Media Statements: Statements http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx RSS feed for the Statements list. Department of the Premier and Cabinet Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:26:05 GMT Windows SharePoint Services V3 RSS Generator 60 list Media Statements: Statements /_layouts/images/homepage.gif http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx Leeuwin Lighthouse manager in the tourism spotlight http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132811 Content:

A man who lives, breathes and sleeps tourism was a big winner at last night’s 2009 Western Australian Tourism Awards.

 

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse guide/manager Paul Sofilas won the FACET Golden Guide Award.

 

Tourism Minister Liz Constable said Mr Sofilas was a tireless worker and a respected member of the tourism industry.

 

“Paul not only manages the cottages at Cape Leeuwin, he is a fabulous guide with encyclopaedic knowledge of his product, he is deeply passionate about his work and actually resides in his place of work,” Dr Constable said.   

 

“He is a great advocate for tourism and it is people like Paul that help make WA  an extraordinary place to visit.”

 

More than 800 key industry stakeholders attended last night’s awards at the Burswood Grand Ballroom.

 

The awards are organised by the Tourism Council WA and acknowledge the State’s best tourism service providers and event holders.

 

The other big winners on the night were the Augusta Margaret River Tourism Association, which received the esteemed Sir David Brand Award for Tourism, and Chris Pye, chairman and chief executive officer of Hospitality Inns who took out the Sir David Brand medal for an individual.

 

The Minister said the awards acknowledged the diversity and vibrancy of WA’s tourism industry.

 

“WA is an exciting and appealing tourism destination, as well as a great place to live,” she said.

 

“So much so that in the last 12 months international visitors to this State grew by more than two per cent while the national average has seen a drop in international visitors.

 

“It is also an industry that now employs more than 82,000 people in WA.  Those who excel in their chosen profession are celebrated with these awards.

 

“I commend every finalist and winner for their work in ensuring a quality experience is delivered.”

 

All of the State award winners will automatically enter the national competition and will be judged on the national stage at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in Hobart on Friday February 26, 2010.

 

The full list follows:

 

·              Major Tourist Attractions:  Fremantle Prison

·              Tourist Attractions:  Willie Creek Pearl Farm

·              Major Festivals and Events:  Whereis Australian Surf Life Saving Championships

·              Festivals and Events:  Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster

·              Ecotourism:  Donnelly River Cruises

·              Heritage and Cultural Tourism:  Broome Sightseeing Tours

·              Indigenous Tourism:  Uptuyu Adventures

·              Specialised Tourism Services: Willie Creek Pearls

·              Visitor Information and Services:  Swan Valley Visitor Centre

·              Meetings and Business Tourism: Hyatt Regency Perth

·              Major Tour and/or Transport Operators: Willie Creek Pearl Farm Tours

·              Tour and/or Transport Operators: Kimberley Wild Expeditions

·              Adventure Tourism: Windward Balloon Adventures

·              Tourism Marketing:  Rottnest Express - Red Rides of Summer Campaign

·              Tourism Education and Training:  Challenger TAFE - Marine Tourism Training Program

·              Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services:  Matilda Bay Restaurant

·              Tourism Wineries,  Distilleries & Boutique Breweries: Sandalford Wines

·              Tourist and Caravan Parks:  Beachlands Holiday Park

·              Backpacker Accommodation:  Perth City, YHA

·              Hosted Accommodation:  Cape Howe Cottages

·              Unique Accommodation:  Forest Rise Eco Retreat

·              Standard Accommodation:  Perth Ambassador Hotel

·              Deluxe Accommodation:  Riverglen Chalets

·              Luxury Accommodation:  Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa

·              New Tourism Development:  Pinnacles Desert Discovery

·              Qantas Award For Excellence in Sustainable Tourism:  Adventure Out Australia

·              Sir David Brand Award for Tourism:  Augusta Margaret River Tourism Association

·              Sir David Brand Medal:  Chris Pye

·              Sir David Brand Young Achiever Medal:  Jasmine Meagher

·              FACET Golden Guide Award:  Paul Sofilas

 

Minister's office - 9222 9699
Date: 22/11/2009
Minister: Constable
Portfolio: Tourism
Region: All
]]> Arbouin, Shane Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:17:10 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132811 Western Australia’s South-West named one of the top holiday destinations in the world http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132712 Content:

Western Australia’s South-West has today been internationally recognised as one of the world’s most desirable holiday destinations.

 

Tourism Minister Liz Constable said leading travel guide company Lonely Planet had chosen the South-West as one of the world’s top 10 regions to visit in 2010, in its prestigious ‘Best in Travel’ publication.

