Over the past few days, our region has been impacted by bushfires, with Emergency warnings issued across areas including Cypress Gardens, Millmerran Downs, Tara, and Kogan.
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In the Carnarvon region, the fires have been raging for a longer period, and we are in communication with the Central Queensland Highlands Development Corporation to stay abreast of the situation. Our priority is to extend our support to the tourism businesses directly impacted and work collaboratively to navigate these trying times.
We urge you to maintain open communication channel with your forward bookings, ensuring that all visitors are well-informed of the current conditions and any potential safety concerns. Staying updated on the latest bushfire advisories and being prepared for changing conditions is imperative. We highly recommend that in addition to your Bushfire Survival Plan you take the time to ensure you have a Bushfire communications plan for your business so you can quickly and easily communicate with staff, visitors and forward bookings. We are also assisting with communication to visitors with a reminder going up on our consumer website for travelers to check the QFES website for warnings and updates before hitting the road. Together, we can create a safe experience for all who visit our region.
Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) conference, where the upcoming state election was at the forefront of our discussions. We deliberated on our industry priorities, emphasizing the need for strategic involvement and planning to propel our sector forward. Our key priorities include ensuring representation on the Toward Tourism 2032 implementation committee, updating Destination Management Plans, advocating for increased investment in destination marketing, and leading the next phase of product and industry development.
I am also thrilled to announce the return of the Adventure Tourism Awards, a platform for learning, networking, and celebrating excellence in our industry. This event marks a significant milestone as the first return of these awards since COVID.
Let's continue to work hand in hand, fostering innovation and excellence, as we elevate Southern Queensland Country to new heights. |
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Join Us at Tourism Australia's 2023 Industry Briefings and Networking Events!
Industry are invited to register for Tourism Australia's 2023 Industry Briefings and Networking Events. The free of charge briefings will include an update from Tourism Australia’s Managing Director, Phillipa Harrison followed by a networking event.
Date: 20th November Time: 4:00 – 7:00pm Location: Brisbane/Meeanjin |
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Facilitated by consultants with disability or connection to disability, the sessions include a 90-minute presentation for Queensland tourism businesses and tourism-related organisations including local governments covering all aspects of disability inclusion and accessibility for front line tourism staff, provide the skills to welcome guests with disability at your business and the opportunity to ask questions and gain an understanding of the importance of disability inclusion and accessibility in tourism.
Date: Monday, 30 October 2023 Time: 12.30pm – 2.00pm Venue: Quest Toowoomba, 133 Margaret Street, Toowoomba
The information in these training sessions may be useful also to organisations looking to apply for the new Accessible Tourism Elevate Fund opening on Thursday, 26 October 2023. |
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Get ready to enhance your tourism experiences with the $5 million Accessible Tourism Elevate Fund, opening on October 26, 2023.
No matched funding is required, however priority may be given to applications demonstrating co-investment by the applicant.
This fund offers two grant types: |
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1. Access Starter Grants ($5,000): Ideal for those starting their accessibility journey. Use it for audits, experience design, digital accessibility, and disability inclusion training. 2. Access Project Grants ($50,000 - $250,000): For larger-scale projects showcasing best practices in accessibility and delivering high-impact improvements. Guidelines are available now. Prepare your proposals and stay tuned for more details on this incredible opportunity to make our region more accessible and inclusive.
If your application requires a letter of support please reach out to steph@sqct.com.au Let's make Southern Queensland Country a welcoming destination for all! |
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Exciting news for our industry partners! The countdown has begun for SQCT's latest consumer campaign, 'Unearth Country,' set to launch on October 31, 2023.
We are delighted to announce that bookings for the 'Unearth Country' campaign are now open. As a valued member of our network, you can join us for this campaign, with packages starting from as little as $300 + GST. |
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Our Spring/Summer campaign offers a golden opportunity to showcase your business in front of our vast and engaged audience. With over 120,000 strong social media followers and 50,000+ enthusiastic subscribers, this is your chance to boost your visibility.
For any inquiries or to express your interest in the 'Unearth Country' campaign, don't hesitate to contact Sheree at sheree@sqct.com.au.
Don't miss out on this chance to elevate your business and reach a broader audience. We look forward to having you on board! |
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November 1, 9.00am - 3.00pm, Clifford Park Racecourse
Get ready to delve into the thriving world of agritourism at the upcoming Toowoomba Agritourism Workshop. Agritourism is a powerful trend in the industry, offering unique experiences for travelers and incredible opportunities for businesses.
This workshop will equip you with the knowledge and tools to thrive in this space. |
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- Learn from industry experts
- Gain insights into successful agritourism ventures
- Network with like-minded professionals
- Unearth opportunities to enhance your business
Don't miss this chance to unlock the secrets of agritourism and take your business to new heights. Following the workshop, attendees are invited to stay for networking and drinks. |
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18 November, 9.00am - 4.00pm, Burke and Wills Hotel
Are you passionate about hosting incredible events in Southern Queensland Country? If so, we invite you to join us for SQCT's Events Elevator – a day filled with valuable insights and expert knowledge on running successful events.
We're thrilled to announce our special guest speaker, Gemma Haskings from Tourism and Events Queensland talking about the Queensland Destinations Events Program (QDEP), she will share her expertise and insights on managing and funding successful events. |
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Gemma's knowledge is a valuable asset for event organizers, and you won't want to miss her talk.
In collaboration with the Tilma Group, we will delve into a range of essential topics to enhance your event planning: - Finances for the Future: Learn about sustainable income streams, including sponsorship and grants.
- Creating an Event Experience: Discover the art of crafting memorable event experiences.
- Major Event Trends: Explore trends like sustainability and accessibility that are shaping the event landscape.
- Building and Retaining a Team: Uncover the critical importance of volunteers and team dynamics.
This event is open to all event organizers within Southern Queensland Country. We encourage you to attend and share your insights while learning from others.
Please Note: To ensure that as many events as possible benefit from the Events Elevator, we kindly request a maximum of two attendees per event.
Join us for a day of inspiration, collaboration, and knowledge sharing at the SQCT's Events Elevator. Let's elevate event success together! |
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Saturday 18 November
Get ready for a berry-filled extravaganza at the Totally Strawesome, Stanthorpe Berry Festival.
This year's festival promises a jam-packed program including: - Berry Pie Competition
- Celebrity Pie Throwing & Scone Catching
- Culinary adventures with Chef Dominique Rizzo.
- BBQ Extravaganza
- Creative Workshops
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Celebrate the summer season and indulge in the flavors of the Granite Belt. It's a day filled with berry bliss and boundless fun. |
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Nestled on 33 acres along the serene Severn River, Sabo's On Severn offers a picturesque getaway in Southern Queensland Country. Located just a two and a half-hour drive from Brisbane, Sabo's On Severn is the perfect weekend escape.
Featuring eight comfortable rooms, with both in-house guest rooms and self-contained units. The self-contained units are pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along for the adventure. |
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Sabo's is renowned for its ‘Cooked from Scratch’ cooking school, where guests can enjoy seasonal classes and shared table experiences paired with local wine. The menu changes with the seasons, highlighting the best of local produce.
Enjoy a memorable getaway in the heart of the Granite Belt at Sabo's On Severn! |
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