Our
Management
Capricorn
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Major
Major
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Destination
Tourism
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Tourism & Visitor Servicing
THE ROLE OF CAPRICORN ENTERPRISE
Investment Attraction
CAPRICORN COAST & ROCKHAMPTON
Business Support & Development
Destination Marketing
The success and continuity of our organisation is largely a result of the following Corporate and Platinum partners and sponsors.
Ecotourism, Agritourism, Geo-tourism, Drive tourism and the development of Cruise tourism have been a key focus for our Organisation, partners and operators during the 2023-24 financial year.
Energy, education and health have also been key sectors supported by Capricorn Enterprise, to advocate for the affordability, accessibility and reliability of fundamental services to our businesses and broader communities.
The Capricorn Coast reached global best-practice sustainable destination standards with Ecotourism Australia’s ECO Destination Certification at the Ecotourism level in June 2024. The certification was led by Livingstone Shire Council and supported by Capricorn Enterprise and local tourism industry stakeholders over a multiyear journey. The Capricorn Coast is the eleventh (11th) destination in Australia to achieve Eco Destination Certification, striving for excellence across six (6) themes; Destination Management, Nature & Scenery, Environment & Climate, Culture & Tradition, Social Wellbeing, Business & Hospitality.
Capricorn Enterprise was invited by Energy Queensland (EQL) to participate as a member of the Regulatory Reset Group for their 2025-2030 regulatory proposals, providing independent advice to EQL and the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) on EQL’s engagement with stakeholders, customer representatives, customers and communities over a 2 year period. The RRG submitted reports to the AER evaluating the customer and stakeholder engagement efforts in January, followed by a Technical Report submission focused on the regulatory proposal in March. The RRG continues to assist EQL with a further program of customer engagement planned in advance of revised proposals due in Nov 2024.
Following its inception in late 2020, the opening of the Fitzroy Community Hospice in Rockhampton in June 2024 was thanks to strong support by local business, industry and an $8 Million grant from the Federal government, which has delivered the only hospice north of Hervey Bay.
Capricorn Enterprise has been a pro-active, positive and consistent participant in the Great Keppel Island (Wop-pa) Master Plan Project Reference Group which met over a period of two years culminating in the launch of the Plan in April 2024. State government funding has finally been allocated for a new wastewater treatment plant, gateway precinct, upgraded boardwalks, walkways and signage.
To the year ending March 2024, the Capricorn Coast and Rockhampton welcomed 817,000 domestic and international visitors staying 2,715,000 nights and spending $720 Million dollars. These Tourism Research Australia figures reflect a three (3) year trend change of 5.2% in domestic visitors, 3.5% in visitor nights and 22% in visitor expenditure.
Independent research has revealed that our region requires 1,200 additional short stay accommodation rooms by 2032 to meet current and future demand. The exceptional team, both paid and voluntary at Capricorn Enterprise will continue to advocate on behalf of our members and stakeholders for economic, environmental and social sustainability as our destination continues to attract new residents and visitors in 2024-25 and beyond.
Another busy and successful year of results outlined in this Capricorn Enterprise 2023-24 Annual Report is thanks to strong established and ongoing partnerships and collaboration with our Members, Sponsors, Government funding partners and stakeholders, for which we are grateful.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I sincerely thank our staff, ably led by CEO Mary Carroll, whose loyalty and commitment have achieved some major milestones over the past year, some of which have been years in the making.
We also sincerely thank our thirty-five (35) incredible volunteers who worked over 6,100 hours at the Capricorn Coast Visitor Information Centre, welcoming 18,460 visitors, and responding to 1500 phone calls and nearly 1000 emails during 2023/24.
We farewelled two valued team members in June 2024. Carmel Humphries retired after twelve (12) years of dedicated service to Capricorn Enterprise and looks forward to pursuing her love of travel. After two and a half years, Visitor Information Centre Supervisor, Sarah Lawrence is pursuing her career in Nutrition, after completing her degree at CQUniversity. Members, staff and volunteers held these two women in high regard, and we wish them all the very best as they fulfill their dreams.
Our Organisation is as strong as our Membership support, so we are very grateful to our businesses, for whom we represent and advocate on a daily basis.
Our strong partnership with Livingstone Shire Council (Capricorn Coast) has achieved mutual goals and we very much value our major Local government funding partner. With Central Highlands Regional Council now part of a new “Queensland Country” tourism region, Livingstone Shire Council is in fact now our only local government funding partner.
As one of Queensland’s 13 official Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs), Capricorn Enterprise also receives funding from Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) via the State government under the Tourism Network Funding (TNF) program. Capricorn Enterprise was also successful during 2023/24 in receiving additional funds under the Contestable funding program, which partnered with funds from Outback Queensland Tourism Organisation (OQTA) and Central Highlands Development Corporation (CHDC) to deliver the “Dig the Tropic Re-imagined” project, which is outlined in this report.
Capricorn Enterprise also received a two-year Federal government Export Marketing Development Grant (EMDG) via Austrade over the 2023-24 and 2024-25 financial years on behalf of the three RTOs in the Southern Great Barrier Reef (SGBR) destination, to deliver international destination marketing.
It is this constant and consistent partnership and collaboration which is key to the continued success of not just our Organisation, but our broader region. As the region’s peak Tourism and Economic Development Organisation, we will continue to support and advocate for our Members and Stakeholders.
Derek Lightfoot Chairman
Mary Carroll Chief Executive Officer
DEREK LIGHTFOOT Associate Member CHAIR
BOB PLEASH Associate Member VICE CHAIR
KIM HARRINGTON CQUniversity
HOGAN Ergon Energy
HELEN SCHWEIKERT Cap Coast Home Loans / Prestige Property Yeppoon
HEATHER PEIRANO (until October 2023) Piranha Insurance
CHRIS BLOXSOM (until June 2024) Butler Partners
HARRIS C.T. Harris & Company
CR RHODES WATSON Livingstone Shire Council
Capricorn Enterprise pays tribute to former Director and Deputy Chairman Geoff Murphy, who served on our Board for five (5) years from August 2013 to September 2018 and sadly passed away in December 2023 aged 82. Geoff Murphy championed the CQNRL Bid in an effort to obtain a licence in the National Rugby League competition, was Chairman of Beef Australia from 2003 to 2012 as well as a long standing Member and supporter of Capricorn Enterprise.
MARY CARROLL Chief Executive Officer & Company Secretary
ALYSSAH ANDERSON Marketing & Communications Executive (5 DAYS P/T)
KRISTA BROWN Tourism & Marketing Manager (5 DAYS P/T)
NICKY BEXLEY Administrative Executive (3 DAYS P/W) (Commenced June 2024)
FRANK EDWARDS Industry Engagement Manager
ELOISE CHAFFERS Tourism Contractor (4 DAYS P/W)
2023 - 2024
CARMEL HUMPHRIES (Until June 2024) Economic Development Project Officer (4 DAYS P/T)
SARAH LAWRENCE (Until June 2024) Information Centre Supervisor (4 DAYS P/T)
LYN PASCOE Accounts / Office Administration
In June 2024 we farewelled our long term Economic Development Project Officer, Carmel Humphries, who retired after 12 years of dedicated service.
Sarah Lawrence, our Visitor Information Centre Supervisor also departed us to pursue her career in Nutrition, after she recently completed her University Degree. We wish them both the best.
Over the past 12 months, Capricorn Enterprise has held 10 member and community events with over 775 attendees.
Members Networking Nights are an excellent opportunity for members to share information and make new contacts.
Functions are held approximately every 6 weeks at a different member’s venue each time.
Thank you to Members who have hosted our Networking Nights in 2023/24:
16 August 2023
Rockhampton Jockey Club
28 September 2023
Rocky Sports Club (Annual General Meeting)
12 October 2023
Reef Distillers
15 February 2024
The Lookout Woodbury
21 March 2024
Seaspray Units, Cooee Bay
30 April 2024
Fitzroy Community Hospice, sponsored by Stanwell Corporation
29 May 2024
Crimson Finch Brewery
ECONOMIC
FORUM
19 October 2023
Capricorn Enterprise Major Projects and Industry Forum, Frenchville Sports Club
TOURISM FORUMS/ WORKSHOPS
16 April 2024
Queensland Tourism Industry Council Networking Breakfast
Communication with members continues to be a top priority. Capricorn Enterprise distributes approximately 50 ‘Inside Capricorn’ EDMs per year, with a consistent readership and content providing members with critical updates and opportunities.
The 2023 Best in Business Awards was held on 2 December 2023 on the lawns at the Keppel Bay Marina. Hosted by Capricorn Enterprise in partnership with the Capricornia Chamber of Commerce, 240 enthusiastic guests celebrated local entities who have adapted, achieved and created immense opportunities to forge a strong and resilient business community. A total of 79 nominations were received across 8 judged categories, together with an additional 30 businesses vying for the exciting People’s Choice category.
The Winners were:
Best New Business
(Sponsor: Apprentices and Trainees Qld)
WINNER: REEF DISTILLERS
Best Medium to Large Business (Sponsor: IPA)
WINNER: STAY YEPPOON
Best Small Business
(Sponsor: Evans Edwards)
WINNER: JOHNSON’S 4WD REPAIR SHOP
Best Community Enterprise (Sponsor: Stanwell Corporation)
WINNER: KEPPEL BAY SAILING CLUB
Best Sustainable Business (Sponsor: Telstra)
WINNER: ECOSURE
Best Apprentice or Trainee as nominated by an Employer
(Sponsor: Johnson’s 4WD Repair Shop)
WINNER: AIMEE LOBEGEIGER – STANWELL CORPORATION
Best Employee Award as nominated by an Employer
(Sponsor: Vector Health)
WINNER: ISABELLA WYMAN –THE SALTY LIME CO
Best Owner/Manager (Sponsor: Piranha Insurance Brokers)
WINNER: DIANE LANYON - ECOSURE
People’s Choice Award (Sponsor: Capricorn Enterprise)
WINNER: DR M’S QUIZZOLOGY SERVICES
Best Overall Business (Sponsor: Capricorn Enterprise and Capricornia Chamber of Commerce)
WINNER: JOHNSON’S 4WD REPAIR SHOP
CAPRICORN ENTERPRISE INDUSTRY GROUP
(Economic Development Committee)
Chris Bloxsom Butler Partners
Wayne Litherland
Babsuva Pty Ltd
Prue Saxby
Indigo Gold
Colin Strydom Design + Architecture
Jason Spence iAssist
Dean Phillips Master Builders Queensland
| 2023 - 2024
TOURISM MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Eloise Chaffers
Taylor Made Marketing
Sonia Tomkinson
Livingstone Shire Council
Tanya Lynch
Vue Wine Bar & Restaurant
Andrea Stokje Oshen Yeppoon
Callan Buccholz
Stage & Audio
Lauren Lever
Koorana Crocodile Farm
Kelly Harris
Great Keppel Island Hideaway
Brigid Clarke
Stay Yeppoon
(See previous page for full list of winners and sponsors)
Thank you for the opportunity to sponsor and be an entrant of the Best in Business Awards. It was such a great night when it came to recognition, awards and celebrating the successes of many. The interview process was thorough too and I appreciated the experience. The team had a great night and were excited to be there! There were even haircuts involved and new suits, which is how I know they knew it was a big deal that we were in the running!
Nyree Johnson | Owner
JOHNSON’S 4WD REPAIR SHOP – NOVEMBER 2023
“On behalf of my family and staff I want to thank Capricorn Enterprise sincerely for your incredible support that you have given us for another year. The work you do for our community is amazing and so much appreciated by our family and staff.
Ross O’Reilly | Owner
High Valley Dawn Permaculture Farm –DECEMBER 2023
The advocacy efforts of Capricorn Enterprise are at the forefront of our activities and are critical to the short, medium and long term prosperity of the Capricorn Coast Region.
2023-24
Research reveals that during 2023-24 local infrastructure projects valued at approximately $4.4 billion were under construction, in design phases or drawing to a conclusion across the region encompassing Livingstone and Rockhampton Regional Council areas. These projects, together with projects in the wider region, continue to provide opportunities for regional business and local workforce.
Capricorn Enterprise has been and will continue to work closely with project proponents and managers, in addition to local business and industry representatives to ensure local participation and content.
Keppel Bay Sailing Club Conference Centre
Capricorn Enterprise played a key role in helping to achieve the $20M federal government funding commitment for the Keppel Bay Sailing Club (KBSC) Conference Centre and Sporting Hub. Due to open in September 2024. [SEE IMAGE 5]
Surf Lakes Capricorn Coast Pty Ltd (SLCC) has an approved development application for a commercial wave park facility, accommodation and roadworks. In May 2024 the SL team shared new designs for their surf resort. They are currently in the process of capital raising, with a timeline that aims to see the facility completed in late 2025 (pending capital raised).
Capricorn Enterprise has assisted Surf Lakes Global founder, Aaron Trevis, since its inception in 2017 and continues to work closely with the SL marketing team. [SEE IMAGE 7]
Capricorn Enterprise has been a proactive, positive and consistent participant in the GKI (Wop-pa) Master Plan Project Reference Group which met over a period of two years culminating in the launch of the Great Keppel Island (Woppa) Concept Master Plan on the 23rd April 2024 by Minister for State Development and Infrastructure the Hon Grace Grace MP. [SEE IMAGE 1 & 3]
On the 13th May 2024, a second Native Title application “Woppaburra People #2 v State Minister” was filed with the Federal Court, for approx. 9.1029 sq km (9 lots and 1 part lot) on Great Keppel Island (Woppa), for what essentially covers the former (Tower Holdings) tourism leases including the old resort site, staff quarters, the bitumen runway and the former grazing lease which makes up the majority of the island. The news broke on Sat 22nd June by local newspaper CQToday.
Capricorn Enterprise seeks to ensure the expeditious implementation of the Great Keppel Island (Woppa) Concept Master Plan which will require the most appropriate non-exclusive land tenure to provide government and private investor confidence to commit to critical common user infrastructure and accommodation which also respects cultural, environmental and social values to realise a new era of sustainable tourism and investment on this magnificent island.
$25 Million was committed by the state government in 2017, and an additional $5 Million under the Better Building Regions fund which brought the total to $30 Million. About $4 Million was spent by the Department of Tourism to investigate power and sewerage options to Great Keppel Island, as well as conducting ‘community consultation’ pre-covid.
When the master plan was launched in April 2024, budget allocation was confirmed for:
$10.1 M for new wastewater treatment plant and amenities block to be delivered by Livingstone Shire Council
$5 M for Gateway precinct
$5.5 M for new and upgraded boardwalks, walkways and signage
$500 K to Depart of Transport for technical studies for maritime access
$150 K to Woppaburra Land Trust for a cultural centre feasibility study
An additional $5 M was announced in the 2024/25 state budget for clean up work at the old resort site.
National economics consultancy firm AEC was engaged by Capricorn Enterprise in late 2023 to undertake an Economic Impact Assessment of the island, which revealed that one quarter of the Capricorn Coast’s tourism economy is generated because of Great Keppel Island, which increases to over 50 per cent with
the realisation of the GKI master plan vision. Visitors to the island generate $49.9 million in revenue for local businesses, which will increase by another $95.9 million with the implementation of the GKI master plan, bringing the total visitor spend to $145.8 million.