 

“This recognition elevates the South-West on to the world’s stage, alongside some internationally recognised destinations such as Bali, Alsace in France, the Lake District in England and Southern Africa,” Dr Constable said.

 

“As Tourism Minister, I’m thrilled a Western Australian destination has been chosen as it’s the only Australian region on the list and only the second time an Australian destination has featured.

 

“The inclusion of the South-West is testament to the region’s reputation as an exceptional destination and highlights the outstanding tourism experiences provided by its tourism operators.

 

“The region has the best nature can offer - hectares of tall timber forest and kilometres of pristine coastline with some of the world’s best beaches and surf breaks.

 

“Combine this with wineries, restaurants, breweries, day spas, family attractions and a range of accommodation from camping to luxury retreats, it’s no wonder the region has received this accolade.” 

 

Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel’ (previously known as the ‘Blue List’), is a collection of the world’s best journeys, destinations and experiences for the year ahead.

 

Among the book’s recommendations are walking at sunrise on the Bibbulmun Track, canoeing under the forest canopy at Nannup, swimming with the dolphins at Bunbury, sampling local produce and climbing Pemberton’s magnificent trees.

 

The Minister said the South-West’s inclusion on the list would provide extraordinary exposure for the region and the rest of the State.    

 

“The Lonely Planet guide books are read by millions of travellers around the world and this provides the region with a promotional opportunity money can’t buy,” she said.

 

“Tourism Western Australia will increase exposure further through co-operative marketing activities with Lonely Planet.”

 

In stores today, ‘Best in Travel 2010’ is Lonely Planet’s fifth annual collection of the best places to go and the best things to do around the world for the year ahead.

 

Dr Constable said tourism was a key driver of WA’s economy, generating 80,000 jobs and injecting more than $2billion a year into regional areas.

 

Minister's office - 9222 9699
Date: 2/11/2009
Minister: Constable
Portfolio: Tourism
Region: South West
]]> Stratford, Pamela Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:54:11 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132712 Western Australian events serve up a vibrant place to live and visit http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132690 Content:

The countdown has begun for the 2010 Hyundai Hopman Cup with Tourism Minister Liz Constable today launching the event at the official tournament draw.

 

Dr Constable said this year’s Hyundai Hopman Cup in January attracted around 570 interstate and international visitors to the State.

 

“These visitors generated more than 5,700 visitor nights and boosted our economy by $1.9million,” the Minister said.

 

“More than three million viewers in our key international markets tuned in for the television coverage, helping us show off our extraordinary State.”

 

The Minister said the Hopman Cup was a significant part of Western Australia’s events calendar and one of many diverse events supported by the State Government.

 

“It is diversity and vibrancy that make a city an exciting and appealing tourism destination, as well as a great place to live, and we’ve got to capitalise on WA’s potential to be such a place,” she said.

 

“The success of the recent One Movement for Music Festival demonstrated the importance of the Government striking a balance between its support of arts and cultural events, and sporting events.”

 

Dr Constable said an estimated 50,000 people attended the inaugural One Movement for Music Festival held in Perth recently.

 

“One Movement for Music Perth saw 174 acts perform on the Esplanade in Perth and on the city streets, transforming the city into a thriving cultural centre which was alive with music from all over the world,” she said.

 

“We’ve heard from Australian musicians now being courted by international record labels after their appearance at the festival and from international artists who say they will definitely come back to Perth and will be encouraging others to also.

 

“The potential of this new event for future years is very exciting.”

 

The Minister said it is important to note around 90 per cent of the Eventscorp events budget is currently spent on sporting events, with less than 10 per cent dedicated to arts and cultural events.

 

“So while sports fans in WA can be reassured that we’ll continue to host world-class sporting events such as the Hopman Cup, 2011 ISAF World Sailing Championships, international rugby tests and Ironman WA Triathlon, we do believe it’s important to offer a range of events such as the One Movement for Music Festival and Sculpture by the Sea,” she said.

 

Minister's office - 9222 9699
Date: 27/10/2009
Minister: Constable
Portfolio: Tourism
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:59:08 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132690 Triathlon World Championship in Perth this weekend http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132675 Content:

The long distance triathlon world champion will be crowned in Perth on Sunday following the city spectacle of 600 athletes swimming, riding and running more than 100 kilometres.

 

Tourism Minister Liz Constable said the 29th International Triathlon Union (ITU) Long Distance Triathlon World Championships would showcase Perth to international visitors and boost the State’s economy.

