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Redlands Tourism E-Newsletter |
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Redlands TourismIn this IssueStaff / ContactsJulianne Manwaring PO Box 1021 Cleveland QLD 4163 Ph: 07 3821 0057 Fax: 07 3821 3875 info@redlandstourism.com |
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RT NEWS - SPRING 2007Redlands Tourism has been involved in a range of activities and events in recent times; assisting the local community whilst promoting your products and services to a vast audience. As you will read, such opportunities have enabled us to advocate for the local tourism industry where by assisting us to review current policies ultimately re-shaping our direction. Along with these topic points and the statistics disclosed in this edition, industry trends and council resolutions will be further highlighted for your interest. LOOKING FORWARD – “LOOKING BLAK”
On the 11th of July, Stradbroke Island Secondary Campus, Dunwich hosted a national celebration of the Australian Indigenous culture. The event predominantly highlighted the values of our indigenous roots within today’s society. The National NAIDOC theme was featured throughout the celebrations in live presentations, practical workshops and stalls. Traditional dance, religious ceremony and indigenous artwork all contributed to the amazing atmosphere of the day. Redlands Tourism volunteers played a vital role in the co-ordinating an information stand. Volunteers provided patrons with general assistance and support; while brochure and map distribution promoted a list of operating Redlands Tourism Members. Redlands Tourism also used this opportunity to raise funds by selling ‘Clean up Stradie’ environmental carry bags, while campaigning for a healthier environment. BAY ISLANDS BUSINESS AND CLUBS EXPO
The Bay Islands Business and Clubs Expo was hosted by Macleay Island, Community Hall on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th of July. Redlands Tourism Volunteer, Ms Kari Thomas said “The Expo raised awareness of what is available on each of the Bay Islands for local residents and new comers." The event was free of charge with live entertainment, including displays, live music, demonstrations and competitions for all ages. The event proved to be a great opportunity for family and friends to get together and learn about the services and facilities of their local area. Redlands Tourism volunteers contributed to the event by assisting with general expo enquires and educating patrons on what services and opportunities are readily available in their local community. NORTH STRADBROKE ISLAND AND MAINLAND FAMIL
Redlands Tourism conducted two famil's in order to serve as a general overview of the reigion. North Stradbroke Island Famil was held on Wednesday 18th July, followed by the Mainland Famil held on Tuesday 14th August. Both famil's proved to be a great way for Redlands Tourism staff and volunteers to experience the products and services first hand and to facilitate information update whilst familiarising particular points. Redlands Tourism Volunteer, Ms Joy Type said "Daniel and Colin (Battersby)from Fishes @ the Point not only served up the fresh catch of the day but spoilt us with a mean chocolate cake and scones." How lucky we were to expereience some weeks later the same warm hospitality on the Mainland Famil. Many volunteers commented on the trandition home made morning tea, which was provided by Geoff and Margaret Finnegan at Birkdale Bed and Breakfast. Redlands Tourism Volunteer, Mr Collin Owens said that Betty Goleby from Mt Cotton Rainforest Gardens supplied an enjoyable lunch with tranquil surroundings. “The peaceful and relaxing atmosphere of the rainforest and the amazing view of the Mt Cotton Lookout was most impressive,” Mr Owens said. Wendy Gardner rounded a productive day off superbly with a healthy afternoon tea at the Bay Retreat Lodge. Both Famil’s were a great opportunity for volunteers to make personal contact with members and their staff, in order to enhance our working relationships. WORK LIFE BALANCE EVENT
On the 8th of August, Cleveland Community Hall hosted the first community Work Life Balance seminar in Brisbane. The community group is essentially campaigning to increase the awareness and implementation of effective work life balance practises to benefit workers, organisations, families and society as a whole. The seminar discussed how everyone can benefit from the lasting positive effects of implementing work life balancing changes. When funding was cut from the Department of Industrial Relations, Redlands Tourism was able to intervene and facilitate this event in our local region. After securing the Cleveland Community Hall more generous support from Catering with Fair, Woolworths Cleveland and RSVP followed to provide refreshment to our guests. Redlands Tourism volunteers played a vital part in organising and coordinating the event. A complimentary bus service for all patrons, which ran between Cleveland Train Station to the Cleveland Community Hall was donated. Volunteers were responsible for event administration and event evaluation. An extended thanks goes to all who made this event possible! With the calabra of speakers we are convinced that all patrons who attended found the seminar expecially worthwhile. PROBUS FRIENDSHIP PICNIC DAY
Probus Friendship Picnic Day was held on the 30th July, at the Cleveland Show Grounds for retired or semi-retired patrons. There was approximately 800 delegates who enjoyed the picnic lunch and the atmosphere created by their social club, local businesses and communiy services. Once again Redlands Tourism was able to showcase our products to entice visitors to return to the region. REDLANDS ON MORETON BAY 2007 TOURISM AWARDS
The Redlands On Moreton Bay 2007 Tourism Awards held at the Somerset Centre, Ormiston College on Thursday 19th July was a great night out and a fantastic opportunity to celebrate industry achievements. Redlands Tourism is proud to announce that 12 of 17 finalists and winners are our members/operators. In particular, Redlands Tourism would like to congratulate Board Members; Dave Thelander of Straddie Kingfisher Tours, Manjit Saranah of Botanix and Justine Day of Sea Stradbroke of Car and Passenger Ferries, who were all winners. UP AND COMING EVENTS…Highland Gath – 14th October The event will include Solo Piping and Drumming Contest, Band Championships, and Highland Dance Displays. Island Time Fest – 19th to 21st October Redlands Tourism will be involved in the ticket sales for accommodation, tours, and hospitality bookings. Volunteers are also helping out at the festival by providing an information stand on the event and region. 16th Annual Business Achievement Awards – 3rd November The Somerset Centre, Ormiston College will host this years Redlands Chamber of Commerce 16th Annual Business Achievement Awards. The evening will highlight the proffessional services, sustainability and productivity of nominated businesses operating within the Redlands. The awards will include 12 categories of judging, including Best Boss, People’s Choice and Women in Business. As award nominations come to a close this week, nominated businesses have until September 28 to complete their formal Entry Questionnaire STAY POSTED: PLEASE REFER TO THE CALENDAR OF EVENTS ON OUR WEBSITE FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