Tourism & Events Queensland Executives Famil
In February 2024, CE hosted TEQ Group Executive of Marketing Kim McConnie and Claire Sim, Trade Engagement & Distribution Director on their first visit to our region. Thank you to our industry partners who helped host this familiarisation tour –Capricorn Caves, Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary/Capricorn Dinosaur Park & Mini Golf, Ferns Hideaway, Castle Rock Farm, The Lookout Woodbury, Oshen Yeppoon, High Valley Dawn Permaculture Farm, Waterline Restaurant/KBM, Keppel Konnections, Great Keppel Island Hideaway, Funtastic Cruises – Kraken, Pumpkin Island [SEE IMAGE 2]
Familarisation Tour
In April 2024, Capricorn Enterprise hosted Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s CEO Brett Fraser, Accreditation Specialist Cindy Jones and Workforce Advisor Adam Stephen, who enjoyed a whirlwind tour through Rockhampton city and along the Capricorn Coast, including visits to St Aubins Village, Capricorn Caves and Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary, Great Keppel Island [SEE IMAGE 4]
GALTA Board Familarisation Tour
The Board of GALTA chose Yeppoon to hold their 2023 Annual General Meeting, enjoying a familiarisation of our destination during their stay. Capricorn Enterprise has been a member of GALTA for the past 2 years. [SEE IMAGE 6]
Capricorn Enterprise is continually advocating for projects, programs and funding that will benefit our local businesses. In 2023/24 we wrote a total of 25 support letters. The region had outstanding success receiving funding for 2 major projects in the Building Bush Tourism Fund;
- Hedlow Retreat: Infrastructure upgrades inc. water access
- Capricorn Caves: elevated walkway and high ropes caves exterior
Find more information on other successful grant recipients on page 27 >>
1 CEO Mary Carroll with Ms Fiona Simpson, Shadow Minister for Finance and Better Regulation, Shadow Minister for Integrity in Government, and Mr David Janetzki, Shadow Treasurer, Shadow Minister for Investment and Trade, Shadow Minister for Home Ownership meet at the Keppel Bay Marina
2 Leader of the Opposition the Hon Peter Dutton MP and Shadow Minister for Agriculture the Hon David Littleproud MP with CEO Mary Carroll at BEEF24 in Rockhampton
3 Ecotourism Australia, Livingstone Shire Council and Capricorn Enterprise at media launch of the Capricorn Coast Eco Destination Certification
4 Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) CEO Brett Fraser joins Young Tourism Leader Amy Harris (GKI Hideaway), Mindy Bambrick (Capricorn Caves), Krista Brown (Capricorn Enterprise), Alyssa Tate (Empire Apartment Hotel) and Zac Garven (Tourism Manager, RRC) at the Annual Careers Expo in Rockhampton
5 Member for Capricornia and Shadow Minister for Manufacturing the Hon Michelle Landry MP with Ms Fiona Simpson, Shadow Minister for Finance and Capricorn Enterprise CEO Mary Carroll at BEEF24 in Rockhampton
6 CEOs of the Southern Great Barrier Reef (SGBR) marketing alliance (Capricorn, Gladstone, Bundaberg regions) with Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) Chair Grant Hunt, TEQ CEO Trish O’Callaghan and Minister for Tourism and Sport Michael Healy MP
7 CEO Mary Carroll with Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women, the Hon Shannon Fentiman and Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities the Hon Mark Furner MP
8 CEO Mary Carroll and Mr David Crisafulli, Leader of the Opposition, Shadow Minister for Tourism at the Bush Summit in Rockhampton
9 Livingstone Shire Council (LSC) Mayor Adam Belot, Member for Keppel and Assistant Minister for Health and Regional Health Infrastructure Brittany Lauga, CE CEO Mary Carroll meet in Yeppoon with Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment the Hon Cameron Dick MP at the Annual State Budget address and presentation of the Central Queensland region action plan
10 Chairs and CEOs of the Southern Great Barrier Reef (SGBR) marketing alliance (Capricorn, Gladstone, Bundaberg regions) with Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) Chair Grant Hunt and TEQ CEO Trish O’Callaghan at TEQ’s ‘Mega’ Business Planning Week in Brisbane. Queensland’s 13 Official RTOs, along with LTOs and LGA’s heard from TEQ’s Senior Executive team
11 Australian Cruise Association (ACA) conference in Wollongong - GAPDL CEO Nicola Smith, ACA CEO Jill Abel, Shorex Australia James Coughlan, CE CEO Mary Carroll
Capricorn Enterprise has been working closely with Livingstone Shire Council over a two year period to complete the Capricorn Coast destination’s eco-certification application.
There are three levels of destination certification, being Nature Destination, Ecotourism Destination and Advanced Ecotourism Destination. The Capricorn Coast has successfully achieved ECOTOURISM DESTINATION, and has also addressed eight (8) of the nine (9) Advanced Ecotourism Criteria, to measure our practices against the highest level of sustainable tourism practices, positioning us to work toward seeking Advanced Ecotourism certification in the future.
There are approximately 90 criteria that must be met across a broad range of areas, including Destination Management, Nature and Scenery, Environment and Climate, Culture and Tradition, Social Well-being, Business and Communication and Ecotourism product development. This criteria is independantly audited.
[SEE IMAGE 2 - Auditor, Linda Cash on location]
Our current Ecotourism Accredited operators, largely supporting this program are Capricorn Caves, Pumpkin Island, High Valley Dawn Permaculture Farm, Keppel Dive, Freedom Fast Cats, Coral Inn Boutique Hotel and Great Keppel Island Hideaway.
The Capricorn Coast has become the fifth certified destination in Queensland and the 11th in Australia. The region has been proactive and transparent in sharing milestones along their sustainability journey, which expands beyond the tourism sector.
Ecotourism Australia are pleased to award ECO Destination Certification to the Capricorn Coast, who have been champions in their commitment to internationally recognised sustainable tourism standards. Strong support from all stakeholders has been instrumental in this achievement and it has been incredible to see passion, dedication and collaboration from the Council, Regional Tourism Organisation, Traditional Owners and local operators to reach the certification milestone.
Elissa Keenan | Chief Executive
Officer
ECOTOURISM AUSTRALIA – JUNE 2024
[SEE IMAGE 1]
Partnering with Drive Queensland allows us to leverage the strength of the drive market, increase visibility, access targeted marketing efforts, collaborate on promotions, and adapt to changing travel trends. These factors have contributed to the success and growth of the drive market to our region. This partnership provides:
• Promotion at Caravan & Camping Super shows, 4X4 Outdoor Shows and Expos.
• Inclusion in their marketing channels and platforms.
• Opportunity to participate in DQ Podcast
• Opportunity to supply footage for video reel displayed at consumer trade shows
• Distribution of brochures at DQ attended trade shows
• Editorial in Drive Queensland Publication
• Editorial on Drive Queensland Website
Capricorn Enterprise continued our partnership with Caravan Parks Association of Queensland in 2023/24. This partnership has been valued for over the past decade. The 2023 partnership included:
• A full-page advert in the 2024 Queensland Caravan Parks Directory
• The opportunity to be featured as the region of the week on our @CaravanningQueensland Facebook and Instagram pages twice in 2023 (audience in excess of 55,000 dedicated caravan and campers)
• An invitation to attend two Divisional meetings in region in 23/2024 and to provide an update to our member parks in this Division on our activities
• Preferential rates to attend the industry run caravan shows across Australia and/or the opportunity to send brochures which are distributed on the Caravanning QLD stands.
• Access to region specific caravan and camping data (including occupancy, RevPAR and ADR for caravan parks in our region subject to a minimum sample size)
• The chance to share information about our activities with CPAQ members through their communication channels.
Capricorn Enterprise continues to be proactive as a member of the Australian Cruise Association (ACA). Our membership enables us to attend conferences, and provide content for their website, newsletters and more.
The Australian Cruise Association is the co-operative marketing brand for the Australian and the Pacific region. The organisation is made up of 87 members and represents regional ports, national and state tourism agencies, shipping agents, inbound tour operators and companies dedicated to making the Australian Cruise Association region a major world class base and destination for cruise vessels.
During 2023/24 Capricorn Enterprise was a Member of:
• Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO) Network Queensland
• Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland (CCIQ)
• Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC)
• Caravanning Queensland
• Drive Queensland
• Queensland Master Builders
• GALTA
• Australian Institute of Company Directors (CEO – MAICD)
• Volunteering Queensland
• Queensland Information Centres Association (QICA)
• Fitzroy Basin Association (FBA)
• QICA (Qld Information Centre Association)
• CQUniversity R’ton Region Engagement Committee
• QLD Local Content Leaders Network (QLCLN)
• Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ)
• Austrade - Australian Government
• Local and State government departments
• State and Federal Ministers and Shadow Ministers
• Queensland Resources Council (QRC)
• Central Highlands Development Corporation (CHDC)
• Outback Queensland Tourism Authority (OQTA)
• Gladstone Area Promotion & Development Ltd (GAPDL)
• Bundaberg Tourism
• Tourism Australia
• Mount Morgan Promotion & Development (MMPAD)
• Capricornia Chamber of Commerce (CCC)
• Stanwell Community Partnership Fund
• Gladstone Engineering Alliance (GEA)
• Resource Industry Network (RIN)
• Australian Cruise Association Capricorn Enterprise liaised/partnered with:
• Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ)
• Regional Australia Institute (RAI) - Regional Australia Alliance (RAA)
• UQ Rural Clinical School
Capricorn Enterprise is committed to collaborating with our state partners to provide members with opportunities and training programs with tangible results which assist business to develop and grow.
EXPERIENCES MENTORING PROGRAM 4.0
The third round of TEMP commenced in May 2024. The two successful participants included Funtastic Cruises/Keppel Dive and Mount Hay Gemstone Tourist Park. The program provides operators with one-on-one mentor support over a 10-week period, equipping them with tools to reimagine their visitor experience and meet the evolving expectations of travellers. This program is developed by TEQ in partnership with Regional Tourism Organisations to choose suitable operators for the program. The TEMP program is offered at no expense to businesses and is valued at $2,100 per operator.
11 Capricorn Coast tourism operators took part in the Tourism Trade Ready Program (beginner and advanced levels) with Amanda Kruse from Success Matrix. The program, delivered in partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) and the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC), provided fundamental knowledge and essential resources to equip operators with the tools to trade effectively with the domestic and international marketplace.
Our Capricorn Coast operators who participated in this program are: Capricorn Caves, Freedom Fast Cats, Funtastic Cruises, Great Keppel Island Hideaway, Hedlow Retreat, High Valley Dawn Permaculture Farm, Kinka Palms Motel, Koorana Crocodile Farm, Oshen Yeppoon, Salty Lime Co.,Yeppoon Beach House.
The QTIC Annual Careers Expo held in partnership with CQUniversity at the Rockhampton southside campus was held on Wednesday 17th April. The event hailed record attendance by 84 school students from a number of schools including Rockhampton State High School, Glenmore State High School, St Ursulas, St Brendan’s and Yeppoon State High School. Tourism and Marketing Manager, Krista Brown was invited to sit on the panel to chat to students, along with other local tourism industry panelists, Alyssa Tate (Empire
Apartment Hotel), Amy Harris (Great Keppel Island Hideaway & QTIC Young Tourism Leader), Mindy Bambrick (Capricorn Caves) and Zac Garven (RRC). The Capricorn Caves, Busy at Work, QTIC, GKI Hideaway, Keppel Bay Sailing Club and Skyrings also had exhibitor stands on the day to assist students interested in forging a career in tourism and/or hospitality.
The Best of Queensland Experiences Program (BOQEP) is an innovative program that guides the Queensland tourism industry to deliver exceptional transformational experiences. The program is based on an independent set of criteria that incorporates online customer reviews, responds to consumer expectations, and reflects industry best practice. The Best of Queensland Experiences are assessed on an annual basis and operators must score a minimum of 80 out of a possible 100 points to receive BOQ status.
Fifty-nine (59) operators achieved Best of Queensland status across the Capricorn Coast region (including Rockhampton, Mount Morgan, Yeppoon, Emu Park and islands), with an average Review Pro GRI (global review index) scored of 88.4, an increase of .8 compared to 2023. Of those 59 operators achieving Best of Queensland status, fourteen (14) operators have achieved a Best of Queensland perfect score of 100/100:
Capricorn Caves (3 products)
Coral Inn Boutique Hotel
Discovery Parks – Coolwaters Yeppoon
Holiday Park
Edge Apartment Hotel
Empire Apartment Hotel
Great Keppel Island Hideaway
Keppel Dive & Water Sports
Mt Morgan Historical Railway Museum
NRMA Capricorn Yeppoon Holiday Park
Rockhampton Serviced Apartments
Tasman Fisherman’s Beach Holiday Park
The Coast Motel
One (1) Capricorn operator received a perfect Review Pro GRI score (based on customer reviews) of 100: Keppel Explorer.
Two (2) operators which received 100 out of 100 points in the Best of Queensland Experiences Program also had a Review Pro GRI score (based on customer reviews)
above 95: Keppel Dive & Water Sports and Freedom Fast Cats
Congratulations to the following BOQ qualifiers...
Archer Park Rail Museum
Beaches On Lammermoor
Beachside Holiday Caravan Park
Capricorn Caves
Capricorn Caves - Accommodation
Capricorn Caves - Tours
Capricorn Dinosaur Mini Golf Yeppoon
Coffee House Apartment Motel
Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary
Coral Inn Boutique Resort
Cruisey With A Chance Of Whales Tour
Discovery Parks - Coolwaters, Yeppoon
Discovery Parks - Rockhampton
Dreamtime Cultural Centre
Echelon Apartments Yeppoon
Edge Apartment Hotel
Empire Apartment Hotel
Ferns Hideaway Resort
Freedom Fast Cats
Freedom Fast Cats - Wild Duck Water Taxi
Funtastic Cruises
Great Keppel Island Hideaway
Great Keppel Island Holiday Village
Gumnut Glen Cabins Yeppoon
Island View Caravan Park
Keppel Bay Marina
Keppel Bay Sailing Club
Keppel Dive & Water Sports
Keppel Explorer
Keppel Konnections
Keppel Konnections GKI Day Trip
Kinka Palms Motel
Koorana Crocodile Farm
Mount Hay Gemstone Tourist Park
Mount Morgan Historical Railway Museum
NRMA Capricorn Yeppoon Holiday Park
Oshen Holiday Apartments - Yeppoon
Poinciana Tourist Park
Riverston Tea Rooms
Rockhampton Leagues Club
Rockhampton Serviced Apartments
Rosslyn Bay Resort
Sail Inn - Yeppoon
Salt Apartments
Shell World Yeppoon
Southside Holiday Village
St Aubins Village
Surfside Motel Yeppoon
Tasman Holiday Parks - Fisherman’s Beach
The Coast Motel
The Singing Ship
The Waterline Restaurant
Villa Mar Colina Holiday Apartments
+ 6 non CE members properties
On Friday 20th of October Sunwater hosted a visit to Rookwood Weir for Capricorn Enterprise and our industry guests.
Sunwater’s Jay Merritt hosted the tour and provided insights into the innovative engineering techniques that were used to build the weir, as well as the environmental safeguards developed to protect the river and its ecosystems. This includes the fish lock, a first-of-kind multi-level mechanical fish passage with features for effective fish attraction, and the turtle passage, supporting movement of six species, including critically endangered White-throated Snapping Turtle and vulnerable Fitzroy River turtle.