 

“About 1,200 visitors, including interstate and international athletes from around the world, will visit our capital city for this prestigious event,” Dr Constable said.

 

“Athletes will navigate the Swan River, Riverside Drive, Mounts Bay Road and Kings Park Avenue, which will generate international media exposure for Perth’s picturesque scenery.

 

“The event is also expected to generate more than $1.6million in direct spending by visitors as they enjoy our State’s unique attractions.”

 

The Minister said the triathlon would see about 600 athletes from 25 countries swim three kilometres, ride 80 kilometres and run 20 kilometres.

 

“The main event incorporates a paratriathlon, and supporting events include an aquathon, schools triathlon and sprint distance triathlon,” she said.

 

“This series of races, held over four days, will be quite an accomplishment for all athletes and will also offer a superb spectacle for people viewing the event.

 

“The ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Championships provide a valuable tourism opportunity for Western Australia, and I welcome athletes, spectators and ITU officials to our State.”

 

For full event details, visit http://www.ldworlds.org.au

 

Minister's office - 9222 9699
Date: 23/10/2009
Minister: Constable
Portfolio: Tourism
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Fri, 23 Oct 2009 03:53:10 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132675 Dolphin Discovery Centre's new attraction for peak dolphin season http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132638 Content:

Visitors to Bunbury’s Dolphin Discovery Centre can now experience a new up close and personal encounter with marine life.

 

Tourism Minister Liz Constable today unveiled the centre’s latest attraction - the ‘Discovery Pool’.

 

Visiting the centre today, Dr Constable said the new pool demonstrated some of the great marine diversity available in the region.

 

“The pool’s opening comes just in time for the start of the dolphin season next week,” she said.

 

“Visitors can learn about a range of sea creatures as well as 100 or so dolphins that live in the waters off Koombana Bay.”

 

The Minister also saw plans for the $4.8million expansion, scheduled to start late next year.

 

“The Dolphin Discovery Centre has become a premier eco-tourism attraction in the South-West, attracting 60,000 visitors each year,” she said.

 

“It is imperative to continue to deliver world-class attractions in this highly competitive market.

 

“It’s the only dolphin-based attraction in Australia that delivers all four levels of dolphin experience: interpretation, swim encounters, shore-based interaction and boat watching tours.”

 

Dolphin Discovery Centre chairman David Trench said the ‘Discovery Pool’ was the first step in a series of new attractions for the centre over the coming years.

 

“There are some exciting times ahead for the centre which prides itself on being at the forefront of marine and eco-tourism while also educating our visitors,” Mr Trench said.

 

“The centre also conducts valuable dolphin research integral to the preservation and conservation of these creatures.

 

“The redevelopment will include more great attractions and facilities, enhancing the centre’s tourism potential and long-term future.”

 

Dr Constable said Western Australia was home to a range of unique and extraordinary natural experiences which have helped it become a world-renowned tourism destination.

 

Minister's office - 9222 9699
 
Date: 18/10/2009
Minister: Constable
Portfolio: Tourism
Region: South West
]]> Antartis, Jill Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:46:15 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132638 History-making music event rocks into Perth http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132627 Content:

Perth’s music industry will host a new and exciting event this weekend with a two-day pioneering music conference and festival.

 

Tourism Minister Liz Constable said ‘One Movement for Music Perth’, from October 16-18, was designed to generate international media coverage for Western Australia’s musical talent.

 

“Perth’s Esplanade will be transformed into a major music hub for more than 80 acts performing to avid fans at a cutting-edge, live-music event,” Dr Constable said.

                                                     

“The State Government, through Eventscorp, is providing long-term financial support for the ‘One Movement for Music Perth’.

 

“It is set to become the most important music event in the Asia Pacific region, with thousands of people expected to attend.”

 

The Minister said One Movement had the capacity to generate significant media coverage, presenting Perth as a vibrant and culturally-rich destination.

 

“Most importantly, it also has the potential to be a major drawcard for visitors from across Australia and overseas,” she said.

 

Dr Constable said musicians had jumped at the chance to be part of the event.

 

 “There’s a mix of export-ready and emerging artists all looking for management, agents, record deals, media attention and exposure through platforms such as iTunes.

 

“In the past, our local artists have travelled to North America or Europe for a similar event, which is very costly for budding musicians. This festival will bring the global music industry to them, including all the logistics and infrastructure required, like staging and equipment.”

 

The Minister said music industry leaders from across the globe would descend on Perth for more than 30 expert panels at the conference.

