7th September 2018
The Whitsundays Regional Council has been awarded the National Award for Excellence in Community Development and Service delivery for the Our Whitsunday: Our Utopia campaign.
The campaign reflects on the hardships faced by locals in the aftermath of Cyclone Debbie which destroyed much of the region in March 2017.
The three-minute video highlights the resilience of the local communities as they bounce back after the disastrous event. It features clips of residents in rural Proserpine, as well as various beaches, attractions and the iconic islands post Cyclone Debbie.
“From day one, CEO Barry Omundson, councillors and myself have placed a strong focus on consulting and listening to residents and council, and community working together to create a bright future for our region,” said Mayor Andrew Wilcox.
Our Utopia has gained much recognition, previously winning the Queensland Local Government Managers award earlier this year.
“Post Cyclone Debbie, the #ourwhitsunday and the Our Whitsunday: Our Utopia and Behind Utopia Campaigns were born to inspire regional pride amongst residents through featuring local faces in local places, stunning natural beauty and the diversity of the region,” said, Mr Omundson.
“This is great recognition for the local stars who appeared in the campaign and most importantly, all of our Whitsunday residents for their genuine community spirit, passion and pride for the diverse region – the tropical paradise which others envy but we call home,” he said.
The powerful video showcases how The Whitsundays maintains its position as one of the world’s most stunning holiday destinations, despite the effects of Cyclone Debbie.
The campaign is predicted to significantly increase tourism to the area and remind people of the Whitsunday’s natural beauty.
Tourism Whitsundays general manager Tash Wheeler states, “The clip has been a great tourism promotion for the Whitsundays with trade and investment networks in Japan, USA and Europe requesting copies to show at different trade shows and it was also screened at the Commonwealth Games trade show.”