A big thank you to Sunwater for allowing our group to see the scale and complexity of the weir supporting our agriculture, industry, and communities
Major projects have made commitments with respect to local industry participation (ranging from 65% up to 80%), with Capricorn Enterprise advocating for local business involvement.
The construction of the nearly $400M Rookwood Weir proposal had the funding support of both Federal and State Governments. The Rookwood Weir site is approximately 66 km south west of Rockhampton on the Fitzroy River and is now complete. Capricorn Enterprise worked with the project proponents to inform the region of the opportunities presented by this project. [SEE IMAGES]
Clarke Creek Energy was acquired by Squadron Energy, owned by Tattarang which is Andrew Forrest’s private investment company. Squadron Energy is constructing the Clarke Creek Wind Farm located 150 km north-west of Rockhampton and 150 km south of Mackay in the Isaac and Livingstone Shire areas. The Clarke Creek Wind Farm team has now erected 18 wind turbines with another 19 well underway.
Stage One (400-500MW) is anticipated to be fully operational in 2024. Much of the supply chain resources are being sourced from Mackay and Rockhampton regions, with an estimated 220 construction jobs and 20-25 operational FTE. Tower component deliveries have been shipped monthly to Gladstone Port consisting of components and accessories to construct eight turbines. Oversize overmass (OSOM) transport movements have been leaving Gladstone Port overnight and arriving at the site between 5am – 7am.
When completed the Clarke Creek Wind Farm will be the largest wind farm project in the southern hemisphere; project investment around $3.0 billion; incorporating 100 Goldwind turbines totaling 450MW; 346.5MW section supplying Stanwell Corporation under Power Purchase Agreement; projected injection of over $100 million into the local and regional economy during construction.
Capricorn Enterprise continued to liaise with the defence industry and major project proponents for the Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area and the Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiatives Facilities Project to ensure local businesses and industry maximised their opportunities to be involved. When the ASMTI reaches maturity, up to 14,000
Singapore Armed Forces personnel will conduct unilateral training for up to 18 weeks a year for 25 years.
SWBMTA - ASMTI Project: Major construction works are forecast to be completed at Shoalwater Bay Training Area in 2024 with the construction of facilities and infrastructure at Shoalwater Bay Training Area completed with minor variations being finalised. Construction work at Camp Tilpal is also complete and provides dormitory style accommodation for up to 1,520 personnel, with tented accommodation slabs for surge capacity. Defence has formally declared the expansion area as a ‘Defence Area’. This declaration will establish controls to ensure public safety and enable the successful conduct of Defence activities and exercises.
The Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline is a $983 million project to address the single source water supply risk from Awoonga Dam and enable long-term water security for GAWB’s customers. The pipeline will also support future water for Gladstone’s emerging hydrogen and renewables industry.
McConnell Dowell BMD Joint Venture (MBJV) has been appointed as the construction contractor. Once constructed, the pipeline will be owned and managed by Gladstone Area Water Board. Major construction has commenced in Rockhampton with 26km of pipes laid and a laydown area and workers camp operational. A total spend of $90 million has been allocated for the Gladstone and Rockhampton regions; as of the end of December 2023, $54.1 million has been spent within the Gladstone and Rockhampton region, and a further $81.1 M spent within Queensland. The new pipeline is to be completed in 2025/26.
Capricorn Enterprise continues to work with MBJV and local company and Member CQG Consulting to assist businesses and the community to learn more about the project and / or participate in the procurement packages.
Yeppoon to Rockhampton road upgrade underway - $64 committed by the Federal Government and $16 million by the State Government. The Road is a regional road
linking the Capricorn Coast, including tourist locations, such as Great Keppel Island to Rockhampton and beyond. The contract was awarded to Civil Mining Construction (CMC) in April 2023 and construction commenced in June 2023.
Both the state and federal governments are committed to delivering the $1.73 billion ($1.2 B Australian government, $530 M Queensland government) Rockhampton Ring Road project with early works underway, including service relocations and activities, to ready the road corridor alignment for construction. A new 14.7km ring road will be delivered with a total of 17.4km of new road being constructed.
Construction on this first phase of the project commenced in November 2023 with completion expected mid-late 2025.
Key features:
• New crossing of the Fitzroy River between Pink Lily and Kawana.
• Reduced congestion and improved safety through the city by providing an alternative route for heavy vehicles.
• Improved connectivity to key facilities, services and precincts within the Rockhampton region.
• Continued access to the road network during major flooding.
Following community consultation, including advocacy by Capricorn Enterprise and other industry organisations, the Australian and Queensland governments agreed to commence the first construction phase of the Rockhampton Ring Road in 2023.
At the end of June 2023, contracts were awarded to Bielby-BMD Joint Venture (North Package 1) and Acciona-Fulton Hogan Joint Venture (South Package 1).
Capricorn Enterprise participated on the Rockhampton Ring Road Business Advisory Group, established to provide a collaborative and centralised forum for TMR and key local business stakeholders to share information and ideas that contribute to economic and social legacy outcomes related to construction impacts. The objectives of the group include delivering more local jobs; providing enhanced local training and development opportunities; reducing the reliance on a fly-in-fly out workforce; and improving local accommodation outcomes.
19th October 2023
The 2023 Capricorn Enterprise Annual Major Projects and Industry Forum is the premier industry forum in the region, bringing together key industries and developments to highlight major industry and projects
- 13 speakers/topics and 130 attendees. Proudly sponsored by Frenchville Sports Club and MRAEL, the event brought together leaders from across a spectrum of industries to present on current topics, future industry trends and new economic opportunities.
With approximately $4.4 billion invested or proposed in the local area over the ensuing five years, 2023’s Forum highlighted the extent of projects, key regional strengths and importantly how regional business and industry groups can benefit from our strategic location and abundant natural resources as well as diverse insights into other major industry in our region.
The audience valuable information from a range of guest speakers including:
• Gene Tunny, Adept Economics
• Mick Crowe, Bravus Mining and Resources
• Peter Trim, Department of Transport and Main Roads
• Jay Merritt, SunWater
• Dr Phillip Moulds, The Rockhampton Grammar School
• Dr Emma McCahon, Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service
• Michael Thomson, CQUniversity
• Dr Vicki Richmond, Fitzroy Community Hospice
• Kim Hetherington, Construction Skills Queensland
• Christina Green, Energy Queensland
• Dr Brendan McAvoy, Squadron Energy
• Peter Woodall, Stanwell Corporation
• Ben Hillier, Central Queensland Power
Based on CSQ’s projections, there will be labour demand of 6900 construction workers in the region to deliver the pipeline of major projects. That level is approximately 2.5 times more than the amount we’ve seen in previous years.
Kim Hetherington, Director - Industry Development & Capability
CONSTRUCTION SKILLS QUEENSLAND – OCTOBER 2023
Capricorn Enterprise values its extensive networks and partnerships which result in critical growth for the region.
Regular engagement with LSC Strategic Growth Team and Consultants on major projects including the Capricorn Coast Homemaker Centre, The Gateway Industrial Area, The Station (The old Railway Station site), Great Keppel Island, Keppel Bay Sailing Club Conference Centre, Surf Lakes Yeppoon, future accommodation infrastructure, eco-tourism and other opportunities.
On 18th June 2024, the Capricorn Coast achieved Eco Destination Certification at the Ecotourism level. This program is a close partnership between Livingstone Shire Council, Capricorn Enterprise, community groups and Ecotourism Certified operators. The six themes of this accreditation are; Destination Management, Nature and Scenery, Evironment and Climate, Culture and Tradition, Social and Well-being, Business and Hospitality.
Mentoring with ‘Regionality’ Capricorn Enterprise members (bold) along with other local agri businesses participated in this 6 month program to assist farms to explore the options of diversifying their farming.
Sleipner Station, Dynamic Eggs, Daly Creek Tropicals, Cap Coast Veggies, Veronika Zell & Prof John Rolfe, Reef Distillers, Lush Lychees (RRC LGA).
Rockhampton Regional Engagement Committee
9 August 2023 22 November 2023 21 March 2024
End Loneliness Project
12 July 2023 12 october 2023
30 November 2023 26 February 2024 18 April 2024
BRAVUS MINING
Consultation on Sustainability Materiality Assessment – 7th September 2023.
The network provides the opportunity for experienced individuals from economic development organisations, local government and industry groups to share best practice initiatives on local content, industry participation, procurement and purchasing and regional development.
Meeting 2023-24: 4 August 2023
Energy Queensland (EQL) is currently implementing the Regulatory Determination Project (RDP) for Ergon Energy Network and Energex for the 202530 regulatory period. To facilitate customer and community participation in the 202530 Regulatory Determinations, EQL has established the Energy Queensland Reset Reference Group (the RRG).
The RRG is an independent advisory panel that has assisted EQL to work in partnership with stakeholders, customer representatives, customers and communities to effectively engage on a range of topics in the development of the Proposals. The aim is to deliver Proposals that reflect the long-term interests of customers in efficiently providing the services of most value to all consumers.
Energy Queensland Regulatory Reset Group: The RRG has now completed its Technical Report for submission to the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) in response to the Issues Paper issued by the AER in March. This report focused on the building block expenditure components and Tariff Structure Statements. This follows submissions to the AER evaluating the customer and stakeholder engagement efforts by the Energy Queensland team. A further program of customer engagement is now being planned in advance of the revised submissions due in November 2024.
Capricorn Enterprise was invited to participate on the RRG as part of its ongoing role as a member of EQL’s Customer and Community Council.
RRG meeting dates:
• RDP2025 – 31 July 2023
• Ergon Energy Voice of the Customer Panel –5-6 August 2023
• Network Pricing Working Group Workshop –8 August 2023
• Ergon Energy RDP – 9 August 2023
• Energex RDP – 10 Auguust 2023
• Customer Engagement – 12-13 August 2023
• Tariff Structure Meeting – 17 August 2023
• EQL Regulatory and Policy Committee – 18 August 2023
• Customer Engagement – 19-20 August 2023
• RRG Meetings – 23 Aug, 20th Sep, 4th Oct, 1st Nov, 29th Nov, 13th Dec, 18th Dec 2023, 15th Jan, 22nd Jan, 29th Jan, 5th Feb, 12th Feb, 19th Feb, 26th Feb, 4th March, 18th March, 25th March, 1st April, 8th April, 15th April, 22nd April, 29th April, 13th May, 20th May, 27th May, 5th June, 10th June, 24th June 2024.
• Customer Panel – 26-27 August 2023
• RRG Planning Day – 5 September 2023
• Stakeholder Forum –6 September 2023
• NPWG Meeting – 26 September 2023
• Energex 2025-30 Draft Plan – 3 October 2023
• Customer Focus Group – 21 October 2023
• Voice of Customer Panel – 28-29 October 2023
• RRG Planning Session – 17 November 2023
• Network Pricing Working Group – 23 November 2023
• Stakeholder Forum – 14 December 2023
• Energex Public Lighting Regulatory Submission & Smart Controllers – 28 February 2024
• Customer and Community Council – 29 February 2024
• EQL Briefing to RRG – 11-12 March 2024
• EQL Brieifing to RRG – 22 March 2024
• Regulatory and Investment Committee – 4 April 2024
• Network Pricing Working Group – 10 April 2024
• Public Forum – 11 April 2024
• Customer and Community Council meeting –17 April 2024
• Network Pricing Working Group meeting – 14 May 2024
• Customer and Community Council – 5 June 2024
• Regulatory and Investment Committee – 19 June 2024
Capricorn Enterprise CEO, Mary Carroll, is proud to be a committee member on the SPS Community Partnership Fund, which generously supports local community groups.
Through research and innovative projects, Capricorn Enterprise proactively assists our Members to explore local industry opportunities, linkages and networks that result in economic prosperity.
Economic Report:
Capricorn Enterprise produces a comprehensive biannual economic report for the Capricorn Coast and Rockhampton Region including statistical data on population, employment, business, industry, housing, education, and transport. An accompanying infographic summarising the report offers a snapshot of the region. Both documents are accessible online. Profiles of the Local Government Areas (Livingstone and Rockhampton) are also updated biannually, with a summary infographic available online.
Regional Profile & Statistics:
Short reports providing informative statistics about the Capricorn Coast and Rockhampton Region, including detailed demographic analysis, climate, dwellings, and labour force data. These reports are available online and updated annually.
Major Projects Report
This report summarises major projects across the region and local projects within the Livingstone and Rockhampton local government areas. It is updated annually and available on request to members.
Capricorn Enterprise offers data on request for members, media, investors, businesses, local government, and state agencies. We also provide guidance on locating, interpreting, and presenting data.
Available data included:
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS): Census data is available for suburbs, local government areas, regions, states, and the commonwealth. Other statistical data is also available for different areas, with tables comparing regions.
Regional profiles:
Detailed profiles for customised areas are produced using the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office (QGSO) portal. These profiles include comparison areas to support project work, grant applications, and community organisations.
Regional database:
Specific data tables for statistical areas within Queensland are produced. The QGSO database provides data from various sources, including the ABS, Rental Tenancy Authority, and the Department of Natural Resources.
• Engineering Leadership – 2 August 2023
• The Shelter Collective ARC20 Project Open Day – 24 August 2023
• Stanwell Power Station visit –28 August 2023
• Economic Development Taskforce Meeting – 7 September 2023
• Biogas introduction – 8 September 2023
• Livingstone Shire Council Agritourism Development presentation –13 September 2023
• Bravus meetings –13 and 28 September 2023
• DAF Visit – 29 September 2023
• Bravus Lead meet and greet –29 September 2023
• CQ Network – 9 October 2023
• NBN Webinar – 17 October 2023
• Sunwater site visit – 20 October 2023
• Queensland New-Industry Development Strategy Forum – 24 October 2023
• Mt Morgan Tailings Project –25 October 2023
• Regional Community Forum –6 November 2023
• Agritourism Roadmap presentation –with Regionality – 21 November 2023
• Queensland Treasury and Livingstone Shire Council meeting –28 November 2023
• Boomer Green Energy Hub launch –30 November 2023
• Parkhurst Elida Estate update –6 December 2023
• QGEM Meeting – 6 December 2023
• UQ Rural Clinical School Community Advisory Group – 13 December 2023
• Master Builders Australia meeting –16 January 2024
• AusIndustry meeting – 18 January 2024
• UQ Rural Clinical School Community Advisory Group – 31 January 2024
• Gladstone Area Water Board –1 February 2024
• CQ Regional Water Assessment Stakeholder Advisory Group meeting –21 February 2024
• Connecting Industry Luncheon –6 March 2024
• Nbn meeting – 14 March 2024
• 2024 Rockhampton District Skills, Training and Pathways Forum –15 March 2024
• TIQ Trade & Investment group meeting –19 March 2024
• Lunch and learn webinar: AEM –26 March 2024
• Fitzroy Community Hospice opening –20 May 2024
• Queensland Conservation Council and Capricorn – 21 May 2024
• Engineers Australia – 29 May 2024
• Small Business Disaster Recovery Workshop – 17 June 2024
• Queensland Budget breakfast –18 June 2024
Capricorn Enterprise Deputy Chair Bob Pleash and Director Kim Harrington inspect Carmichael Mine site.
