Following the resignation of Chairman Richard Barwick (previous Tourism Manager at Forbes Shire Council), a mid-term election was held to fill the position of Chair. Parkes Shire Tourism Manager Kelly Hendry was elected to the position. Kelly previously served as Secretary on the Committee in 2002/2003. Kelly is supported in office by Secretary Anna Helyar from Lachlan Shire Council and long-serving Treasurer Les Moulds from Inverell Council.
The association will again promote the Newell Highway as 'the natural way north' at the upcoming Adelaide and Melbourne Caravan & Camping Shows, and in June at the Brisbane Caravan and Camping Show.
"These consumer shows continue to provide an important connection to consumers in our key markets" said Kelly.
"We're also going in to production for a new Newell brochure for the 2008/09 period. Local Tourism Operators throughout the shire will be given the opportunity to be part of this publication. It really is a key tool in the promotion of the Newell Highway, and is a heavily-used reference by travellers planning their trips and using the Highway".
Based on their success as a regional cooperative group achieving great things, the committee also resolved to enter the prestigious Inland Tourism Awards which are to be held in Parkes on 26 July this year.
"The NSW Inland Tourism Awards showcase Inland NSW's finest tourism operators and individuals who have distinguished themselves as providers of the pinnacle in service, product, experience and innovation.
The Inland NSW Tourism Awards encompasses a very large area and incorporates the tourism regions of Central NSW, Riverina, Outback and New England/ North-West."
Council's Events Officer and Tourism Manager put in a competitive bid to attract this event to Parkes and are pleased with their success in attracting the gala event to the Leagues Club.
L-R in photo
Yvonne Moulds - Inverell, Georgie Keene - Warrumbungles, Tony Chantrill - Lachlan, Randall Medd - Gilgandra, Maggie Westbrook - West Wyalong, Kelly Hendry - Parkes, Nicole Travis - Warrumbungles, Anna Helyar - Lachlan, Les Moulds - Inverell, Lana Willets - Dubbo.
