensland Tourism Awards

• Bronze Award, Tourist Attractions

2015 Queensland Tourism Awards

• Bronze Award, Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer Group

Mackay Region Tourism Awards

Mackay Region Tourism Awards 2022

• Gold Award, Most Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer or a Volunteer Group

Mackay Region Tourism Awards 2021

Mackay Region Tourism Awards 2017

Mackay Region Tourism Awards 2015

• Gold Award, Tourist Attraction Award
• Gold Award, Daily Mercury Award for Excellence in Food Tourism

Australian Distilled Spirit Awards

2023 Australian Rum Award

• Bronze – Sugar Shed Classic Rum Liqueur

2023 Australian Distilled Spirits Awards

• Gold – Sugar Shed Aromatic Bitters Chocolate
• Silver – Lime NOI
• Silver – Aromatic Bitters Spiced Orange
• Bronze – Sarina Sugar Shed Liqueur

2022 Australian Rum Award

• Silver – Sugar Shed Rum

2021 Australian Distilled Spirit Award

• Gold – Rum Classic Liqueur
• Bronze – Sugar Shed Rum

2020 Australian Distilled Spirit Award

• Silver – Lychee NOI

2019 Australian Distilled Spirit Award

• Silver – Colonial Spiced Rum
• Silver – Sarina Rum Liqueur 2016 Celebration Edition

2018 Australian Distilled Spirit Award

• Bronze – Coconut Rum Liqueur
• Bronze – Sarina Rum Liqueur 2016 Celebration Edition

2017 Australian Distillers Award

• Bronze – Sarina Sugar Shed Rum Liqueur

2017 Australian Distilled Spirit Award

2016 Australian Distilled Spirit Award

2015 Australian Distilled Spirit Award

Grey Nomad Awards

2023 Best Foodie Experience

2023 Best Tour

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Wildcat Mackay rides the awards wave

The brand-new adventure day tour Wildcat Mackay is located in the stunning Cumberland Islands, at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.

Wildcat Mackay offers an immersive experience like no other! Blending technology and practicality, this new one-of-a-kind custom-built vessel aims to give guests of all ages the smoothest and fastest ride possible, making the most of local conditions.

Guests can explore unspoilt breathtaking beaches, marvel at colourful coral reefs, learn to paddleboard and enjoy the unique roof-top viewing platform as the boat travels through the islands. Their goal is for all guests to have 'the experience of a lifetime!'

Wildcat Mackay took home gold at the 2022 Queensland Tourism Awards under the New Tourism Business category, so we delved into how they’re going and what they have planned for 2023.

What progress or major milestone are you most proud of?

Wildcat's dedication to providing an exceptional customer experience is one of the business's greatest strengths and its most important goal. We have received 5 reviews on Google since we launched the business, which is testament to the tour's itinerary, our friendly crew, and the amazing experience the guests have when they travel with us.

We are fortunate to employ local, passionate Mackay crew members who are enthusiastic about their job and eager to grow with the company. We still employ crew members from our first departure day.

Wildcat was designed with the highest environmental credentials in place and over delivered on performance expectations:

• Wildcat is fuel efficient, using up to 47 per cent less fuel than smaller-sized boats.
• The industry-leading hull design can handle five metre seas, but manoeuvre in shallow reefs with only 600 millimetres of boat in-water.
• Wheelchair tie-downs and ramp for accessible travellers.
• Licenced bar that runs on solar.
• Single seating (maximum two people side-by-side).
• Smooth and comfortable ride for guests.
• Solar runs batteries that cover all fridges/cool-rooms.
• Lots of space to move around, with six metre boat-width.
• Roof-top viewing platform providing a 360-degree view of the island and waters. Fold-down rails also allow corporate customers to play eco-golf (fish food golf balls) off the roof!
• Electronic stairs at the front and back for ease and comfort of beach landings.
• Specialised foam ceiling to keep the vessel cool without needing air-conditioning.

What kind of support has the department provided and how has it impacted your business?

We applied for the Queensland Growing Tourism Infrastructure Grant and received $950,000 towards the project, helping give us the confidence to build Wildcat during tough times through COVID. We are incredibly grateful to the department, as this new project would never have happened without the partial funding for the boat build.

What’s on the horizon for Wildcat Mackay in 2023?

We recently launched sunset cruises around the Mackay Marina and the community have really supported this new tour.

We are focusing this year on offering immersive learning experiences for school groups so we can teach and educate the future generation on their environmental responsibilities.

We have also partnered with the local marine training facility to deliver Coxswains (skipper) courses to year 11 students utilising the Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS) program. Currently we have 55 students from Mackay and Whitsundays enrolled in this program.

Any final words?