 

“The world’s music luminaries - like Diane Warren who penned chart-topping hits for Cher and Celine Dion; plus Dave Holmes, manager of popular British band, Coldplay - will be in Perth to network, offer advice and do business,” she said.

 

“These music legends can help set the stage for our local artists’ careers, while reinforcing WA’s reputation as a breeding ground for new bands.

 

“With our State’s outstanding musical talent and proximity to Asia, Perth is the ideal host city and Eventscorp has secured the annual festival until 2011.

 

“‘One Movement for Music Perth’ will give Western Australians, as well as interstate and international visitors, access to the region’s best new talent.”

 

For full conference and showcase details, visit http://www.onemovementmusic.com.

 

Minister's office  - 9222 9699
Date: 16/10/2009
Minister: Constable
Portfolio: Tourism
Region: Northern Metro & Perth CBD;South Eastern Suburbs;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs;Eastern Metropolitan
]]> Antartis, Jill Fri, 16 Oct 2009 01:26:50 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132627 Bunbury voted WA’s Top Town for 2009 http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132630 Content:

Tourism Minister Liz Constable has congratulated the Bunbury community for winning the 2009 GWN Top Tourism Town Award.

 

Dr Constable said the award recognised the tourism industry and the way the Bunbury community welcomes visitors.

 

“The judges faced a tough choice in deciding the Top Town Award this year but Bunbury’s great mix of tourism attractions was a deserving choice for the Top Town,” she said.

 

“Bunbury is famed for the dolphins at Koombana Bay, its natural beauty and cosmopolitan downtown area but it still maintains its regional and historic character.

 

“With the opening of the new Forrest Highway it is 30 minutes closer to Perth, making it even more desirable as a destination.”

 

The four finalists for the Top Tourism Town award were: Bunbury, Kununurra, Kojonup and Margaret River.

 

The Top Tourism Town (for towns with a population of less than 2,500) Award went to Kojonup, which is consistently recognised for its tourism achievements.

 

Other towns recognised with category awards were:

  • Heritage - Denham
  • Cultural - Kojonup
  • Website Development - Margaret River
  • Management / Staff Training - Bunbury and Margaret River (joint winners)
  • Community Relations - Derby and Kojonup (joint winners)
  • Environment - Pemberton
  • Special Events - Kununurra
  • Judges Encouragement Award - Derby
  • Business Planning and Marketing Award - Kojonup.

The 2009 Visitor Centre Manager of the Year award went to Swan Valley Visitor Centre manager Scott Fleming, for outstanding work in visitor servicing. 

 

The Minister said the tourism industry was a major contributor to Western Australia’s economy.

 

“It generates 80,000 jobs and injects more than $2billion a year into regional areas,” she said.

 

Minister's office  - 9222 9699
Date: 16/10/2009
Minister: Constable
Portfolio: Tourism
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Fri, 16 Oct 2009 01:48:54 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132630 New quokka breeding program in Australian zoos http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132631 Content:

Environment Minister Donna Faragher and Tourism Minister Liz Constable have today welcomed eight quokkas from Rottnest Island to start a new life on the Australian mainland.

 

This is part of a national effort to establish a sustainable captive breeding population for the unique marsupial.

 

Co-ordinated by Perth Zoo and in collaboration with the Rottnest Island Authority, Department of Environment and Conservation and four Australian zoos, 33 quokkas will be used to establish the new breeding population.

 

Mrs Faragher said the new population in Australian zoos would help guard against a decline in quokka numbers in the event of disease introduction or natural disaster.

 

She said it would also provide insight into the husbandry and reproductive biology of this species.

 

“Being such a recognisable Western Australian animal, a strategy is being put into place to mitigate against a potential situation which could see them disappear,” Mrs Faragher said.

 

“Although not as genetically diverse as some of the mainland quokka populations, which occur from Jarrahdale to Albany, it is critical to ensure preservation of the genetic component within the Rottnest population, which is not represented on the mainland.”

 

The captive population of quokkas will be managed at a regional level with zoos in other Australian States to ensure high levels of genetic diversity are maintained and a sustainable breeding population is formed.

 

Dr Constable said the program was an important part of maintaining the environmental values of Rottnest Island.


“The quokka is such an important part of the character of Rottnest Island and we are delighted to support a program that will ensure a long and vibrant future for these animals,” she said.

 

“WA is home to a rich diversity of animal and plant species found nowhere else in the world and as with other native species, such as the woylie, western swamp tortoise and numbat, it is the future of our natural heritage that we are helping to secure.”

