Tourism Talent Put In The Spotlight

Jacob Cassady and Kurt Harlow, represented here by Chamber President Mary Brown, took home top individual awards. Photo source: Mary Brown

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Two Hinchinbrook tourism operators swept up top honours at the North Queensland Tourism and Events Awards in Townsville on Friday 16^th October  

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Managing Director of Mungalla Aboriginal Tours Jacob Cassady won the Richard Power Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual, while Kurt Harlow of Hidden Valley Cabins and Tours received the Graham Jackson Young Achiever Award.  

Hinchinbrook Visitor Information Centre team are also celebrating recognition as finalists in two categories.

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Hinchinbrook Tourism Operators Recognised At North Queensland Awards

Two Hinchinbrook tourism operators have been recognised for their contributions to the region’s tourism industry, taking home top honours at the North Queensland Tourism and Events Awards.

Managing Director of Mungalla Aboriginal Tours Jacob Cassady won the Richard Power Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual, while Kurt Harlow of Hidden Valley Cabins and Tours received the Graham Jackson Young Achiever Award.

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Mungalla Aboriginal Tours are operated at Mungalla Station, approximately 12 kilometres east of Ingham, conducting tours and experiences that blend Nywaigi Aboriginal culture with pioneering history.  

According to the company’s mission statement, the homestead is a resource owned by Nywaigi Traditional Owners for the purpose of fostering Aboriginal cultural values by building economic and cultural opportunities for future generations through the careful use of Country, inviting visitors to experience ancient lands through ancient hands.

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“Indigenous-led tourism is an incredible way to create a genuine connection between visitors and Country,” Mr. Cassady recently told Townsville Enterprise.

"We’ve seen first-hand people don’t just want to see the landscape - they want to understand its history and hear its stories from the people who have cared for it for thousands of years.” 

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Hidden Valley Cabins & Tours is an eco-retreat venue which has been family owned and operated near the Paluma Range for over 35 years.  

The team praised Tour Guide Kurt Harlow on his recent win for the company.

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“For those who know Kurt, you know just how much heart, passion, knowledge and dedication he pours into everything he does,” a spokesperson shared.  

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“Kurt is so much more than a tour guide. His genuine love and respect for the natural world, his passion for conservation, sustainability and education, and his ability to share that knowledge with people from all walks of life is something truly special.

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“But behind all of that is also a husband, father, friend and one of the driving forces behind our little family business.”

President of the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Mary Brown attended the awards, congratulating both winners on their achievements.

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“It was a privilege to be present to witness two of Hinchinbrook’s tourism operators announced as winners,” Ms Brown said.

She also acknowledged the Hinchinbrook Visitor Information Centre team, who were finalists in two categories.

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“Wonderful to acknowledge the many talented and committed people who support and deliver the diverse tourism experiences into the Hinchinbrook Shire,” Ms Brown said.

The North Queensland Tourism and Events Awards recognise excellence across the region’s tourism industry, celebrating the people, places, organisations and events that go above and beyond to deliver outstanding visitor experiences throughout Townsville North Queensland.

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