Capricorn Enterprise is driving regional growth through collaborative campaigns with Tourism and Events Queensland, as well as through its own independent marketing efforts.
To the year ending March 2024, the Capricorn Coast and Rockhampton welcomed 817,000 domestic and international visitors staying 2,715,000 nights and spending $720 Million dollars. These Tourism Research Australia figures reflect a three (3) year trend change of 5.2% in domestic visitors, 3.5% in visitor nights and 22% in visitor expenditure.
Capricorn Enterprise manages a diverse suite of social media pages on platforms including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. By consistently focusing on quality content and engaging with public sentiment, we have significantly improved our social media outcomes for the 2023/24 year. Reach, engagement, and follower counts have increased across all platforms, with a total of 130,773 followers across all platforms. [SEE IMAGE 5]
Capricorn Enterprise has an ever-growing group of subscribers for our leisure based Visit Capricorn newsletter. Information is distributed to a database of 9723 email addresses. The newsletter aims to promote sign ups and provide content on local/ insider tips for holidays, as well as operator deals. This is delivered approximately 3-4 times per year.
VisitCapricorn.com.au received a full site refresh in June 2024. The refresh migrated the site to an updated CMS allowing greater flexibility within the site. This site continues to be a highly effective foundation for all marketing efforts. A significant part of our weekly marketing activities is to ensure the Capricorn Coast region tourism product and destination information is up to date and ‘on point’. We create content that is relevant and sought after, with the support of commissioned bloggers, content creators and travel writers. The past year has welcomed 118,000 unique visitors to our regional tourism destination site. [SEE IMAGE 4] Our corporate website CapricornEnterprise. com.au has received approximately 47,000 unique visits throughout 2023/24.
Capricorn Enterprise provides continuous support to members needing help with their ATDW listings and manages over 52 landmark, attraction, and journey listings on behalf of the region. ATDW is a critical asset to all marketing plans and should be utilised by all tourism and hospitality operators.
Capricorn Enterprise oversees three roadside billboards situated in Marlborough, Parkhurst, and Yeppoon. Positioned along the Pacific Coast Touring Route, these billboards aim to capture the attention of travellers, encouraging them to extend their stay in our destination. This strategy is designed to boost overnight visitor spending.
Curtis Island/Cape Keppel Beach Famil (August 23)
The Capricorn Enterprise marketing team spent two nights at Cape Keppel Beach, Curtis Island to provide feedback on the visitor experience prior to the official public launch. After flying to Curtis Island the team experienced both levels of accommodation available and undertook the CE marketing annual planning/strategy day, guiding our upcoming activities for the remainder of 2023/24. [SEE IMAGE 6]
The Capricorn Coast was represented by Eloise Chaffers in Sydney at the annual Trade Travel Expo. With 139 attendees, representing 66 Probus Clubs (professional business) in total, the day comprised of 25 face to face “speed date” style, 13-minute appointments. Eloise presented the current Trade Travel Capricorn Coast itinerary, which includes 5 nights’ accommodation with Rosslyn Bay Resort, and experiences inc. Koorana Crocodile Farm, Capricorn Caves, Ferns Hideaway Resort, Nob Creek Pottery, Footlights Theatre Restaurant. [SEE IMAGE 2]
In 2024, Capricorn Enterprise partnered with our fellow Queensland Regional Tourism Network partners, Tourism and Events Queensland, Drive Queensland and Caravanning Queensland to promote our state and destinations to southern visitors at six 2023/24 Caravan and Camping Shows and 4x4 Outdoor Shows in South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. Local volunteer representation from the Capricorn Coast Visitor Information Centre attended shows in Sunshine Coast, Melbourne, Sydney, Cairns, Townsville and Brisbane. [SEE IMAGE 1 & 3]
2024 Caravan and Camping Shows
14-18 Feb STH AU Super Show (27,257) 21-25 Feb Victoria Super Show (43,517) 1-3 March Gold Coast Expo (11,620) 15-17 March Brisbane 4X4 (22,679) 16-21 April NSW Super Show (44,515) 10-12 May Cairns Expo (10,631) 17-19 May Townsville Expo (11,635) 24-26 May Mackay Expo (12,625) 4-9 June QLD Super Show (32,199) 23-25 August Melbourne 4X4
Successful grants received by CE Members, following our letters of support.
6 Access Starter Grants ($5K each)
Great Keppel Island Hideaway, High Valley Dawn, Keppel Dive & Watersports, Keppel Konnections, The Salty Lime Co.
2 Access Project Grants (between $50K and $250k) – 28 recipients sharing $4.45M Capricorn Caves (wheelchair accessibility upgrades to 60 metre caves walk & kiosk toilets)
Great Keppel Island Watersports (Purposedesigned and built wheelchair accessible vessel & beach matting)
5 Boosting Accessible Tourism Experiences Grants (82 QLD Projects sharing $1.15M)
Capricorn Caves (development of virtual reality experience)
Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary (Wheelchair accessible pathway and ramping)
Funtastic Cruises (accessibility improvements to tourism vessels)
Hedlow Retreat (construction of accessible paths around accommodation and marquee) The Salty Lime Co (concrete footpaths for wheelchair access)
The 2024/25 Visitor and Lifestyle Guide is intended for tactical use to disperse visitors throughout our region and increase their length of stay.
With BEEF24 in mind, this edition was designed to share more Rockhampton Region experiences, and the print run has increased by a massive 20,000 copies (60,000 total print run) to meet the increase in visitation during the international event in May.
The range of content included, positions the guide in great stead as a true and accurate summary of our entire Capricorn Coast region, spanning from Stanage Bay to Keppel Bay and the townships in between including Yeppoon, Emu Park, Rockhampton, Mount Morgan, Byfield, Keppel Sands, The Caves and Stanage Bay.
Krista Brown | Tourism & Marketing Manager
CAPRICORN ENTERPRISE – MARCH 2024, on the 2024/25 Capricorn Coast Region Visitor & Lifestyle Guide
Capricorn Enterprise continued our agreement with the Australian Traveller Magazine to ensure the region had an ongoing presence in this leading publication.
Australian Traveller’s ‘100 emerging destinations’ campaign, featuring Great Keppel Island received 2693 unique visitors to an online article and 204 click throughs to operators.
The Magazine has a print readership growth of 57% Y-O-Y and 168,000 readers each quarterly issue making them the fifth fastest growing magazine in Australia.
‘Queensland’
Capricorn Enterprise secured a full page in the 24/25 ‘Queensland’ HelloWorld brochure – which has the widest distribution of any Australian or New Zealand wholesaler! The space was dedicated to promoting Great Keppel Island/associated trade ready products.
The acquisition of Express Travel Group saw HLO’s network increase by approximately 400 agents (20%) across Australia and Zealand, resulting in a lot more stores carrying this brochure range.
Capricorn Enterprise has continued its annual partnership with the Caravan Association of Queensland. As part of this, we supply a full-page advert in the directory promoting all of our Caravan Park members. This directory has a print run of 150,000 copies distributed to over 800 outlets in Queensland and Nationally.
Capricorn Enterprise placed two adverts in the Drive Queensland 2023 Map. This was a must have travel companion for visitors embarking on their Queensland driving adventure. 40,000 copies were distributed throughout Visitor Information Centres in QLD, VIC, NSW and the Caravan & Camping Super Shows plus the 4X4 Outdoor Super Shows.
We also purchased a 1/3 page advert to complement our regional content in this 2024 brochure. This has a print run of 50,000 copies.
Over the past 12 months, Capricorn Enterprise produced a range of quality printed marketing brochures and maps, and ensured they were broadly distributed locally and nationally at key locations including accredited Visitor Information Centres in Queensland, through travel and trade shows, as well as being available electronically on www.visitcapricorn.com. au.
Our current suite of printed or downloadable collateral includes:
- Capricorn Coast Region Visitor Guide
- Great Barrier Reef Drive Brochure
- Great Keppel Island Map
- Capricorn Coast Street Directory
- Road Trips and Drive Journey
- Taste Capricorn Coast Map
- Capricorn Tourism Trade Manual
I recently had the pleasure of returning to Queensland’s Capricorn Coast to promote the region on Nine’s ‘Today’ breakfast television program. Since 2020, I have had the pleasure of working alongside Mary Carroll and her small but mighty Capricorn Enterprise team.
In the lead up to each visit, Mary has worked closely with the Nine production team coordinating the most appropriate content to highlight – including small business, tourism options and local success stories.
During our numerous visits, Mary has gone above and beyond to accomodate the entire Nine crew, providing warm hospitality and experiences that are enjoyable, both professionally and personally.
Mary Carroll and the Capricorn Enterprise team are wonderful and powerful representatives for the region, the key to that being their excellent relationships with operators and community members, forged over many years.
The value of those relationships has been proved many times, with the need for last minute pivoting and production changes – which Mary is always able to navigate with ease.
As someone who visits regions across Australia and around the world on near-daily basis, it’s always an enjoyable experience returning to the Capricorn Coast.
I look forward to continuing my working relationship and resulting friendship with Mary and her team, for many years to come.
Tim Davies | Weather Presenter Channel 9 TODAY– APRIL 2024
During the year, Capricorn Enterprise commissioned and hosted a large number of television shows and supported many others to showcase the destination to the nation.
These included:
Getaway (Channel 9)
2 x Stories
Capricorn Enterprise commissioned David Whitehill, presenter on Ch 9’s Getaway to produce two stories in our region to promote the Dig The Tropic trail. The stories were filmed in September and aired in 2024, featuring:
Miners Heritage
New Royal Hotel Rubyvale
Rubyvale Gem Gallery
Mount Hay Gemstone Tourist Park
Capricorn Caves
The first story, featuring Miners Heritage, New Royal Hotel Rubyvale, Rubyvale Gem Gallery and Mount Hay Gemstone Tourist Park aired on Saturday 11 May 2024.
Reel Destinations (Channel 9)
1 x Story
Commissioned by Capricorn Enterprise, the crew from Channel 9’s Reel Destinations spent time in Keppel Bay during October 2023, discovering some of the best, and most accessible fishing spots on the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Hosts Dyllon Schulz and Ben Wilson wet their lines amidst the magical weather conditions over the weekend, preparing to showcase our fishing paradise to the nation. From estuarine creeks, reef and ocean fishing, the Capricorn Coast destination offers a variety of options for experienced and amateur fishers.
Queensland Weekender (Channel 7) 2 x Stories
Filming two separate stories, presenter Chris Parsons and his talented crew from Channel 7’s Queensland Weekender spent three days in March exploring our destination, gathering content to promote sustainability and Island adventures on the Capricorn Coast.
Filming took place with Reef Distillers, High Valley Dawn Permaculture Farm, Keppel Bay Marina, Funtastic Cruises and Great Keppel Island Hideaway. Sustainability story featuring Reef Distillers and High Valley Dawn Permaculture Farm aired on Sunday 21 April. [SEE IMAGE 2 & 4]
An Island Adventure story featuring Great Keppel Island Hideaway and Funtastic Cruises aired on Sunday 28 April.
[SEE IMAGE 7]
My Way (Channel 9) 6 x Stories
Channel 9’s My Way returned again in 2023/24, commissed to air six stories. The crew filmed in region from Sunday 29th October to Friday 3rd November, capturing stories of the following operators:
Amit Rana (Trufusion Restaurant)
[SEE IMAGE 3]
Phil Hore (Time Safaris Tours)
[SEE IMAGE 6]
Kaye and Garyth Walpole (Footlights Theatre Restaurant)
Bill Gannon (Out There Co.)
Carl Legrose (Crimson Finch Brewery)
Amanda Rickard (Stir & Stitch)
Freedom Fast Cats (filmed late 2022) aired on 22nd October 2023, with Max Allen Snr taking viewers on an eco-journey across the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
The TODAY Show (Channel 9) weather crosses
Smiling at crocodiles at Koorana Crocodile Farm, daydreaming at the Southern Great Barrier Reef’s gateway Keppel Bay Marina, experiencing the speed of Funtastic Cruises Kraken Adventure, and indulging in relaxing vibes at Great Keppel Island Hideaway, Channel 9’s TODAY Show returned to our diverse and welcoming destination. [SEE IMAGE 5 & 7]
With weather presenter, Tim Davies, back on the land he loves with his talented crew, the Capricorn Coast and Southern Great Barrier Reef was proudly showcased to the national audience across the three days. Publicity value for this show is approximately $630,000 per day.
Several proud community members and other local businesses joined the live crosses, including St Ursula’s College students and Reef Distillers
Escape Fishing with ET (Channel 10)
Escape Fishing with ET kicked off Series 25, with our beautiful Keppel Bay the backdrop for some impressive catches! Taking a RAM road trip to the Capricorn Coast, ET embarked on an epic angling adventure with seasoned anglers Chef Paul Breheny, and local experts Dean and Graham, on the hunt for Largemouth Nannygai. Former Chair of Capricorn Enterprise and avid fisherman, Graham Scott once again provided his local knowledge alongside ET, ensuring the crew experienced the very best that our destination has to offer. Launching from Keppel Bay Marina at Rosslyn Bay, the crew were treated to a once in a lifetime experience, with an inquisitive whale shark dropping by to say hello! The episode was aired on Saturday 10th February.
(Channel 7) weather crosses
Channel 7’s weekend weather presenter James Tobin and his crew made a splash at Yeppoon Lagoon on Easter Saturday 30th March, showcasing our beautiful Capricorn Coast to their national audience.
Publicity value for this show is approximately $680,000 per day.
Proudly hosted and organised by Capricorn Enterprise, with special guests including Laureth Rumble from Reef Distillers/ Pumpkin Island, Kieron, Grant and Michelle from Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary, Adam Lever from Koorana Crocodile Farm, Mindy Bambrick from the Capricorn Caves, and Australian Idol talent Trent Richardson, the morning went off without a hitch as the stunning Keppel Bay backdrop made for awesome live television. [SEE IMAGE 1]
Capricorn Enterprise invested funds into a social campaign utilising the Southern Great Barrier Reef meta channels. This advertising (Dark Ad) targeted the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane (80km radius) with a ‘Winter Holiday’ message and the objective of driving visitation to a customised landing page on VisitCapricorn. com.au. This campaign commenced on Wednesday 15th May 2024 and continued for 2 weeks. The content utilised for this was a series of static images, along with 2 x Destination Videos.
The results were very encouraging:
Link Clicks: 9, 837
Reach: 315,676
Impressions: 767,374
The Village Festival committee engaged Capricorn Enterprise for a one month (July 23) co-operative marketing opportunities for the 2023 event. Capricorn Enterprise offered the Village Festival access to our Visit Capricorn social platforms to run a series of targeted advertising. The advertising was paid for by the Village Festival and in return they were able to access the Visit Capricorn audience and advertising learnings from the two previous Bonza social media campaigns.
The Dig the Tropic Reimagined Project was designed to re-invigorate and build upon the original success of the ‘Dig the Tropic Geo Tourism Trail’ launched in 2007, by elevating existing assets, updating products/ experiences along the trail and growing awareness and visitation through a targeted media and marketing campaign. The project was made possible via Tourism and Events Queensland’s Contestable Funding program via the Queensland Government. Capricorn Enterprise partnered with Central Highlands Development Corporation and Outback Queensland Tourism Authority. The project was led by Capricorn Enterprise and was rolled out across 2023/24.