We entered the Queensland Tourism Awards for the best New Tourism Business to benchmark ourselves against other operators and to showcase Wildcat Mackay. We were extremely proud to win gold for this category and it was great recognition for all the hard work and dedication from the Wildcat staff.

Find out more about Wildcat Mackay .

Check out all the winners from the 2022 Queensland Tourism Awards .

WildCat wins Gold for the best New Tourism Business

Wild Cat Mackay has taken out the Gold award for the best New Tourism Business at the Queensland Tourism Awards 2022 & the owners Jules and Asher Telford have received accolades from Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and the Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe.

Congratulations to this year’s award winners and finalists on delivering world-class visitor experiences and making Queensland Australia’s destination of choice,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“Domestic tourism in Queensland has bounced back strongly this year with a record $19.6 billion in overnight visitor spending.

“This nation leading result that owes much to the hard work and resilience of Queensland’s tourism operators.

“The Palaszczuk Government helped to get Mackay’s new Wildcat catamaran into the water through the Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund.

“It’s wonderful to see Asher and Julie Telford winning gold for the best New Tourism Business while creating a new visitor experience for Mackay and new tourism industry jobs.

Read the full statement on the Queensland Government website.

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Thundercat Whitsundays - All Inclusive Day Tour

Thundercat offers an exhilarating ride around the Whitsunday Islands all in one day! This Australian GOLD national award-winning tour visits the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet lookout, and two snorkelling spots on the Great Barrier Reef.

• Cruise Ship Up to 40 Passengers
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Wildcat Mackay All-Inclusive Day Tour

Sure to be one of your favourites, Wildcat offers a ride like no other! This all-inclusive day tour will immerse her guests amongst the hidden wonders above and below the island waters east of Mackay.

• Cruise Ship Up to 30 Passengers
• Clock 8.5 Hours
• Users Ages 6+

Tongarra Day Sailing Tour

This all-inclusive sailing day tour takes you off the beaten track to experience the Whitsunday Islands’ secret spots. Explore the most incredible range of marine life and witness the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef from above and below.

• Clock 5 Hours
• Users Ages 4+

Falls to Paradise – Waterfall Tour

An all-inclusive day tour exploring Cedar Creek Falls! Swim in the rockpools at waterfalls surrounded by tropical flora and fauna, followed by a chill-out session at the Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill.

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Wildcat Mackay Hailed Australia’s Best New Tourism Business

The saying “from little things big things grow” rings true for Mackay entrepreneurs Asher and Julie Telford, whose fledgling company, ‘Wildcat Mackay’, has just been announced Australia’s best new tourism business.

Accepting the Gold award at the 2022 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards,  Julie Telford said for a business launched at the height of the pandemic, Wildcat had not only met, but exceeded expectations, virtually against all odds.

“To say the cards were stacked against us would be an understatement, so to be recognised as Australia’s best new tourism business is testament to the innovation and tenacity involved, and proof of our ability to design and develop new tourism experiences that people want,” she said.

“We put everything we had into this – emotionally, physically, financially – but it was a calculated risk that paid off; we promise our customers the experience of a lifetime, and awards like this confirm that’s what we deliver.”

Wildcat Mackay takes tourists to previously inaccessible Great Barrier Reef islands off the Mackay coast, on a one-of-a-kind, purpose-built vessel, custom-designed from extensive research.

Scoping out a coastline with a reputation for shallow approaches and steep seas, Asher Telford quickly discovered there was a reason not many operators had offered day trips.

“But after completing significant data analysis and aerial surveillance we knew we’d found paradise and were determined to showcase it,” he said.

“Working with a team of leading naval architects, we were able to come up with a hull design specifically suited to the waters where we wanted to operate, with features like reverse bows, angled surfaces, easy-access fore and aft electric stairs, and a 360-degree rooftop viewing platform, that are every bit as practical as they are striking.

“The result is a state-of-the-art spacious boat, that’s comfortable yet fast, fuel efficient, and with important attributes like wheelchair access and lock-in points, plus solar-powered cool rooms and bar.”

With the design phase complete, Wildcat Mackay was ‘shovel-ready’ when Covid-19 hit.

Happily, the Queensland Government’s Growing Tourism Infrastructure Grant opened applications for projects just such as this, that would strengthen Queensland’s tourism industry and deliver economic benefits to the state.

A successful recipient of partial funding from the grant, Wildcat was proudly built in Queensland, using local labour and supplies.

Despite the impacts of global Covid-related supply chain difficulties and price hikes, Wildcat Mackay was officially launched on December 1, 2021, and since this date has offered daily tours to either Scawfell, Cockermouth, Brampton or Keswick islands, with the location handpicked to suit the tides and weather of the day.

