The Best in the West

The 2011 Nissan Outback Queensland Tourism Awards have been run and won, with Kinnon and Co. from Longreach stealing the show picking up four major awards.

Held in Blackall on Saturday 29th October the awards attracted more than 120 Outback Tourism industry. Blackall-Tambo Mayor Jan Ross said that “it was a fantastic weekend and I am proud to see such a dedicated group of Outback Tourism operators waving the flag for Western Queensland”

“The Awards Program went off without a hitch and highlights were definitely the school street performance and shearing display, well done and congratulations Kayla, Donna & Kathryn from the Blackall-Tambo Council for their organisation” she said.

Winners and Commendations from the Night include;

Hosted Accommodation
Judge’s Commendation Award – Kilcowera Station
Winner – Dalrymple Tourist Van Park

Accommodation
Judge’s Encouragement Award - Barcaldine Country Motor Inn.
Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services
Winner – Birdsville Hotel

Visitor Information Services
Judge’s Commendation Award – Outback @ Isa
Winner – Winton Visitor Information Centre

New Tourism Development
Winner – Kinnon & Co – Outback Heritage Trail

Tourism Marketing
Winner - Outback Aussie Tours

Heritage & Cultural Tourism
Judge’s Commendation Award - The Harry Redford Cattle Drive.
Judge’s Commendation – Outback @ Isa
Winner – Kinnon & Co

Tourist Attractions
Judge’s Commendation Award – Longreach School of Distance Education P & C Longreach School of the Air Tours
Winner – Outback @ Isa

Festivals & Events
Judge’s Commendation Award - 2010 Xstrata Mount Isa Lake Moondarra Fishing Classic
Judge’s Commendation Award - Outback Oktoberfest 2010

Winner – Shockwave Youth Festival

Best Outback Queensland Pub
Judge’s Encouragement Award – Jundah Hotel
Winner – Birdsville Hotel

Most Significant Council Tourism Initiative
Judge’s Encouragement Award - Stubby Bend Camping, Tambo
Judge’s Encouragement Award - Barcoo River Camping, Blackall
Winner – Overlander’s Way Rebranding Project

Tour and/or Transport Operator
Winner – Kinnon & Co

Nissan Major Tourist Attraction
Judge’s Commendation Award – Waltzing Matilda Centre
Winner – Kinnon & Co

Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer or Volunteer Group Winner – Stewie Benson

Young Achiever’s Award
Winner – Louise Oldfield (Central Eagle Aviation)
Vince Evert Award for Outstanding Contribution to Outback Tourism
Winner - Alf (Bomber) Johnson (Dig Tree Ranger)

Special thanks must be passed onto Nissan Australia the major sponsor of the awards for 2011