Thursday 5 July, 2012
The Tamworth region has three finalists in the 2012 Countrylink Inland NSW Tourism Awards.
The 2012 Tamworth Country Music Festival is a finalist in the Festivals and Events category while the DAG Sheep Station at Nundle is finalist in three categories and Nundle Woollen Mill is a finalist in the Tourist Attractions category.
The CountryLink Inland NSW Tourism Awards are held annually to acknowledge excellence in tourism in the four regional tourism areas of Central, Inland, Murray and Riverina NSW.
Tamworth Mayor Col Murray said the Tamworth region strong showing among the finalists was a great achievement.
‘It reflects the strength of the local tourism industry,’ he said. ‘It’s very gratifying to see our community’s major annual event recognised as a finalist and the DAG Sheep Station and Nundle Woollen Mill should also be proud to be finalists.’
Tamworth Country Music Festival Co-ordinator Kate Baker said it is a great honour to be announced as a finalist in the Festivals and Events category of the awards.
‘Whilst Tamworth Regional Council submitted the entry, this is an achievement for everyone in Tamworth who plays a part in hosting the Tamworth Country Music Festival,’ she said.
‘The process of entering the Inland NSW Tourism Awards was time consuming yet beneficial, involving a 30-page submission analysing every aspect of the Festival, from Business and Marketing Plans, to environmental sustainability initiatives and how we cater for those with special needs.
‘Critically evaluating the Festival in this manner has helped us identify what we do well and what we could do better, and has led to new ideas for next year’s Festival.’ John Krsulja from the DAG Sheep Station chose to enter his business in three award categories and has been announced as a finalist in all three: Tourist Attractions, Unique Accommodation and Restaurant and Catering.
‘It’s great to achieve recognition for the hard work and passion we put into running our unique business,’ Mr Krsulja said.
Nundle Woollen Mill’s Nick Bradford was delighted to learn that his business is a finalist in the Tourist Attractions category. ‘Being our first entry into the Awards, we are very excited about becoming a finalist,’ he said.
The 2012 Winners will be announced at a Gala Awards Dinner in Mudgee on July 28, 2012.