Margaret River ‘explorers' score major gongs at WA Tourism Awards
Two of the region's leading tourism professionals nabbed major awards at last week's WA Tourism Awards.
Cape to Cape Explorer Tours' operations manager Floss Hayes won the prestigious Sir David Brand Young Achiever Medal, while company director Gene Hardy was recognised as a Local Tourism Legend in a new award category.
The co-workers represented a bunch of finalists from the Margaret River region who were up for gongs across a range of categories.
Ms Hayes said she was over the moon at the prestigious medal win, with the Sir David Brand Young Achiever handed out every year to a career-focused tourism professional aged under 30 considered to be making a significant contribution to the sector.
Ms Hayes runs the Cape to Cape Explorer Tours team and oversees the noted company's daily operations.
'Receiving this award isn't just a celebration of success, it's a recognition of everything it took to get here,' she said in her acceptance speech.
'Growing up I was never the model student. I was curious, energetic and yes — disruptive . . . and couldn't seem to squeeze myself into the mould the system had laid out for me.
'For years, I carried all the shame about not fitting in. But not anymore.'
Ms Hayes said the major recognition was further evidence for her to trust in herself and her own power, her ability to write her own story, and to champion new ground for women in the industry.
'This moment is not just mine, it's for every girl who's ever been told to tone it down, for every student who's even been told to behave – instead be brave,' Ms Hayes said.
'Let's keep making space for all kinds of brilliance.'
Ms Hayes also thanked her team for the awards recognition, while boss Mr Hardy echoed that remark in noting the outcome — which included short-listing for employees Bree Zikmundovsky and Nic Chirico in other categories — was the latest in a long line of awards for the company he founded.
Explorer Tours has twice won gold in the Ecotourism category among various other accolades which Hardy said was always a team effort.
'(I have) honestly never felt so grateful for the incredible team that have come together at Cape to Cape,' he said.
'Tonight is a win for each and every one of you who has worked so hard this season, and every season, to make the business the success that it is.'
Tourism Council of WA chief executive Evan Hall singled out Hardy as the winner of the inaugural Local Legend award.
Mr Hall said Mr Hardy was characterised by the judges as making 'a significant contribution and lasting impact to tourism in the Margaret River community through his volunteering activities, mentoring and the assistance he provides to the community'.
'The WA tourism industry is made possible thanks to the passionate people who tirelessly work towards showcasing WA to visitors,' the CEO said.
'The individual awards provided an opportunity for six of these people to be recognised for their commitment to creating innovative and friendly experiences for WA's visitors.'
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West Australian
6 days ago
- West Australian
Margaret River ‘explorers' score major gongs at WA Tourism Awards
Two of the region's leading tourism professionals nabbed major awards at last week's WA Tourism Awards. Cape to Cape Explorer Tours' operations manager Floss Hayes won the prestigious Sir David Brand Young Achiever Medal, while company director Gene Hardy was recognised as a Local Tourism Legend in a new award category. The co-workers represented a bunch of finalists from the Margaret River region who were up for gongs across a range of categories. Ms Hayes said she was over the moon at the prestigious medal win, with the Sir David Brand Young Achiever handed out every year to a career-focused tourism professional aged under 30 considered to be making a significant contribution to the sector. Ms Hayes runs the Cape to Cape Explorer Tours team and oversees the noted company's daily operations. 'Receiving this award isn't just a celebration of success, it's a recognition of everything it took to get here,' she said in her acceptance speech. 'Growing up I was never the model student. I was curious, energetic and yes — disruptive . . . and couldn't seem to squeeze myself into the mould the system had laid out for me. 'For years, I carried all the shame about not fitting in. But not anymore.' Ms Hayes said the major recognition was further evidence for her to trust in herself and her own power, her ability to write her own story, and to champion new ground for women in the industry. 'This moment is not just mine, it's for every girl who's ever been told to tone it down, for every student who's even been told to behave – instead be brave,' Ms Hayes said. 'Let's keep making space for all kinds of brilliance.' Ms Hayes also thanked her team for the awards recognition, while boss Mr Hardy echoed that remark in noting the outcome — which included short-listing for employees Bree Zikmundovsky and Nic Chirico in other categories — was the latest in a long line of awards for the company he founded. Explorer Tours has twice won gold in the Ecotourism category among various other accolades which Hardy said was always a team effort. '(I have) honestly never felt so grateful for the incredible team that have come together at Cape to Cape,' he said. 'Tonight is a win for each and every one of you who has worked so hard this season, and every season, to make the business the success that it is.' Tourism Council of WA chief executive Evan Hall singled out Hardy as the winner of the inaugural Local Legend award. Mr Hall said Mr Hardy was characterised by the judges as making 'a significant contribution and lasting impact to tourism in the Margaret River community through his volunteering activities, mentoring and the assistance he provides to the community'. 'The WA tourism industry is made possible thanks to the passionate people who tirelessly work towards showcasing WA to visitors,' the CEO said. 'The individual awards provided an opportunity for six of these people to be recognised for their commitment to creating innovative and friendly experiences for WA's visitors.'
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