1. NEW WEBSITE:
The website was completely rebuilt: www.digthetropic.com.au to incorporate contemporary imagery. The old website was not only out of date but had broken links and wasn’t functioning properly. The new website went live in late January and has received 4.1k unique visitors up to 30 June 24.
2. TELEVISION SHOWS:
Due to fantastic relationships with production companies, we were able to film 3 Television shows, two of them to a National audience with Ch9 Getaway, the other with Ch7 Qld Weekender:
Ch9 Getaway – Dig The Tropic (from reef to outback) featuring: Mount Hay Gemstone Tourist Park and Sapphire Gemfields (Rubyvale Gem Gallery, Miners Heritage, New Royal Rubyvale Hotel) https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=hzXZxsqcuuY – 546 views to 8th July (aired Saturday 11th May 2024)
Ch7 Qld Weekender – Dig The Tropic – Muttaburra (Muttaburrasaurus centre), Age of Donosaurs (Winton), Ilfracombe thermal spa, Longreach (staying at Mitchell Grass Retreat) https://www.facebook.com/ watch/?v=1490731218199154 – 14,000 plays to 8th July (aired Sunday 9th June 2024)
Ch9 Getaway – Dig The Tropic – featuring Capricorn Caves and Capricorn Dinosaur Park Yeppoon – airing Sat 14th Sep 2024 (filmed and produced in September 2023, but airing delayed due to programming)
3.
Our social media campaign managed by Dentsu achieved great results on the three channels of Experience Outback, Central Queensland Highlands and Visit Capricorn Coast. The campaign delivered in full with 4,064 clicks and 237,188 impressions, and received over 65,482 unique users. Overdelivering on goals this brought the final CPC below forecasted to a healthy $3.29 and delivered an additional $836 of campaign value. In terms of creative the Footprint and Dinosaur received the best engagement of 2.34% CTR and 2.3% CTR respectively.
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Following the success of the ‘Queensland is calling’ campaign in 2023, TEQ launched the next phase of the campaign across a number of platforms including radio, digital, out of home, press and social media in both Australia and New Zealand.
It also stepped up its conversion focus with a significant, high-impact tactical sale period which launched early September 2023. Queensland is Calling targets those who know and love Queensland (familiarity seekers), as well as spotlighting new experiences for consumers who think they have ‘been there, done that’.
TEQ partnered with a range of trade and aviation partners across Australia and New Zealand to convert the strong intention for Queensland, driving dispersal across the state and delivering incremental bookings to Queensland. Trade partners included Luxury Escapes, Accor, MyQueensland, Helloworld and House of Travel.
Integrated within the ‘Queensland is Calling’ campaign, TEQ launched a dedicated $1 million marketing campaign to drive awareness of accessible tourism, grow advocacy and position Queensland as an accessible and inclusive destination of choice. This campaign ran in partnership with Expedia. Capricorn Enterprise members were encouraged to update their accessiblity information on Expedia and ATDW to ensure inclusion in this campaign.... ‘Queensland is for Everyone’
119,324 movements through the event gates of BEEF2024, Rockhampton and Capricorn Coast region celebrated all things Beef in May. With visitors descending on the region from across the nation and around the world, Capricorn Enterprise launched their ‘Stay a Little Longer’ campaign in February 2024.
AI Campaign
The multilayer digital destination marketing campaign, curated by local business Adz Power Agencies, was aimed at increasing visitors’ length of stay before, during and after Rockhampton’s biggest celebration of the beef industry, Beef2024.
Placements included:
Premium Video – Videos embedded on key website blogs
SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand) or Streaming Services like Amazon, Prime, etc
BVOD (Broadcast Video on Demand) like 7Plus, TENPlay, etc
High Impact Digital Display – Static ads on targeted websites, social media, etc
Airport Advertising – Beef 2024
Capricorn Enterprise purchased advertising at the Rockhampton airport for a 9-week campaign starting in April 2024. The 15 second advert appeared on the digital network on 7 screens through the airport appearing at regular intervals. The advertising promoted the easy proximity of the Capricorn Coast to Rockhampton. Contracted plays – 185,136, Achieved plays – 187,011.
Google Adwords Campaign – Beef 2024
Capricorn Enterprise ran a Google adword campaign simultaneously with the BEEF24 Campaign. This campaign is charged based on how many consumers click the advert when it appears in the search results.
Results Summary:
Based on industry standards this ‘Awareness’ campaign was very successful. The campaign exposed our region to more than 1.3 million people. Our promotional video was watched in full by a total 183K people, with an average view through rate (VTR) of 65% (which is more than double that of the industry standard). Our objective was to get our creative assets in front of as many people attending BEEF24 as possible and educate them on the close proximity of the Capricorn Coast (to Rockhampton) for consideration as a future holiday destination and encourage repeat visitation with family and friends.
Examples of Animated Graphics used in the Beef2024 Campaign. These graphics were in a suite of three set. The other sets will utilise the images below.
Examples of Digital Advertising at Rockhampton Airport - Achieved plays – 187,011.
Screenshot of Commercial used in Ai placements (inc Premium Video, BVOD, SVOD & streaming services) - watched in full by a total 183K people.
The Unmissable Holiday Deals campaign was the next phase of TEQ’s major marketing campaign activity and ran in Australia and New Zealand from 5 February to 31 March 2024. TEQ rolled out a two-month deal push, with the focus on unmissable deals and the incredible value to be found in Queensland. Supported by a significant media buy, TEQ hosted compelling deals from Queensland’s tourism industry on Queensland.com. The Unmissable Deals campaign was strongly conversion-focused to bring more interstate visitors to Queensland, supporting our goal of holding the dominant share of Australia’s domestic holiday market.
TEQ’s biggest campaign in more than a decade launched in June – Queensland is Bluey’s world for real life. Bluey –Queensland’s homegrown, award-winning animated global TV phenomena - is broadcast and streams in 60+ countries, is the #1 kids show on Australian broadcast television and was the most-streamed kids show last year in the United States.
TEQ’s campaign doubles down on TEQ and Brisbane Economic Development Agency’s investment to market the Bluey’s World Brisbane immersive experience opening in November 2024 and showcases every single tourism region across the state like never before.
Bluey enjoys an incredibly strong family following so TEQ’s campaign targets families across Australia, New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan and Singapore. Queensland’s destinations feature throughout the campaign, driving inspiration to visit Bluey’s home state and working together with several significant trade and aviation partners to drive bookings.
The campaign aims to drive intention and then conversion into booked Queensland holidays. It will put Queensland in front of other globally competitive destinations and move travellers into the planning and booking phase.
The latest major tourism marketing campaign by Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) kicked off on Sunday 2 June and the Capricorn Coast destination had a starring role. Tourism industry representatives gathered at locations right around the state on June 2nd, playing a mega game of Keepy Uppy - inspired by one of Bluey’s favourite games where a balloon must be kept in the air as long as possible. The game was played at our iconic Yeppoon Lagoon, with plenty of families joining in to show off the best of the region. The event joined others around the state to form a mega game, while the Australian Book of Records declared a world record was set across multiple locations.
As part of Tourism and Event’s Queensland Global Campaign, Capricorn Enterprise created regional content as part of the launch. Appleton Studios was commissioned to assist with the creation of this ‘Keepy Uppy’ content. One and a half days of filming took place at: Yeppoon Lagoon Waterpark Creek Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary Capricorn Caves Rockhampton Riverbank Precinct Mount Archer Great Keppel Island
From this content we created 10 x 15 or 30 second edits for use on social media.
These videos were viewed on social platforms 8.7K times.
Capricorn Enterprise invested an additional $25K as part of this overall campaign to ensure the Capricorn Coast Region is significantly featured on Queensland.com and @queensland platforms. This paid activity will commence mid-July 2024 and run until mid-September 2024 and target Central Queensland, south to Northern NSW.
Mary and her team organised an unforgettable famil for our team to discover all of what the beautiful Capricorn Coast has to offer. She showed us around with dedication, passing on her passion for this region and making sure that we would meet all the operators that make it such a great travel destination!
We were already selling the Capricorn Coast to our clients but experiencing it by ourselves allowed us to discover new products, get fresh insights and leave with many insider’s tips to pass on to our travellers!
Céline Bourdonnais | Inbound Tour Operator
MY DREAM ADVENTURES – SEPTEMBER 2023
Interest from both domestic and international tourism trade continues to grow as more of our tourism operators undergo Tourism Trade Mentoring and as awareness for our destination gains momentum.
2023 Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE)
Capricorn Enterprise and the Southern Great Barrier Reef attended the 44th Australian Tourism Exchange 2024 (ATE24) in Melbourne following the ATE International Media Marketplace (IMM), with the two events collectively hosting more than 2,660 international and Australian based industry, who participated in over 50,000 meetings over five days (Sunday 19th to Thursday 23rd May)! [SEE IMAGE 1 - IMM]
ATE24 is Australia’s premier annual tourism sales event delivered by Tourism Australia and supported by all state tourism organisations and additional supporting partners, attracting over 1500 Australian sellers’ delegates and 700 buyer delegates from more than 30 countries across the globe. [SEE IMAGE 2,3,6]
The week of sales meetings and networking is a highlight in the annual tourism calendar, presenting an opportunity for our Southern Great Barrier Reef (SGBR) operators to present their tourism offerings to a global audience, particularly to our western markets including Europe/UK, America and New Zealand.
The double Southern Great Barrier Reef booth, represented by the three Regional Tourism Organisations (Capricorn Enterprise, Gladstone Area Promotion and Development and Bundaberg Tourism), provided an opportunity for tourism trade mentees who were attending ATE for the first time on day passes (Reef Distillers, Mantra Gladstone, 1770 Dive Spear & Snorkel, 1770 Reef Great Barrier Reef Tours, Kalki Moon Distilling Co.), while previous mentees and operators invested in their own booths and appointment schedules. Our representation was a record 13 booths from the SGBR plus our state and national brands exhibiting elsewhere at the event.
Capricorn Coast region booths included; SGBR (double booth),Great Keppel Island Hideaway, Empire/Edge Apartment Hotels, Funtastic Cruises and Keppel Dive (first time booth), Freedom Fast Cats (first time booth), Koorana Crocodile Farm (first time booth), Breeze Holiday Parks (featuring Carnarvon Gorge, Cania Gorge and Bargara).
Also representing properties across the SGBR were our colleagues from Dreamtime Resorts (Stay Yeppoon; (Salt, Echelon, Beaches on Lammermoor) and The Point Resort Bargara), Central Apartment Group (Rockhampton Riverside, 4 properties in Gladstone, 1770 Lagoons Resort, Emerald) and Anita Clarke Tourism (representing Hedlow Retreat).
Reef Distillers Yeppoon partnered with Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) to showcase their local gin and vodka products at the Queensland happy hour on the Wednesday evening. [SEE IMAGE 4]
Brisbane has been announced to host ATE25 from Monday 28th April to Thursday 1st May.
My Dream Adventures Capricorn Enterprise welcomed My Dream Adventures to our destination in September 2023. My Dream Adventures is a key ITO welcoming inbound French and Spanish visitors to Australia, with the Southern Great Barrier Reef destination in their sights to grow visitation.
A busy self-drive itinerary over 7 nights included Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast, Town of 1770/Agnes Water and Carnarvon Gorge. Hosted by Capricorn Enterprise for the first couple of days, an action-packed itinerary included key experiences at Mount Archer NP (Nurim Skywalk), Capricorn Caves, High Valley Dawn Permaculture Farm, Koorana Crocodile Farm, Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary, Shell World Yeppoon, Great Keppel Island Hideaway, Keppel Dive & Watersports. [SEE IMAGE 5]
Celine and Mathilde then headed to the Town of 1770 to experience 1770 LARC! Tours and 1770 Reef, before heading to Carnarvon Gorge where they were hosted by CG Wilderness Lodge, Big4 Breeze Holiday Park CG and CQ Nature Tours for a full day guided hike.
Aussie Specialist Famil (Post G’Day Australia Event)
Ten (10) key international travel agents from the UK, France and Italy visited our destination as part of their Southern Great Barrier Reef five day adventure, with a host from both Tourism Australia and Tourism and Events Queensland. Our three RTO’s (Capricorn, Gladstone, Bundaberg) and
our tourism industry operators were very grateful to be one of 30 familiarisation programs across Queensland thanks to TA and TEQ, to give travel agents first-hand knowledge and experience of the state.
Hosted by Capricorn Enterprise CEO Mary Carroll in their whirlwind visit to Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast section of the Southern Great Barrier Reef, the agents were absolutely wowed by the caves, city and country landscapes, magical coastline and village atmosphere, stunning reef and cruising the Keppels, delicious local produce, with some of them also squeezing in a very quick trip to Byfield rainforest. Thanks to CQ Connections, Capricorn Caves, Freedom Fast Cats Adventure Cruise, Great Keppel Island Hideaway, Vue Wine Bar & Restaurant, Waterline Restaurant/Reef Distillers, Lure Living and Oshen Yeppoon. The agents certainly departed wanting more and of course were briefed on many other experiences, with follow up always key in hosting any agents! [SEE IMAGE 1, P41]
Mikael Anderson - Australia Reisen
Mikael Anderson took part in a self-drive adventure from Brisbane to Cairns over 2 weeks. He visited Noosa, Fraser Island, Yeppoon/Great Keppel Island, Airlie Beach/ Hamilton Island, and Cairns. Mikael stayed at Oshen Yeppoon, before heading to Great Keppel Island for the day where Keppel Konnections and Great Keppel Island Hideaway hosted him. Mikael also enjoyed dinner at Vue Wine Bar and Restaurant. Australia Reisen from Norway send visitors our way, and want to send more, so this was an important, albeit brief, famil.
Head of Product for prominent Inbound Tour Operator (ITO) Goway Travel, Graziella Caruso, based in Sydney, visited our destination for 8 nights with her husband, John. Thanks to the following members who hosted Graziella during her stay: Pumpkin Island, Great Keppel Island Hideaway, Ferns Hideaway, Castle Rock Farm, Oshen Yeppoon, Koorana Crocodile Farm, Cooberrrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary, and Capricorn Caves. Time was also spent visiting Yeppoon Lagoon and enjoying Yeppoon’s coastal charm, Quay street and Victoria parade in Rockhampton. [SEE IMAGE 6 & 7, P41]
Sarah Radtke - House of Travel (New Zealand) [SEE IMAGE 5]
House of Travel, one of New Zealand’s leading travel wholesalers, conducted an extensive tour of the Southern Great Barrier Reef in May 2024, ahead of the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE24). This long-awaited famil, initially planned for 2020 but postponed due to COVID-19, saw Queensland Product Manager Sarah Radtke exploring key locations across the region.
Sarah visited and experienced the following during her visit: Nurim Circuit at Mount Archer National Park, Capricorn Caves, Keppel Konnections, Keppel Bay Marina, Great Keppel Island Hideaway, Freedom Fast Cats, The Waterline Restaurant, Centenary of ANZAC Memorial, Koorana Crocodile Farm, Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary, Byfield National Park, Castle Rock Farm, Vue Wine Bar & Restaurant, Wreck Point Lookout, High Valley Dawn Permaculture Farm/ Beaches Restaurant.