 

Perth Zoo keepers and veterinary staff, Rottnest Island Authority representatives and rangers as well as DEC representatives collected the eight quokkas this week with two more collections happening later in the year.

 

The selection of quokkas depended on their age, sex and health and they were collected from a number of sites around the island, but this did not include any quokkas from the settlement area.

 

An Aboriginal ceremony was held on the island before the quokkas’ departure.

 

The zoos involved include Taronga Zoo (NSW), Melbourne Zoo (VIC), Gorge Wildlife Park (SA), Adelaide Zoo (SA) and Perth Zoo. All institutions are members of the regional zoo association, Australasian Regional Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria (ARAZPA).

 

The new breeding program is endorsed by the Australian Species Management Program which oversees the establishment and management of breeding programs in Australian zoos.

 

Environment Minister’s office - 9213 7250

Tourism Minister’s office - 9222 9699

Date: 16/10/2009
Minister: Faragher;Constable
Portfolio: Environment;Tourism
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Fri, 16 Oct 2009 02:29:06 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132631 Two hundred riders tackle South-West terrain http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132623 Content:

More than 200 riders will today race through 223 kilometres of dynamic South-West landscape as part of the Cape to Cape MTB (Mountain Bike) Challenge.

 

Tourism Minister Liz Constable said elite and recreational riders from across Australia would pedal from Cape Leeuwin to Cape Naturaliste during the four-day event.

 

“The Cape to Cape MTB event sends mountain bikers on an adventure through superb scenery of forests, vineyards and famous beaches, exposing some of the South-West’s best-kept secrets,” Dr Constable said.

 

“This year, the ride features new climbs and faster downhills to keep the adrenalin racing.”

 

The Minister said visitors would also have time to enjoy the features of the Margaret River region, including ancient caves, local breweries and wine tasting.

 

The 223-kilometre course includes roads, bush tracks, forest trails and old railway lines but riders will have minimal impact on the surroundings.

 

“This environmentally-friendly event will mean riders can enjoy natural and cultural heritage areas in one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots,” she said.

 

Dr Constable said last year’s inaugural Cape to Cape MTB was a great success, attracting leading riders and enthusiasts Australia-wide. 

 

“The 2009 event, in its second year, will have more participants, course improvements and ideal weather,” the Minister said.

 

“Riders are set for another exciting and unique personal challenge.”

 

For more details on the Cape to Cape MTB, visit http://www.capetocapemtb.com

 

Minister's office  - 9222 9699
Date: 15/10/2009
Minister: Constable
Portfolio: Tourism
Region: South West
]]> Antartis, Jill Thu, 15 Oct 2009 03:02:12 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132623 Monsignor O’Shea recognised for service to Rottnest Island http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132587 Content:

The third annual Des Sullivan Medal has been awarded to Church of the Holy Trinity priest Monsignor Sean O’Shea for his contribution to Rottnest Island.

 

Tourism Minister Liz Constable presented the medal at a special event last night.

 

Dr Constable said Monsignor O’Shea was a deserving recipient of the medal, which recognised an outstanding contribution to the economic, social or environmental sustainability of Rottnest Island.

 

“Monsignor O’Shea has officiated over daily masses at the Church of Holy Trinity since he first moved to the island nearly 50 years ago,” she said.

 

“He’s an important part of the Rottnest community, with his humour and hospitality well known among those who frequently visit the island.

 

“During his 50 years at Rottnest, the Monsignor has a developed a wealth of knowledge about the Island and its history.”

 

Monsignor O’Shea arrived in Australia from Kilkee, Ireland in 1955 and took up the Rottnest posting after a short time in Fremantle.

 

He has become a much-loved resident of the island, often helping tourists find the best place to spot a quokka or offering directions to many of Rottnest’s attractions.

 

“As one of the island’s few residents, Monsignor O’Shea has truly become part of the heart and soul of Rottnest,” Dr Constable said.

 

The Des Sullivan Medal was introduced in 2006 by the Rottnest Island Authority (RIA).

 

It was presented to Des Sullivan in 2006 in recognition of his contribution as island manager from 1959-1984. The second medal was awarded to past RIA Chair Pat Barblett, a champion of island conservation.

 

Minister's office  - 9222 9699
Date: 8/10/2009
Minister: Constable
Portfolio: Tourism
Region: Northern Metro & Perth CBD;Eastern Metropolitan;South Eastern Suburbs;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs
]]> Antartis, Jill Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:37:13 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132587