Yorke Peninsula tourism operators were recognised at the 2018 Yorke Peninsula Tourism Awards held in Wallaroo
on Friday night.
Over 100 people from Yorke Peninsula’s tourism industry attended the gala dinner and presentations to celebrate
the wins and successes of the local tourism industry. The Honourable David Ridgway, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment and the Honourable David Speirs, Minister for Environment and Water both attended the industry event, illustrating the importance of tourism to the Yorke Peninsula economy.
Awards were presented to 11 businesses and individuals judged to be the most outstanding in each category (see
full list attached).
A record four businesses were inducted into the Hall of Fame after winning their respective categories three times in
a row. Kernewek Lowender – Copper Coast Cornish Festival was inducted into the Hall of Fame for the Festivals and
Events category; Moonta Mines Railway was inducted for the Cultural Tourism category; Copper Coast Visitor
Information Centre received the accolade for the Visitor Information Services category and Reef Encounters Fishing
Charters received Hall of Fame status for the Fishing Charter, Tour and Transport Operators category. All four tourism businesses have clearly demonstrated their exceptional experiences and have been acknowledged for their
consistent efforts.
A further 11 entrants who achieved a very high standard in their category were recognised with a silver or bronze
medal.
Stephen ‘Goldy’ Goldsworthy received the prestigious Harry Dowling Award for an outstanding contribution to the
South Australian regional tourism industry.
Over many years ‘Goldy’ has become a natural champion of tourism for the Yorke Peninsula region because of his
enthusiasm, passion and dedication to the betterment of the local community and tourism development in the
region. ‘Goldy’ initiated, managed and saw to fruition a significant tourism infrastructure project known as the 500km long Walk The Yorke leisure trail which resulted in the region receiving extra PR opportunities as well as commercial prospects. ‘Goldy’ has been instrumental in enhancing the visitor experience for bush camping, coastal tourism amenity planning, as well as advocating and educating visitors and the community on the new Windara Reef. ‘Goldy’s’ dedication to regional tourism on Yorke Peninsula has been and continues to be unwavering.
South Australian Tourism Industry Council Chief Executive Officer Shaun de Bruyn says “Congratulations to all award winners, it is fantastic to see our finest Yorke Peninsula tourism operators acknowledged for their hard work and commitment to delivering outstanding visitor experiences.”
“These Awards reinforce the important contribution regional tourism plays in making South Australia’s tourism
industry the world class one that it is today” Mr de Bruyn says.Mr de Bruyn adds “We should all be proud and celebrate these achievements, and the Yorke Peninsula as a superior
tourist destination.”
Yorke Peninsula Tourism Manager Brooke Liebelt says “This year’s awards program offered two new categories and
attracted a number of new entrants which was excellent to see. The judging panel commented on the very high
standard of entries this year, so I congratulate everyone involved. This is a fantastic illustration of the commitment
Yorke Peninsula operators have towards this important industry.”
“Tourism and the whole visitor economy is vitally important to South Australia and is a major economic driver for
Yorke Peninsula, helping to create business opportunities and most importantly jobs.”
Ms Liebelt adds “We hope our winners, medallists and nominees from this year’s Yorke Peninsula Tourism Awards
consider nominating for the 2018 South Australian Tourism Awards.”
Special thanks to all our sponsors who make these awards possible:
PROGRAM PARTNER: South Australian Tourism Industry Council
MAJOR SPONSOR: National Parks South Australia
PLATINUM SPONSORS: Barley Stacks Wines, Coopers Alehouse Wallaroo, Copper Coast Council,
HWR Media & Communications, Magic FM & 5CS Radio, Yorke Peninsula Council
GOLD SPONSORS: SA LIFE Magazine, Wallaroo Marina Apartments, Yorke Peninsula Country Times
SILVER SPONSORS: Barunga West Council, Coopers Brewery
BRONZE SPONSORS: Finsbury Green, Regional Development Australia Yorke & Mid North
The Yorke Peninsula Tourism Awards are judged in accordance with a strict set of rules and criteria, with winners setting benchmarks for the whole industry to aspire to.
Congratulations to the winners who were judged to be the most outstanding in their category:
Tourist Attractions
Splash Town
Festivals and Events
Kernewek Lowender – Copper Coast Cornish Festival
Hall of Fame 2014 – 2016 – 2018
Cultural Tourism
Moonta Mines Railway
Hall of Fame 2014 – 2016 – 2018
Specialised Tourism Services
Barley Stacks Wines
Visitor Information Services
Copper Coast Visitor Information Centre
Hall of Fame 2014 – 2016 – 2018
Fishing Charter, Tour and/or Transport Operators
Reef Encounters Fishing Charters
Hall of Fame 2014 – 2016 – 2018
Tourism Restaurants, Hotels, Cafes and Catering Services
Coopers Alehouse Wallaroo
Caravan and Holiday Parks
Port Vincent Foreshore Caravan Park
Deluxe Accommodation
Wallaroo Marina Apartments
Service Excellence Award
Port Vincent Foreshore Caravan Park
Harry Dowling Award
Stephen ‘Goldy’ Goldsworthy
Congratulations to the medal recipients who achieved a very high standard in their
category and received a silver or bronze medal:
Festivals and Events
Stansbury Seaside Markets – Silver
Yorke Peninsula’s Saltwater Classic – Silver
Cultural Tourism
Ballara Art & Lifestyle Retreat – Bronze
Specialised Tourism Services
Yorke Peninsula Council – Bush Camping – Silver
Visitor Information Services
Ardrossan Information Outlet – Silver
Caravan and Holiday Parks
Ardrossan Caravan Park – Silver
Broughton Bayside Caravan Park – Silver
Marion Bay Caravan Park – Silver
Point Turton Caravan Park – Silver
Wallaroo Holiday Park – Silver
Deluxe Accommodation
Redwing Farmstay – Silver
For more information on the Yorke Peninsula Tourism Awards or for imagery, please contact Brooke Liebelt,
Manager, Yorke Peninsula Tourism on 0419 187 467.
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