CONSTITUTION, MEMBERSHIP & MARKETING
At the last Redlands Tourism Board Meeting (21st August) it was resolved to conduct a review of the constitution to see if the role & purpose of the organisation has the same needs and direction since the constitution was updated in 2004. This suggestion aligns with the Redland Shire Council reviewing their Tourism Strategy, which includes our contract for provision of Visitor Information Services. Under our contract with RSC, it is a requirement that we serve all operators. Hand in glove with that is the need to re-examine our membership structure as there have been many requests from different industry sectors. There is a growing interest in the leisure industry and to have a recognized affiliation. Recent examples from Community Driven, Boating and Retail sectors have expressed interest in accessing services for one-off events or alliance type of membership for group membership. The board will undertake this membership review and seek to engage operators in a meaningful, affordable & acceptable manner. ADVOCACY
As the nature of the industry is forever evolving so too are we with representing and advocating for our members on various levels. Links & Drinks (hosted by Redlands Tourism) is a perfect opportunity for members to keep abreast of current industry issues and trends whilst networking and promoting their products and services to fellow operators and the Redlands Tourism Team alike. The Lighthouse Restaurant (25th July) and The Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel (8th August) facilitated a fantastic evening for members. We greatly apprciate their welcoming hospitality and delicious catering. Additionally, we have been engaged in advocating a more reasonable enforcement approach to the issue of Directional Signage to assist operators. There has been little reprieve however there is a small gap which can enable enterprising operators to have up to twelve signs for a short period to promote specific things. If done according to the letter of the law, up to six times a year!! Other advocacy issues include the Marine Park & the facilitation of introduction to appropriate connections within various State Government Departments. Operators are seeking to overcome some unusual perspectives (eg.EPA) and we are assisting to support and inform. We currently are acting in good faith with a developer in this regard on the Bay Islands & elsewhere. VIC SERVICES
The Tourism Consultant is nearing the end of the Strategy Report as we understand. We fully endorse his comments for seeking a new model for tourism management in the region. Late breaking news: The Tourism Strategy Report is to be delivered to Councillors next Tuesday morning. The Redlands Tourism Board has been invited to a special presentation with the consultant in partnership with the Council that same afternoon. We look forward to receiving the recommendations and trust that the remodel shall be highlighted. We are hopeful that Council will adopt the recommendations whatever they may be as he saw fit for all sectors. From our part, Redlands Tourism will be investigating the possibilities of where we can implement additional information services. These centres will not be funded by Council in the same way that North Stradbroke Island is not funded by Council. We are currently collocated on the ground floor sharing space with Council officers.
NEW PRODUCT PACKAGINGWe are of the strong belief that there is a need for a range of day and half day packages for the mainland and all island operators. If you are an operator who has an interest in playing a part in developing the product in the region please advise of your interest. REDLANDS TOURISM WEBSITE, BOOKINGS & VISITATION
We have having continued success with the Redlands Tourism Website having more unique visits than ever before. June 3860 The site is a fantastic marketing tool and we can see the vital role which it plays within the marketplace. As noted above, it is an apparent trend that more visitors are doing their research before arriving at the destination. However, despite the decrease in VIC Visitation, the financial year (2007-08) is off to a strong start with accommodation bookings higher for the month of July in comparison to the same time last year (2006-07).
COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS
There were two resolutions to be moved by Council late last month The first was a request (by the Council Tourism unit), that a further allocation of 30K for If you would like to see more funding go to Brisbane Marketing because of the results you have seen from the existing budget, then please advise your local councillor. If you are uncertain then you may wish to seek further information from your council or the tourism unit. If you wish to see the whole proposal as raised at the Brisbane Moreton Bay & Islands Consultative committee then email Vanessa requesting a copy of the proposal and the concerns held about it by Brisbane Marketing themselves. This resolution was passed by Council at the last general meeting. Redlands Tourism anticipates inviting Paul Lewin (Brisbane Marketing Director, Business Development) to present current activities and relevant issues to the board in the near future. The second resolution pertains to the expiry of the Visitor Information Centre Contract held by Redlands Tourism. It was for six months plus an option for three months. There is a resolution regarding a new quote again for a short period until the consultants report is enacted. The current six months plus three months option was exercised by Council and currently this expires on November 11th. We understand that the call for Quotes will be exercised this week. Redlands Tourism is currently seeking a number of strategic partners to help support and develop current and future perspectives.
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