Island Caretaker welcomes journalists to the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef
Posted by editor (editor) on Oct 01 2009
2009 >>

Tourism Queensland’s Best Job in the World Island Caretaker Ben Southall will today welcome a group of prominent journalists from the UK, Ireland and Scandinavia who will be spending a week in Queensland to experience a variety of ‘best jobs and experiences’, Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said today.

Mr Lawlor said the journalists had been following the Best Job in the World campaign since it was launched in January, through to Ben’s arrival as the Island Caretaker in July, and were keen to meet Ben and explore the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef themselves.

“Ben will welcome the journalists to the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef and take them on a tour of Hamilton Island where they will have the opportunity to visit his ‘office’ - an impressive island villa, before ending the day with a waterfront dinner,” Mr Lawlor said.

“The group will also get the chance to visit the new Hamilton Island Yacht and Golf Club which were recently opened by the Queensland Premier Anna Bligh during the 2009 Hamilton Island Race Week.

“The group will have the opportunity to participate in a sample of the ‘arduous’ jobs that Ben has been tasked with during the past three months such as visiting the Daydream Island Rejuvenation Spa and cruising around the Whitsunday islands.”

Mr Lawlor said the group would then divide and depart Hamilton Island in search of a range of other ‘best’ experiences that can be had in Queensland.

“Budding jackaroos and jillaroos will head to the Queensland Outback to visit a sheep and cattle yard, learn how to crack a stock whip with the locals and enjoy a traditional Aussie barbeque as part of their Best Job in the World adventure,” he said.

“Another group will trek up to Tropical North Queensland where they will be tasked with their own ‘Best Job’ as Rainforest Rangers for a day.

“The Rainforest Rangers will explore Cape Tribulation, go jungle surfing, trek through rainforests, visit waterfalls and plant trees.

“The third group will finish their Best Job in the World experience with a lesson on becoming a Gold Coast surf lifesaver from renowned Ironman Darren Mercer.

“Other highlights of the group’s visit to Southern Queensland will include an interpretive cultural kayaking trip, a dolphin tour and snorkelling tour.”

Mr Lawlor said hosting the visiting journalists was all part of days work for the Island Caretaker whose six-month $150,000 contract required him to explore the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef and report back about his adventures via a blog, video diary and media interviews.

“Since Ben commenced his employment with Tourism Queensland he has conducted more than 120 media interviews with outlets from around the world including CBC, Le Parisian, CNN, America’s TODAY Show, Shanghai Morning Post, UK’s Observer, Australia’s Today show, the UK’s Daily Telegraph, Sky News and Israel’s Yedoith - all promoting Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef,” he said.

“This visit highlights yet another opportunity for Ben to promote his experiences internationally and keep Queensland top-of-mind as his fellow Britons head into winter.

“More than 250,000 visitors from the UK headed to Queensland in the year ending June 2009, contributing approximately $476 million to the Queensland economy.

“Visitors from the UK, Ireland and Scandinavia love our natural environment, beach lifestyle and often engage in adventure activities and this visit allows journalists to get a first-hand taste of the fantastic Queensland holiday experience and report back about it.

“Our aim is to increase the visibility and presence of Queensland destinations and products in our international markets and this visit is the perfect opportunity for us to generate some interest.”

Last changed: Oct 06 2009 at 4:38 PM