First time visitors to Rockhampton, Yeppoon and Great Keppel Island were wowed by the diversity of the Capricorn Coast region! Pacific House Travel (Germany) and Helloworld/AOT marketing and sales consultants were thrilled to arrive in our sub-tropical destination post ATE24 for a whirlwind visit to a diversity of experiences over three days.
Experiences included the Gardens Tearooms/ Botanic Gardens, City Tour, Mount Archer Nurim Circuit, Capricorn Caves, Keppel Dive, High Valley Dawn Permaculture Farm, Koorana Crocodile Farm, Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary, Yeppoon Lagoon. With thanks to hosted accommodation provided by Hedlow Retreat, Great Keppel Island Hideaway and Salt Yeppoon, our guests were buzzing with enthusiasm about the incredible diversity of our region in such a short geographical area.
[SEE IMAGE 7, P38]
Expedition cruising (i.e. smaller, boutique ships) will see 60 new ships built globally by 2028. These cruisers are even more likely to seek sustainable experiences which visit destinations offering boutique and authentic experiences which reflect the preservation of land, wildlife, people and culture of the local area. These expedition cruises complement the sustainability values of Keppel Bay and the Southern Great Barrier Reef, with opportunities here for on-shore excursions on both Great Keppel Island and the Capricorn Coast. Famils are the key to showcasing our region’s potential to this emerging market.
Intercruises Famil November 2023
Visiting from Sydney, a delegation from Intercruises, one of five (5) ground handling companies offering shore excursions to the Cruise industry in Australia, familiarised themselves with our destination in November 2023.
Hosted by CEO Mary Carroll, this famil was a direct outcome from attendance at the Australian Cruise Association conference in late August 2023. Capricorn Enterprise is pro-actively demonstrating that we have the right experiences to showcase to the Expedition (i.e. smaller) cruise liners like Silversea (OWNED BY ROYAL CARIBBEAN) to dock in Keppel Bay, tendering their passengers to both the mainland or Great Keppel Island on shore excursions. Thanks to our operators including: Freedom Fast Cats, Great Keppel Island Hideaway, Keppel Bay Marina, Capricorn Caves, Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary, Capricorn Dinosaur Park & Mini Golf, The Lookout Woodbury, Ferns Hideaway, Koorana Crocodile Farm, High Valley Dawn Permaculture Farm, Crimson Finch Brewery, Yeppoon Lagoon and foreshore precinct, Wreck Point Lookout, Centenary of ANZAC memorial walk Emu Park. [SEE IMAGE 3 & 4]
Shorex Australia 18 - 22 March 2024
James Coughlan, founder of Cruise ground handling company, Shorex Australia visited our destination for the first time in March 2024. Visiting from his Cairns base (flying direct BONZA Cairns to Rocky), Shorex Australia is one of five (5) ground handling companies offering shore excursions to the Cruise industry in Australia. James was extremely impressed by the natural beauty of Great Keppel Island and the variety of water activities on offer including Funtastic Cruises (Kraken), Keppel Dive and Freedom Fast Cats (glass bottom boat and tender service), Great Keppel Island Hideaway for meals and drinks. On the Capricorn Coast, experiences visited included Keppel Bay Marina, Capricorn Caves, Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary, Capricorn Dinosaur Park & Mini Golf, Ferns Hideaway, Koorana Crocodile Farm, High Valley Dawn Permaculture Farm and Yeppoon Lagoon. [SEE IMAGE 2]
I just wanted to say a massive thank you to Mary, Eloise and the suppliers we got to meet, for such a fabulous Famil and for showing us everything your spectacular region has to offer.
I really appreciated the opportunity to expand my knowledge on the region and network with the operators at The Capricorn Caves, High Valley Dawn, Koorana Crocodile Farm, Cooberrie Park, Hedlow Retreat, Salt Yeppoon and Great Keppel Island Hideaway. GKI was an absolute highlight for me and an experience I am so grateful to have experienced.
I have returned with a wealth of knowledge on the region and I can’t wait to start sending clients to the region knowing their experience will be one they won’t forget. I’m very much looking forward to returning!
Indygo Neale | Helloworld Travel – JUNE 2024
The Southern Great Barrier Reef destination branding and marketing is thanks to an ongoing strong collaboration by the three regional tourism organisations in the Capricorn, Gladstone/1770 and Bundaberg regions (Capricorn Enterprise, GAPDL and Bundaberg Tourism) working in partnership with the local tourism industry, Tourism and Events Queensland and Tourism Australia.
This partnership focuses on both interstate destination marketing and international marketing. Some of the regular activities include:
- Quarterly SGBR Tourism Trade eNewsletter (over 2K subscribers). [SEE IMAGE 1] Capricorn Enterprise is responsible for the planning, collation and distribution of the Southern Great Barrier Reef e-newsletter which is distributed four times a year through the Hubspot platform.
- ‘Always-on’ Social Media strategy across Facebook (47K followers) and Instagram (41.8K followers)
- Management of a collective website
- Regular Zoom marketing meetings
- Annual face to face meeting ‘on location’ [SEE IMAGE 5]
The collective SGBR destination produces a Tourism Trade Manual each year to represent the businesses in our regions currently working with the tourism trade network. In the lead up to ATE, this document had to be collectively updated. This is a large body of work and continues to grow as our region’s product matures. The Capricorn region currently has 31 tourism businesses represented in this trade publication. [SEE IMAGE 7]
The 2024/25 SGBR Media Kit was updated and prepared in readiness for ATE24. Capricorn Enterprise coordinated these updates which included several changes including new product, coming soon and operator details. The Media Kit formed the basis of information during ATE24 Media Program (IMM) and will also be used going forward with international journalists with whom our teams connect. [SEE IMAGE 6]
Eloise Chaffers represented the Southern Great Barrier Reef destination at “Queensland is Calling”, Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) roadshow to UK and Europe. Promoting experiences contracted with tourism trade from the Capricorn Coast/Rockhampton region, the Gladstone/Town of 1770/Agnes Water region and Bundaberg region which make
up the Southern Great Barrier Reef, our destination was promoted to more than 60 key Product Managers and 90 Agents:
• 20 x UK/Northern Europe Product Managers
• 20 x Germany and Switzerland Product Managers
• 10 X Italy Product Managers
• 10 X France Product Managers
• 30 X Agents (in Central Paris)
• 30 X German agents
• 30 X UK agents
Eloise met with 66 quality European buyers from Netherlands, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Belgium, Italy, France, Germany, Sweden and UK in Chantilly, France with face to face 8-minute appointments. Participation in this Tourism Trade event would not be possible without our Export Marketing Development Grant (EMDG).
[SEE IMAGE 3]
ATEC hosted their inaugural “New to Trade” Queensland Showcase workshop in March, whereby products that are new to the international market and contracting, had 44 face to face appointments with ITO’s and wholesalers from all around Australia. Capricorn Enterprise supported our 5 new to trade operators, including Yeppoon Beach House (James Skuthorp), Keppel Dive & Water Sports (Carl Heales), Castle Rock Farm (John Auriac), Funtastic Cruises (Ollie Heales) Oshen Yeppoon (Lena Mannerstrale). [SEE IMAGE 4]
With thanks to the Export Marketing Development Grant (EMDG), the SGBR marketing alliance was able to buy into a paid feature in a TEQ advertising campaign in Germany and Switzerland. The campaign was in partnership with wholesale travel agency, Travelessence. Results revealed a 31.65% increase in visitor numbers during the booking season of 1st October 2023 – 30th April 2024 and a massive 86.92% increase in room nights. The campaign was a buy in of $10,000, 50% funded by the EMDG, with the remaining $5000 split 3 ways between the three RTOS. For little financial commitment ($1,666 investment
each), there has been significant growth from a key inbound market.
The campaign featured a mixture of social media, online newsletters, blog features, suggested itineraries and print articles.
Capricorn Enterprise’s Southern Great Barrier Reef Representative, Eloise Chaffers, represented the Capricorn Coast during a Southern Great Barrier Reef webinar, alongside Bundaberg Tourism and GAPDL. The webinar was with Swiss travel agent, Travelhouse, part of the Hotelplan Group, the largest travel organisation in Switzerland (82 travel agencies and 500 independent agencies throughout Switzerland). The Southern Great Barrier Reef is already included in one suggested itinerary.
In April 2024, Capricorn Enterprise along with operators, presented a Capricorn Coast SGBR trade presentation to Goway Travel. Goway is a family-owned Inbound Tour Operator (and one of the largest in the world), is headquartered in Toronto with offices in Vancouver, Sydney, Los Angeles, and Manila. Specializing in tailor-made vacations, Goway offers unique itineraries and expert advice for over 100 destinations worldwide, ensuring personalized and memorable travel experiences.
In the lead up to the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) and International Media Marketplace (IMM), two (2) Capricorn Enterprise team members spent two nights and three days exploring some of the new to trade experiences in the Gladstone Region, alongside Grace from Bundaberg Tourism. Their visit included site inspections at Mantra Gladstone, Peppers Gladstone, 1770 Beach Shacks and overnight accommodation with 1770 Lagoons, Central Apartment Resort and then experiences including 1770 Sunset Cruise, edu-tourism with Dive, Spear & Sport, a morning touring with Gladstone Region Tours and a brewery tour with Auckland House.
SOUTHERN GREAT BARRIER REEF AGRI TOURISM MENTORING PROGRAM
The Southern Great Barrier Reef regions in partnership with Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) supported the development of new agri-tourism businesses to drive visitation to the region and grow our regional visitor economy.
Of the six operators selected across the Southern Great Barrier Reef, High Valley Dawn Permaculture Farm and The Salty Lime Co. attended on behalf of the Capricorn Coast destination. The program included workshops, 1:1 business mentoring and an immersive study tour to Tasmania to engage with a best practice agri-tourism region in action.
SOUTHERN GREAT BARRIER REEF AGRI TOURISM IMMERSIVE STUDY TOUR
In late October 2023, six agritourism businesses from across the Southern Great Barrier Reef destination joined representatives from their three Regional Tourism Organisations (Gladstone, Bundaberg, Capricorn RTOs) and Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ), on an immersive study tour of Northern Tasmania to hear the stories and journeys of pioneering and visionary families! From cheese to chocolate, salmon to pork, berries to wine, accommodation to event venues, farm animals to truffles; whatever the Agritourism business, all had forged ahead despite many challenges, committing to their dreams of creating products and experiences on farm which have succeeded due to sheer hard work and determination. Authentic storytelling, passion, vision, resilience, diversification of offerings, backing yourself, placing value on what you do in business were common take-outs amongst the mentees. Thanks to an Agritourism grant from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) awarded to GAPDL, this Agritourism study tour (PART OF A RIGOROUS MENTORING PROGRAM) was led by Bundaberg Tourism and assisted by RTO colleagues in Tasmania on behalf of the Southern Great Barrier Reef collaboration. Capricorn Coast participants on the study tour included Salty Lime Co. and High Valley Dawn, along with 1770 Limes & Abundant Little Farm, Gooburrum Grove, Bargara Berries and KC’s Fresh.
Our yearly subscription to TravMedia enables us to upload 6 media releases and all major events as well as a suite of images and videos. TravMedia allows us to connect directly with over 40,000 journalists, travel and public relations professionals in over 10 countries. The following content was published across the last 12 months.
- Capturing the Magic of Carnarvon Gorge: Exclusive Photography Tours with Australian Nature Guides and Nathan White Images (11 April 2024)
- Unlocking the charm of the Capricorn Coast region: Introducing the 2024/25 Visitor and Lifestyle Guide (21 March 2024)
- Visit Capricorn launches new campaign enticing visitors for Beef24 to ‘Stay a Little Longer’ (14 February 2024)
- Great Keppel Island injects $25 million, 250 jobs into local economy... And counting! (17 January 2024)
- Yeppoon’s Crimson Finch Brewery locks in a Grand Opening (17 October 2023)
- The Spirit of the Southern Great Barrier Reef has landed in time for Spring (19 September 2023)
- Registrations now open for the 2023 Humminbird Fitzroy River Barra Bash
- Make a splash at the Yeppoon Lagoon this Spring
- Visit the Capricorn Coast Region –Yeppoon and Rockhampton
- Byfield State Forest – Immerse yourself in Mother Nature’s playground
- Discover the Capricorn Coast region
The Capricorn Coast region inspired a significant number of bloggers, influencers, and television shows across 2023/24, working in partnership with our local tourism industry. Below is a list of the content pieces created with the support of Capricorn Enterprise, in addition to those created by Tourism and Events Queensland and Tourism Australia that were relevant to our region.
Gorge-ous sights to be seen at Carnarvon –CQ Today (featuring Carnarvon Gorge) https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2023/07/23/gorge-oussights-to-be-seen-at-carnarvon/
Nine great Capricorn Coast beaches to enjoy – RACQ www.racq.com.au/articles/holidays/2023/7/nine-greatcapricorn-coast-beaches-to-enjoy
9 Luxe ways to see the world’s best forests – ESCAPE (featuring Castle Rock Farm and Byfield) https://www.escape.com.au/top-lists/9-luxe-waysto-see-the-worlds-best-forests/image-gallery/ ee737ac8e219337de8efff27aafce573
Radical facelift planned for abandoned Barrier Reef resort – The Urban Developer (featuring Great Keppel Island) www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/masterplanrevival-great-keppel-island-queensland-resort
Yeppoon Pickleball Festival – CQ Today www.cqtoday.com.au/news/2023/07/10/yeppoonpickleball-festival/
SOD turn for Keppel Bay Sailing Club Conference Centre in Yeppoon – The Courier Mail www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/ rockhampton/community/sod-turn-for-keppel-baysailing-club-conference-centre-in-yeppoon/newsstory/fb4119e6688ee011e4975c69e90aab5c
School holidays bring $1.7B – CQ Today https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2023/07/28/schoolholidays-bring-1-7b/
GKI Master plan – why you should have your say – CQ Today https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2023/07/19/gki-masterplan-why-you-should-have-your-say/
KBS construction begins – CQ Today https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2023/07/14/kbsconstruction-begins/
New playground for Marina – CQ Today https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2023/07/12/newplayground-for-marina/
Timeline, more funding needed – CQ Today https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2023/07/11/timelinemore-funding-needed/
August 2023
10 seaside sleepover spots – ESCAPE (featuring Surfside Yeppoon) https://www.escape.com.au/top-lists/10-bestaustralian-beach-holiday-spots/image-gallery/1b8f6b3 cc6a936c170e1e2298949d086
Best in Business Awards 2023 – CQ Today https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2023/08/15/best-inbusiness-awards-2023/
10 most beautiful national parks in Australia – ESCAPE (featuring Carnarvon Gorge) www.escape.com.au/top-lists/10-most-beautifulnational-parks-in-australia/image-gallery/16c10a15e7a 1c65715f5eab012313703
100 Emerging Destinations and Experiences – Australian Traveller (May –August) (featuring Great Keppel Island) https://www.australiantraveller.com/australia/all-100emerging-experiences/
Celebrating local business – CQ Today https://cqtoday.com.au/community-news/2023/08/26/ celebrating-local-businesses/ September 2023
2023 Best in Business Awards - LinkedIn Local Rockhampton Linked In post
New Eco-Accredited Operators –Queensland Tourism Industry Council (featuring High Valley Dawn Permaculture Farm) Facebook post
A touch of luxury for Capricorn Coast volunteers – Explore Queensland Network Update https://teq.queensland.com/content/dam/teq/ corporate/corporate-searchable-assets/industry/vic/ newsletters/September%202023%20-%20Explore%20 Queensland%20Network%20Update.pdf
Your guide to cheap camping from Brisbane to Cairns – Queensland.com (featuring Yeppoon) www.queensland.com/gb/en/plan-your-holiday/ accommodation/camping-and-caravan-parks/cheapcamping-from-brisbane-to-cairns
It’s a BIG Yep to Yeppoon – Caravan Correspondent https://caravancorrespondent.com/2023/09/20/its-abig-yep-to-yeppoon/
Distillers for Cap Coast – CQ Today (featuring Reef Distillers) https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2023/09/21/distillers-forcap-coast/
Family Fun Day at High Valley Dawn – CQ Today https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2023/09/18/family-funday-at-high-valley-dawn/
Cruise potential for Keppel Bay – CQ Today https://cqtoday.com.au/community-news/2023/09/11/ cruise-potential-for-keppel-bay/
October 2023
SGBR named finalist for excellence in tourism awards – CQ Today https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2023/10/29/sgbr-namedfinalist-for-excellence-in-tourism-awards/
Best in Business voting – CQ Today https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2023/10/27/best-inbusiness-voting/
Industry leaders optimistic – CQ Today https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2023/10/21/industryleaders-optimistic/
Appreciating a vital relationship – CQ Today https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2023/10/13/ appreciating-a-vital-relationship/
2023 Best in Business Award nominations close 11 October – CQ Today https://cqtoday.com.au/communitynews/2023/10/09/2023-best-in-business-awardnominations-close-11-october/
Major Projects and Industry Forum line-up – CQ Today
https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2023/10/07/majorprojects-and-industry-forum-line-up/
Keppel all our plans – Australia.com (featuring Great Keppel Island Hideaway and Freedom Fast Cats) Facebook post
Camping area of the month – Queensland National Parks (featuring Humpy Island, Keppel Bay) https://app4.vision6.com.au/em/message/email/view.