Tours depart the Mackay Marina at 9.30am, returning at 4.30pm and include snorkelling, paddleboarding, beachcombing and informative eco-history commentary, as well as morning and afternoon tea and lunch, with drinks from the licensed bar.

Now entering its second year of operation the business has already expanded to include weekend sunset cruises around the Mackay Harbour, as well as offering immersive learning tours, curriculum-linked school excursions, school-age Coxswain training and private charters.

Employing eight local staff, the business has achieved the highest level of ECO accreditation, is a Climate Action Leader, and has received five-star reviews across Google and Trip Advisor.

Wildcat Mackay was awarded the 2021 Certificate of Excellence by Trip Advisor and in November 2022 won Gold for New Tourism Business at the Queensland Tourism Awards.

Its sister company, Red Cat Adventures, is based in Airlie Beach, and was last year inducted into Queensland Tourism’s Hall of Fame, after winning best Major Tour and Transport Operator and Best Adventure Tourism Operator for three consecutive years.

Mackay Isaac Tourism Chief Executive Officer, Al Grundy, said whatever the outcome had been at the awards, “in our eyes Wildcat were already winners as the trips they provide exploring the islands and reefs off the Mackay coast are world class”.

“The support for our region from Asher and Julie Telford is helping to establish Mackay as a jumping off point to visit the islands of the Great Barrier Reef – so go get ‘em Jules, Ash and the Wildcat team, and thank you,” he said.

Julie Telford said the national award was a whole-of-region success and she thanked not just the company’s staff but also Mackay Isaac Tourism, Mackay City Council and the local Mackay community for their support.

Asher Telford said any hardships endured along the way had been more than worthwhile for the honour of participating in Mackay’s tourism scene and promoting a simply stunning backyard.

“From the design concept to the reality, we’ve been able to introduce a vessel that’s extremely fit for purpose and performs incredibly in waters that have broken others in the past,” he said.

“The result is what I see when guests make landfall on a beach where the tidal range has washed away all footprints from the day before – it’s pure pleasure.

“We are showcasing the Mackay region in a way that didn’t exist previously, and that’s what this is all about.”

For more information visit www.wildcatmackay.com.au

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The Queensland Cabinet and Ministerial Directory

Queensland tourism industry excellence celebrated.

Published Friday, 04 November, 2022 at 11:59 PM

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for the Olympics The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics and Paralympics Sport and Engagement The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has taken the top honours and industry leader Paul Donovon has been recognised for his contribution to the tourism industry at tonight’s Queensland Tourism Awards 2022.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk applauded the exceptional calibre of nominations for the 37 th annual gala event on the Gold Coast which caps off an extraordinary week for the sector.

“The Queensland Tourism Award winners recognise both new and established iconic tourism operations from every corner of the state,” the Premier said.

“The depth and breadth of our world-class tourism offering was evident from the 150 strong nominations in 31 award categories.

“Congratulations to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and all the category winners.”

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Queensland Tourism Awards had capped off a remarkable year for domestic tourism.

“Congratulations to this year’s award winners and finalists on delivering world-class visitor experiences and making Queensland Australia’s destination of choice,” Mr Hinchliffe said.      

“Domestic tourism in Queensland has bounced back strongly this year with a record $19.6 billion in overnight visitor spending.

“This nation leading result that owes much to the hard work and resilience of Queensland’s tourism operators.

“Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s gold for Major Tourism Attraction is a terrific example of a much-loved experience that’s upgraded and adapted over the years to meet the changing visitor expectations.

“The Palaszczuk Government helped to get Mackay’s new Wildcat catamaran into the water through the Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund.

“It’s wonderful to see Asher and Julie Telford winning gold for the best New Tourism Business while creating a new visitor experience for Mackay and new tourism industry jobs.

“The Awards rightfully recognise former Destination Gold Coast Chairman Paul Donovon for his tireless work in steering the Gold Coast tourism to success. 

“Paul Donovon is a deserving recipient of the Marie Watson-Blake Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual.

“The 2022 Queensland Tourism Awards have delivered a big night for Lady Elliott Island Eco Resort with the Gash family entering the prestigious Hall of Fame.

“Amy Gash is this year’s Young Achiever and the resort’s commitment to sustainability recognised with the Steve Irwin Award for Eco Tourism.  

“There were many more award winners tonight from Indigenous culture to caravan parks and each are an inspiration for the entire industry.” 

Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) CEO Brett Fraser said the awards had brought together an outstanding selection of operators that truly reflect the diverse range of the state’s quality tourism offerings.

“Collectively, this year’s recipients are a testament to the strength and calibre of the state’s tourism operators, and I applaud this great industry and its people for the innovation and resilience they have displayed,” Mr Fraser said.

