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Let a friend know about Tourism Wollongong.

On 19 August, a significant milestone was reached when Federal Tourism Minister, the Hon. Martin Ferguson AM MP, officially unveiled the Grand Pacific Drive signage. I would like to personally thank the project committee, Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, Shoalhaven and Wingecarribee councils, the federal and state government and a special thanks to Senator Connie Fierravanti Wells for all believing in the regional drive.   

The week got better as we again celebrated the success of GPD at the South Coast Tourism Awards where Grand Pacific Drive collected the award for Tourism Marketing.

I hope September will be a productive month for you all as we now head into a season of full bloom flowers and blue blue skies! 

Until next month
Greg Binskin
General Manager

Grand Pacific Drive signage launch a success

There will be no missing Grand Pacific Drive these days with directional signage plans now complete. 180 directional signs and 12 interpretive signs clearly mark out the scenic route, making it easy for everyone to experience the 140km scenic drive. 

The Grand Pacific Drive Project Management Committee has been busy implementing actions from the Masterplan, a key item being the Grand Pacific Drive directional signage. The unveiling was completed by the Minister for Tourism, Resources and Energy, the Hon Martin Ferguson AM MP, who embraced the Grand Pacific Drive spirit by arriving on the back of a "Just Cruisin” Harley Davidson after photos at Bald Hill with Symbi the koala from Symbio Wildlife Park. 

Held at the meticulously restored Clifton School of Arts, the launch was attended by special guests including state and federal members of parliament, representatives from Wollongong, Kiama, Shellharbour and Shoalhaven councils, Ausindustry and media. The location was a perfect backdrop to showcase the beauty of Grand Pacific Drive.
 

A job well done by Tourism Wollongong members!

Congratulations! to all Tourism Wollongong members who made it through as finalists for the South Coast Tourism Awards for Business Excellence and well done to all winners of 2008, collecting their awards in front of 300 guests at a gala evening at the new Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre in Nowra. 

Wollongong Conference and Events won the Specialised Tourism Services Award and Grand Pacific Drive won the award for Tourism Marketing, an endeavour the team are very proud of. The event was attended by NSW Minister for Tourism, Matt Brown and Tourism NSW acting CEO, Lyndel Gray, who congratulated the industry on their efforts to grow tourism in the state.

Best of luck in the New South Wales Tourism Awards on 20 November 2008.

Singaporeans bound for Grand Pacific Drive

Representing Grand Pacific Drive, Elissa Caldwell recently returned from Singapore and Malaysia after attending the NATAS consumer trade fair; the largest travel expo in Singapore with 56,000 people through the door. It has proven itself to be a valuable exercise in attracting overnight stays and packaging of the region within the Singapore market and Malaysian market.  

Membership renewal prize drawn!

This year Tourism Wollongong offered a prize draw for early membership renewals; and the winner can now be announced!

Congratulations to Elena DiStefano from Unicentre Conference and Functions. Elena has won a Vibe Hotel package consisting of overnight accommodation for two including a full buffet breakfast in a Vibe Hotel of choice. 
 

The Illawarra Tree Top Flyer Experience

Fancy a day out with a difference?

Enjoy an authentic train trip on a 1930’s diesel locomotive to Robertson on the Cockatoo Run. The historic 3801 Limited train tackles the steep grade of the escarpment and takes in splendid coastal views and magnificent rainforest. Upon arrival in Robertson, transfer via coach to the Illawarra Fly Tree Top Walk and take in the majesty of the rainforest some 25 metres above the ground. The Illawarra Fly is fast gaining recognition and is considered a premier tourist destination within NSW.

Click here for more details.

 

What's on...?

What: Steven Berkoff 'One Man'
When: Tuesday, 2 September 2008 - Sunday, 7 September 2008
Where: Illawarra Performing Arts Centre 32 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Info: 02 4226 6633 or www.merrigong.com.au

What: Rock and Blues Festival 2008
When: Saturday, 6 September 2008 - Sunday, 7 September 2008
Where: Towradgi Beach Hotel 170 Pioneer Road, Towradgi
Info: 02 4283 3588 or www.towradgibeachhotel.com.au

What: Wollongong AHM Hawks vs. West Sydney
When: Saturday, 20 September 2008
Where: WIN Entertainment Centre Cnr Crown and Harbour Street's, Wollongong
Info: 02 4220 2828 or www.wec.org.au

What: The 56th Annual Bulli Show 2008
When: Saturday, 20 September 2008 - Sunday, 21 September 2008
Where: Bulli Showground Princes Highway
Info: 02 4267 1571

What: Illawarra Relay for Life 2008
When: Saturday, 20 September 2008 - Sunday, 21 September 2008
Where: Beaton Park Leisure Centre Foley Street, Gwynneville
Info: 02 4225 3660 or www.relayforlife.com.au/nsw