November 2023
Passionate locals set to screen on Channel 9’s My Way in 2024 – CQ Today
[SEE IMAGE 1, 2, 3 & 4]
https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2023/11/05/passionatelocals-set-to-screen-on-channel-9s-my-way-in-2024/
Cruise shore excursions in our sights – CQ Today https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2023/11/19/cruise-shoreexcursions-in-our-sights/
KBSC wins Best Club in Australia – CQ Today https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2023/11/13/kbsc-winsbest-club-in-australia/
Villa Mar Colina changes hands – CQ Today
https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2023/11/02/villa-marcolina-changes-hands/
Budget friendly holidays in Queensland – Queensland.com (featuring Capricorn Coast and Yeppoon)
https://www.queensland.com/au/en/plan-yourholiday/accommodation/queensland-budget-holidayrentals
Oshen Yeppoon’s Andrea and Will Stokje purchase of Villa Mar Colina – The Courier Mail
https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/ rockhampton/property/oshen-yeppoons-andrea-andwill-stokje-purchase-of-villa-mar-colina/news-story/659 93b3fb4a9b44e02310e4cc8d1ed2
December 2023
Capricorn/Southern Great Barrier Reef shines at Queensland Tourism Awards 2023 – CQ Today
https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2023/12/03/capricornsouthern-great-barrier-reef-shines-at-queenslandtourism-awards-2023/
Best in Business – CQ Today
https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2023/12/14/best-inbusiness-2/
Best in Business shines – CQ Today
https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2023/12/04/best-inbusiness-shines/
Full house for holidays – CQ Today
https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2023/12/12/full-housefor-holidays/
Carnarvon Gorge at it’s beautiful best –RACQ
www.racq.com.au/articles/road-trip/2023/12/ carnarvon-gorge-at-its-beautiful-best
Things to do in Yeppoon – Family Holiday Destinations
Things to do in Yeppoon: A guide for families (familyholidaydestinations.com)
Fifty years of family fun – Cap Coast Today (featuring Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary)
https://cqtoday.com.au/all-digital-editions/cap-coasttoday-22nd-december-2023-edition/
Cruising to a world-first – Cap Coast Today (featuring Funtastic Cruises)
https://cqtoday.com.au/all-digital-editions/cap-coasttoday-december-2023/
Giving back to the region – Cap Coast Today (featuring Reef Distillers)
https://cqtoday.com.au/all-digital-editions/cap-coasttoday-22nd-december-2023-edition/
New Master Reef Guide – Cap Coast Today (featuring Keppel Dive and Sport)
https://cqtoday.com.au/all-digital-editions/cap-coasttoday-22nd-december-2023-edition/
January 2024
So what’s in a (Local Government Authority) name? – CQ Today
https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2024/01/27/so-whats-ina-local-government-authority-name/
GKI infrastructure a must have – CQ Today
https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2024/01/22/gkiinfrastructure-a-must-have/
GKI injects $25 million into local economy
– CQ Today
https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2024/01/22/gki-injects25-million-into-local-economy/
Driving tourism forward – Cap Coast Today
https://cqtoday.com.au/all-digital-editions/cap-coasttoday-19th-january-2024-edition/
24 new and must-do Queensland experiences to try in 2024 – Queensland. com (featuring High Valley Dawn Permaculture Farm) www.queensland.com/au/en/plan-your-holiday/ news-and-articles/new-experiences-queensland?utm_ source=facebook&utm_medium=contentarticle&utm_campaign=always-on-23-24--paid&utm_ct=australia&utm_dest=queensland&utm_ form=article&sf184552929=1
Member spotlight – Capricorn Enterprise –Australian Cruise Association Facebook post
Capricorn region’s best offers – Visit Queensland Facebook post
Great Keppel Island injecting millions into Capricorn Coast economy – Inside Small Business www.insidesmallbusiness.com.au/management/ growth/great-keppel-island-injecting-millions-intocapricorn-coast-economy
February 2024
Keep your eyes on the sky – CQ Today https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2024/02/11/keep-youreyes-on-the-sky/
Ch 9’s My Way featuring Stir & Stitch https://www.9now.com.au/my-way/season-8/clipclsgr7n42000h0hpaxvg7byd7
Ch 10’s Escape fishing with ET featuring Capricorn Coast/Keppel Bay https://www.escapefishingwithet.com/series-25/ episode-2
March 2024
Small business growth across the Capricorn Coast and Rockhampton region – CQ Today https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2024/03/10/smallbusiness-growth-across-the-capricorn-coast-androckhampton-region/
Visitor and Lifestyle Guide hits the shelves – CQ Today https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2024/03/24/visitor-andlifestyle-guide-hits-the-shelves/
Camping spot of the month - Queensland National Parks (featuring Byfield) www.qnpnewsletter.des.qld.gov. au/v/86708/6876893/email.html?k=24EEmFToqgLsP_ L3VsZFARLmtjz4bOXF9lEBByVxq5A
Cruising into paradise: A day in Yeppoon and Great Keppel Island, Southern Great Barrier Reef – Australian Cruise Association News https://www.australiancruiseassociation.com/ sites/default/files/2024-04/ACA%20Newsletter%20 March%202024.pdf
Upper Stony Creek – Creek to Coast Facebook post
Ch 9’s My Way featuring Out There Co. https://youtu.be/uzl2wcHAFKk [SEE IMAGE 4]
Ch 9’s TODAY Show live weather crosses featuring Koorana Crocodile Farm, Keppel Bay Marina, Funtastic Cruises, Great Keppel Island Hideaway, St Ursula’s College Yeppoon and Reef Distillers. [SEE IMAGE 2]
https://capricornenterprise.com.au/2024/03/crocsdocks-and-gki-treasures-unlocked-channel-9s-todayshow-visits-the-capricorn-coast-region/
Ch 7’s Weekend Sunrise live weather crosses featuring Yeppoon Lagoon, Reef Distillers/Pumpkin Island, Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary, Koorana Crocodile Farm, Capricorn Caves.
https://capricornenterprise.com.au/2024/04/channel7s-sunrise-visits-yeppoon-lagoon/
April 2024
GKI concept plan revealed – CQ Today
https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2024/04/26/gki-conceptplan-revealed/
Yeppoon business tropical luxury cars jags a welcome addition to their fleet – CQ
Today www.cqtoday.com.au/news/2024/05/03/yeppoonbusiness-tropical-luxury-cars-jags-a-welcome-additionto-their-fleet/
Caravanning in Capricorn – Queensland. com https://www.queensland.com/au/en/plan-yourholiday/accommodation/camping-and-caravan-parks/ caravanning-in-queensland-
Meeting with regional operators and local businesses – Queensland Tourism Industry Council Newsletter
Ch 7’s Queensland Weekender featuring High Valley Dawn Permaculture Farm and Reef Distillers
https://7plus.com.au/weekender?episode-id=WEKN24012&autoplay=true
Ch 7’s Queensland Weekender featuring Great Keppel Island Hideaway and Funtastic Cruises
https://www.facebook.com/WEEKENDERTV/ videos/834534281847510
May 2024
Tourism lodge plans cabin expansion – CQ
Today https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2024/05/12/tourismlodge-plans-cabin-expansion/
LSC plan for GKI sewerage – CQ Today https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2024/05/25/lsc-plan-forgki-sewerage/
CQ region shines in tourism awards – CQ
Today https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2024/05/06/cq-regionshines-in-tourism-awards/
Surf Lakes unveils design plans for central Queensland resort facility, including surfing training and development hub –ABC News
www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-25/surf-lakes-resortdesign-plans-queensland-surfing/103887720?utm_ source=sfmc&utm_medium=email&utm_ campaign=abc_regloc_capricornia_ sfmc_20240531&utm_term=&utm_id=2363851&sfmc_ id=368512530
Ch 9 Getaway featuring Dig the Tropic geo trail (Mount Hay Gemstone Tourist Park, Miners Heritage, New Royal Hotel Rubyvale and Rubyvale Gem Gallery
[SEE IMAGE 1 & 3]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzXZxsqcuuY&ab_ channel=Getaway
June 2024
All aboard for grand opening – CQ Today (featuring The Station 4703)
https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2024/06/14/all-aboardfor-grand-opening/
Capricorn Coast key player in Bluey initiative – CQ Today https://cqtoday.com.au/news/2024/06/09/capricorncoast-key-player-in-bluey-initiative/
Crimson Finch Brewery debuts canned beer collection – Inside FMCG www.insidefmcg.com.au/2024/06/06/crimson-finchbrewery-debuts-canned-beer-collection/?utm_ source=brevo&utm_campaign=FMCG-NB-2024-0607&utm_medium=email
Reef Distillers wins global recognition at wine and spirits competition – Inside FMCG www.insidefmcg.com.au/2024/06/06/reef-distillerswins-global-recognition-at-wine-and-spiritscompetition/
Best one day hikes around Queensland –Queensland.com www.queensland.com/au/en/things-to-do/adventure/ walking-hiking-adventure-queensland/best-day-hikesqueensland
Southern Great Barrier Reef Hikes –Queensland.com
www.queensland.com/au/en/things-to-do/adventure/ walking-hiking-adventure-queensland/southern-greatbarrier-reef-hikes
Coastal walks in Queensland –Queensland.com
https://www.queensland.com/au/en/things-to-do/ adventure/walking-hiking-adventure-queensland/ coastal-walks-queensland
60 INTERNAL BLOGS AND MEDIA RELEASES
(written by Capricorn Enterprise)
Discovering Byfield’s Rainforest Treasures
Exploring the Best ‘Farm to Fork’ Experiences on the Capricorn Coast
8 Kid-friendly activities to enjoy on the Capricorn Coast this Winter
Exploring Rockhampton: A journey through history, charm and fascination
Rev up your engines for Rockynats 2024
A culinary adventure awaits with Taste Capricorn Coast
Play the Day away with these 8 exciting playgrounds
A destination for ALL-abilities
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations across the Capricorn Coast
Exploring the Capricorn Coast region: a guide to weather, transport and seasonal activities
Experience the romance of the Capricorn Coast region this Valentine’s Day
7 dining spots with a difference – Where to eat in and around Yeppoon
The newest places to raise your glass across the Capricorn Coast
12 coffee’s worth stopping for across the Capricorn Coast
Exploring the Rich Tapestry: Cultural Experiences across the Capricorn Coast destination
Beef 2024 – Plan your Trip
8 Must visit reefs from Yeppoon
Top tips for visiting Byfield National Park
Top 5 National Parks experiences on the Capricorn Coast
The Spirit of the Southern Great Barrier Reef has landed in time for Spring
Yeppoon’s Crimson Finch Brewery locks in a grand opening
7 days of Summer Holidays
Australia Day across the Capricorn Coast
Unlocking the charm of the Capricorn Coast region: introducing the 2024/25 Visitor and Lifestyle Guide
Yeppoon business Tropical Luxury Cars ‘Jags’ a welcome addition to their fleet
Honouring Heroes – ANZAC Day
Ceremonies across the Capricorn Coast region
It’s festival season across the Capricorn Coast and Rockhampton
All Aboard for the Grand Opening of Yeppoon’s newest landmark – The Station 4703
Yeppoon’s Crimson Finch Brewery soars into the world of canned beer
Reef Distillers triumphs at the International Wine and Spirits Competition
5 Way to explore the Rails and Tales of the Capricorn Coast
Discover exciting school holiday activities in Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast
The Yeppoon Pickleball Festival kicks off on the Capricorn Coast in July
Winter events start heating up across Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast
Great Keppel Island set to serve up an ace weekend in August
Emerald BBQ and Beer Fest ready to tantalise tastebuds this Saturday, 5th August
Gemfields Festival underway this week!
Capricorn Destination on show at the Let’s Go Sunshine Coast Caravan and Lifestyle EXPO
Local events Spring into action this weekend
Keppel Bay Sailing Club wins Club of the Year at the Australian Sailing Queensland Club Awards
Passionate accommodation managers purchase Yeppoon’s Villa Mar Colina Keppel Bay Sailing Club wins Best Club in Australia
Now is the time to re-discover CQ’s Carnarvon Gorge
Capricorn/Southern Great Barrier Reef shines at Queensland Tourism Awards 2023!
Business champions acknowledged at regions night of nights
Funtastic Cruises launches ‘The Kraken’ just in time for school holidays
Cooberrie Park celebrates 50 years of wildlife rescue and family fun
Keppel Dive’s Tilly Shepherd announced as our region’s fourth Master Reef Guide
New Capricorn Coast distillery gives back to the region’s greatest natural wonder Yeppoon’s new smooth operator is ready to take on the world
Newly renovated Capricorn Coast Motel has paradise in the ‘palm’ of their hands
Capricorn Enterprise launches new campaign enticing visitors for Beef24 to ‘Stay a Little Longer’
Capturing the Magic of Carnarvon Gorge: Exclusive Photography Tours with Australian Nature Guides and Nathan White Images
Exploring the evolution of Beef Australia through the Wilson family’s journey
Capricorn Coast Visitor Information Centre welcomes a new colourful contribution
High Valley Dawn Permaculture Farm partners with Great Barrier Reef Foundation for Youth Leadership Program
Re-Imagining ‘Dig the Tropic’: A new era for Queensland’s Premier Geo Tourism Trail
Celebrating love on top of the world at Ambrym Estate: the Capricorn Coast’s newest wedding and event venue
Rainy day adventures on the Capricorn Coast
“
Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to feature on the Channel 9 My Way program on Sunday 11th February 2024. Within minutes of airing we received a high tea booking from a group of retirees from Cairns who will be visiting Yeppoon next month & lots of new local visitors over the past couple of days too. Amazing!