Twenty-eight of Queensland’s best progress to the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in March 2023 to be judged against finalists from each State and Territory.

“The Queensland Tourism Awards and this week’s launch of the Towards Tourism 2032 roadmap are part of an exciting future for Queensland’s tourism industry,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“With the rebuild of our international visitor economy underway and a runway of opportunities to the 2032 Games, Queensland tourism operators have a lot to look forward to.”

Queensland Tourism Awards winners are on the Queensland Tourism Industry Council website.

Media: 0427 475 089

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Thursday, August 24, 2023

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Holidaying At Home Stronger Than Ever In 2022

Despite international borders opening earlier this year, Queensland recorded its highest ever intrastate visitor rate, noting a 21.5 per cent increase totalling $12.4 billion.

Queenslanders supporting Queenslanders was championed at this year’s Queensland Tourism Awards at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre last Friday night.

More than 1,000 tourism operators and individuals from around the state came together for the awards, from movers and shakers to mum and dad operators, Queensland’s tourism industry was championed with a total of 78 awards, including 31 Gold, 26 Silver and 20 Bronze Awards presented across 30 categories.

Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) CEO Brett Fraser said the 37th annual Queensland Tourism Awards had brought together an outstanding selection of operators that truly reflect the diverse range of the state’s quality tourism offerings.

“Collectively, this year’s recipients are a testament to the strength and calibre of the state’s tourism operators, and I applaud this great industry and its people for the innovation and resilience they have displayed,” Mr Fraser said.

“As Queensland records its highest interstate and intrastate visitors ever, it’s special to be able to celebrate Queenslanders supporting Queenslanders at this year’s awards after what has been a tumultuous couple of years for the industry,” Mr Fraser said.

“In true Queenslander spirit, we are embracing the difficulties we face together by re-connecting and discovering places in our own backyard, as together we are drawn to holidays within our home state.

“The past two years have redefined how people live, work and travel, and the intrastate tourism we are experiencing is directly correlated to this.

“But this exponential growth doesn’t come without major challenges for our operators who continue to battle with a lack of workforce.”

Mackay and Isaac tourism operators were well represented, with Mackay’s Wildcat taking the top gong in the Best New Tourism Business category, as covered on page 10.

Also putting their products under the spotlight, Isaac Regional Council's St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend Event and Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC).

Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre celebrated with a Silver Award in the Business Event Venues category, while Isaac Regional Council's St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend Event bought home a Bronze for Festival and Events.

“To be recognised amongst our statewide peers is extremely humbling,” a MECC spokesperson said.

“As Paul Donovan mentioned at the awards, “There is no ‘I’, there is only ‘us’ and ‘we’.”

“This recognition is a huge pat on the back for our dedicated staff and volunteers who consistently deliver high quality events.”

In securing bronze, an Isaac Regional Council spokesperson said “Recognised as one of Queensland's premiere events for the second year in a row, this amazing event is a partnership between council, Koinjmal People of Koinmerburra Country, St Lawrence community groups and the wonderful residents.”

Mackay Isaac Tourism CEO Al Grundy said being present at the award ceremony it was an honour to celebrate the Mackay Isaac Region’s tourism achievements.

“I congratulate Wildcat Mackay, the MECC and St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend on their achievements and recognise all our regional representatives on the incredible efforts put in to prepare submissions and succeed at these awards. Nominating is a rigorous process, only possible for operators and events that have truly excelled.

“To have three Mackay Isaac products recognised with awards shows how strong our offerings are and bode well for an exciting future of tourism development, visitation and growth for the region.”

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Queensland Tourism Awards celebrated a remarkable year.

“It has been terrific to see Queensland domestic tourism bounce back so strongly with a nation-leading $19.6 billion in overnight visitor spending,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“We owe much of Queensland’s achievements to the hard work, resilience and innovation of the State’s tourism operators, some of whom are recognised by the 2022 Awards.

“Congratulations to this year’s award winners and finalists for delivering world-class visitor experiences and making Queensland a destination of choice.

“With the rebuild of our international visitor economy underway and a runway of opportunities to the 2032 Games, Queensland tourism operators have reason to be confident.”

Among the accolades presented was a new Hall of Fame winner, two RACQ People’s Choice Awards and in its inaugural year, a Judges Choice Award.

Select category winners will gain automatic entry into the Australian Tourism Awards, which will be held at Doltone House in Sydney on Friday 17 March 2023.

Next year the Queensland Tourism Awards will be held at the Cairns Convention Centre on Friday 24 November 2023.

Wildcat Mackay won gold in the Best New Tourism Business category

The MECC won silver in the Business Event Venues category

Isaac Regional Council's St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend Event bought home a Bronze for Festival and Events

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