Thank you for everything you do for our beautiful region.
Amanda Rickard | Owner Stir & Stitch – FEBRUARY 2024
Events are promoted via our digital and social media platforms and letters of support are provided for all funding applications, as well as provision of in-kind support via marketing advice and grant application guidance.
Capricorn Enterprise subscribes to an event platform – EVERI, which aggregates the events loaded on various other online platforms and provides one single source for all events in the region. With over 100 sources fed into the ‘What’s On’ page through the EVERI event platform, the site offers a comprehensive search function, where you can find upcoming sporting, music, markets, performing arts, health and wellbeing, food, and wine events, along with fishing competitions, art workshops and activities for the kids.
All Major Events which increase visitation to the region are included in the Southern Great Barrier Reef destination guide and the Capricorn Coast Visitor Information Guide (print and online).
A full regional calendar of events is compiled each year and promoted in weekly e-newsletters, leisure EDM’s and available on the Capricorn Enterprise website.
QDEP seeks to leverage the crucial link between events and the destination in which they are staged, extending the flow on effects of the economic, marketing and social benefits of events throughout metropolitan and regional Queensland. Capricorn Enterprise works with Tourism and Events Queensland to assess and endorse all QDEP applications. During 2023/24, we reviewed and recommended 9 QDEP funding applications, with 5 approved for a total of $150,000 funding
ROUND 26
- Rockhampton River Festival - $10,000
- Yeppoon Running Festival - $15,000
ROUND 25
- Rare Spares Rockynats - $100,000, significant event funding
ROUND 24
- Capricorn Food and Wine Festival$15,000
- 2023 Fitzroy River Barra Bash - $15,000
ROUND 27
This round is currently being assessed with three applicants – Rocky River Run, Capricorn King of Kings and Capricorn Film Festival
See page 9 for Winners [SEE IMAGE 7]
The 2023 Best in Business Awards was held on 2 December 2023 at Keppel Bay Marina, Yeppoon. Hosted by Capricorn Enterprise in partnership with the Capricornia Chamber of Commerce, 230 enthusiastic guests packed into a marquee under the stars to celebrate local entities who have adapted, achieved and created immense opportunities to forge a strong and resilient business community. A total of 80 nominations were received, together with an additional 30 businesses vying for the exciting People’s Choice category.
Out of 31 categories at the 2023 Queensland Tourism Awards, Capricorn Enterprise Members placed 7 times! In a highly competitive event, Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards reflect exceptional achievement and a lengthy nomination process amongst 184 entries across the State. A huge congratulations to our regional winners including:
Beverley “Gillo” Gilligan (CAPRICORN COAST VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE)
BRONZE – Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer or Volunteer Group
Great Keppel Island Hideaway
SILVER – 3-3.5 star Accommodation
[SEE IMAGE 4]
Empire Apartment Hotel [SEE IMAGE 8]
SILVER – 4-4.5 star Deluxe Accommodation
SILVER – Business Event Venues
Fun Over 50 Holidays [SEE IMAGE 1]
GOLD – The Steve Irwin Award for Eco-Tourism
GOLD – Cultural Tourism (Hall of Fame)
Rockhampton Regional Council/ Advance Rockhampton
GOLD – The Richard Power Award for Tourism, Marketing & Campaigns
BRONZE – Rare Spares Rockynats – Major Events and Festivals
Over 180 leading tourism operators, vied for top honours across 26 categories at the Australian Tourism Awards in March 2024. One of the many Queenslanders hitting the stage at the Australian Tourism Awards was Toni Brennan who commenced her business, Fun Over 50 Holidays –Immersive Tours and Adventures, in Yeppoon in 2002. The team took home
GOLD in the prestigious Ecotourism category and SILVER in the Cultural Tourism category for their incredible experiences through immersive tours and adventures with a focus on fun and commitment to the local communities and natural environments in which they operate.
Rockhampton Regional Council/ Advance Rockhampton also took home
SILVER in the Tourism Marketing and Campaigns category, for their ‘Ultimate Mates Trip’ campaign.
Capricorn Enterprise attended Tourism Week and Destination Q in Cairns held from 22nd November 2023. Up to 1,000 tourism leaders united in Cairns during tourism’s week of weeks for the Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s Destination IQ and Queensland Tourism Awards, along with DestinationQ. Attendees were inspired by keynote speakers, who discussed Indigenous tourism, accessible tourism, Brisbane 2032 and beyond.
[SEE IMAGE 5]
Capricorn Enterprise provided support for this emerging event (hosted by High Valley Dawn) by distributing a media release, providing program design support and additional social media content and advertising promotion.
The 2023 Bush Summit Conference welcomed CEO Mary Carroll on behalf of Capricorn Enterprise as a panelist at the event. Panel discussions included Liveability, Energy, Technology, Regional Outlook. [SEE IMAGE 2]
Eight key topics were presented as the ongoing Communique by the Courier Mail for reporting and lobbying over the next year.
The tri-ennial event took place in May 2024. Capricorn Enterprise provided support in the way of dedicated EDM, visitation campaign (see page 34) and inclusion in all major event date claimers. [SEE IMAGE 6]
Boasting a combined 2000 years of local knowledge and experience, brimming with expert guidance and solutions for local, state, and nation-wide holiday makers, the Capricorn Coast Visitor Information Centre is powered by a team of 35 enthusiastic volunteers who, together with their Supervisor, provide visitors with up-todate and relevant information.
In 2023/24, the Centre received 1,448 phone calls, 903 emails, worked 6100 volunteer hours and assisted 18,460 visitors seeking further information about the region. Volunteers at the Centre book tours, accommodation, activities, and attractions on behalf of local operators and make staying in the region as easy and accessible as possible for visitors.
Bev Gilligan (Gillo) Jun-90 33 322
Sandra Buttery Feb-03 20 139
Gerald Colvin Jun-07 16 298
Robyn McIntyre Jun-09 14 196
Jean McNae Dec-10 13 308
Pam McCosker Apr-12 11 182
Lyn Black Jul-14 9 83
Sharon Scott Feb-15 8 237
Sheila Kop Feb-15 8 46
Elaine DeClouett Aug-15 8 204
Nita Williams Jan-16 7 193
Susan Saxby Jan-16 7 204
Vicki Cooke Mar-16 7 183
Ros Lehmann Aug-16 7 100
Robert Clegg Mar-17 6 152
Suzanne Kavanagh Sep-18 5 176
Julie Graham May-19 4 26
Carol Moore Feb-20 3 174
Shane Kennedy Aug-20 3 60
Vicki Burn Mar-22 1 34 Linda Mann Oct-22 1 117
Kym Donaldson Nov-22 1 159 Patrick Stewert Jan-23 1 216 Lorraine Neilsen Jan-23 1 161 Ros Auld Jun-23 1 138
Alphabetical Order
> CORPORATE
CQUniversity Australia
Ergon Energy Corporation Limited
Ian Weigh Toyota
Livingstone Shire Council
Stanwell Corporation Limited
> PLATINUM
Gibb Group
Great Keppel Island Hideaway
Oshen Apartments
(inc Villa Mar Colina)
Stay Yeppoon (Salt, Echelon, Beaches on Lammermoor)
Villa Mar Colina
> GOLD
BIG 4 Breeze Holiday Parks
Carnarvon Gorge
BRAVUS Mining & Resources
Capricorn Caves
Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge
Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service District
DC Motors
Empire & Edge Apartments
Rockhampton
Freedom Fast Cats
Frenchville Sports Club
High Valley Dawn (inc Beaches Restaurant & Rosslyn Bay Wellness)
Keppel Bay Marina
Keppel Bay Sailing Club
Pat O’Driscoll Real Estate
Pumpkin Island
Rocky Sports Club
Rosslyn Bay Resort
Surf Lakes Holdings
The Rockhampton Grammar School
The Salty Lime Co
> SILVER
Aussie Gold Natural Spring Water
Butler Partners (Regional) Pty Ltd
Civil Mining and Construction Pty Ltd
Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary
Discovery Holiday Parks
Rockhampton
Discovery Parks Coolwaters Yeppoon
Evans Edwards & Associates
Freight Solutions Australia Group (FSA)
Fun Over 50 Holidays - Immersive Tours and Adventures
Golding Contractors
Holcim - Aggregates
Holcim Australia - Humes
Holcim Australia Pty Ltd - Concrete
Hopkins Brothers iAssist
JRT Civil Pty Ltd
KB Developments Pty Ltd
Keppel Konnections
Laing O’Rourke
NRMA Capricorn Yeppoon Holiday Park
SDS Training
Shanahan Swaffield Partners
South Geldard Lawyers P/L
Southside Holiday Village
> BRONZE
AECOM Australia Pty Ltd
Beef Australia Ltd
Bronsan Pty Ltd
Cap Coast Home Loans
Capricorn Survey Group (CQ) Pty Ltd
Cerulean Estate
Coffee House Apartment Motel
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
CQG Consulting
design+architecture
Diocesan Catholic Education Office
Emerald Cabin & Caravan Village
Emerald Central Hotel
Funtastic Cruises
Great Keppel Island Holiday Village
Hedlow Retreat
Helifish CQ
Herron Todd White
Island View Holiday Park Pty Ltd
Koorana Crocodile Farm
Moondaze Pty Ltd
Mr Real Estate Rockhampton
Pacplus Wholesalers
Permc Pty Ltd
Piranha Insurance Agencies Pty Ltd
Premise Australia Pty Ltd
Prestige Property Yeppoon
Queensland Rail Travel
Quest Apartments Rockhampton
Rees R & Sydney Jones
Regional Insurance Brokers (CQ) Pty Ltd
RMW Property Agents
Robert Harris Rivett Lawyers
Rockhampton Jockey Club Inc
Rockhampton Riverside Central Hotel
Smyth Financial
Tanby Garden Centre
The Coast Motel
The Investment Collective
The Red Lion Hotel
The Station 4703
The Strand Hotel Yeppoon
Tropical Pines Pty Ltd
Vector Health and Performance
Yeppoon Cinemas
Yurika Pty Ltd
> SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORTER
1770 LARC! Tours
Adventure Tec
Adz Power Agencies
Ambrym Estate
Aphrodite Art School
Appleton Studios Pty Ltd
Apprentices and Trainees Queensland
Aqualification & Fitness Pty Ltd
Artizan Gluten Free Bakery
Ashton Engineering Pty Ltd
ASK ME Technology Services
Aussie Tiny Homes and Cabins
Babsuva Pty Ltd
Beachside Holiday Caravan Park
Bishopp Outdoor Advertising
Blue Dolphin Caravan Park
BP Gracemere
Brittany Lauga MP
Budget Car Rental
Byfield General Store
Byfield Mountain Retreat
Capella Van-Park
Capricorn Food and Wine Festival
Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service Ltd
Carnarvon Gorge Eco tours
Castle Rock Farm
CatholicCare Central Queensland
Causeway Caravan Park
Causeway Lake Boat Hire
Central Highlands Development Corporation
CocoBrew Express Yeppoon
Coffee of Capricorn Co.
Cooper McKenzie Marketing Pty Ltd
Coral Inn Boutique Eco Resort
CQ Connections
CQ Soil Testing
CQShines Foundation
Crave Surf Industries
Crimson Finch Brewing Pty Ltd
CT Harris & Co
Digitalrez Australia
Double Threat Pty Ltd
Dreamtime Cultural Centre
Dynamic Eggs
EKM Grazing
Elders Insurance Yeppoon
Emu Park Holiday and Accommodation
Emu Park Real Estate
Ferns Hideaway
Fisherman’s Beach Holiday Park
Fitzroy Basin Association Inc
Fitzroy Community Hospice Ltd
Footlights Theatre Restaurant
Forshaw Contracting
Gardens Tearooms
Get Logo’d
GSA Zilzie Pty Ltd
Gumnut Glen Cabins
Gus’ Coffee Yeppoon (Joshua Four Pty Ltd)
Helloworld Travel Rockhampton
Heron Island Resort (Aldesta Hotels)
Indigo Gold Pty Ltd
Jet James Art Gallery
Johnson’s 4wd Repair Shop
Keppel Coast Arts Council
Keppel Dive and Water Sports
Keppel Explorer
Keppel Islands Swimming
Association
Keppel Real Estate
Keppel Sands Caravan Park
Kinka Palms Motel
M & M Sapphires
Marmor Quarry
Michelle Landry MP
Miners Heritage Walk-In Mine
Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc.
Mountain Creek Avocados
MRAEL
Mt Hay Gemstone Tourist Park
New Royal Hotel Rubyvale
Nextra Capricorn Newsagency
Nob Creek Pottery
Paradise Outdoor Advertising
Plumtree Store
Poinciana Tourist Park
Professionals Real Estate Emu Park
Qld Master Builders Association
Reef Distillers Pty Ltd
Reel Fishing CQ
Riverside Tourist Park
Riverston Tea Rooms
Rockhampton Business Machines
Rockhampton Helicopters
Rockhampton Leagues Club Ltd
Rockhampton Serviced Apartments
Rosscos Pizza
Rosslyn Bay Fish Market
Rubyvale Caravan Park
Rubyvale Gem Gallery
Sail Inn Motel
Seaspray Cooee Bay Pty Ltd
Seaspray Health & Fitness Centre
Sleipner Station
Southern Cross Austereo
St Aubins
Stir & Stitch Pty Ltd
Surfside Motel
Taylor Made Marketing Pty Ltd
The Alley Yeppoon
The Childminding Co.
The Cobbler’s Rooms
The Haven Emu Park
The Intentional Branding Company
The Lookout Woodbury
The Orchard Yeppoon
Time Safaris Rockhampton
Tropical Luxury Cars Yeppoon
Trufusion
Tsuruya Japanese Restaurant
Vue Wine Bar & Restaurant
Ward Commercial Pty Ltd
Wolfies Farms
Woodvale Park Biodynamics
Workforce Express
Worrells Solvency Forensic
Accountants
Yeppoon Beach House
Yeppoon Betta Home Living
Yeppoon Golf Club Inc
Yeppoon Real Estate
Yeppoon Tennis Club
Yeppoonie Smoothie
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5 Rocks Holiday Rentals
Archer Park Station and Steam Tram Museum
Capella Pioneer Village Inc
Central Queensland Military & Artefacts Museum
Central Queensland Nature Tours
Derek Lightfoot
Emu Park Art Gallery Inc
Emu Park Historical Museum Society
Endeavour Foundation
Keppel Bay Shell Club Inc. T/a Shell
World Yeppoon
Latitude 23 Arts
Marlborough Historical Museum
Mount Morgan Historical Museum
Nathan White Images
Old Rainworth Fort
Paint Pot Gallery
pH7 Consulting
Returned & Services League of Australia Qld Branch Yeppoon
Sub-branch Inc
Robert Pleash
Rubyvale Progress Association Inc.
Tourism Dynamix
Yeppoon Community Markets
