June 12, 2020
Visit South Burnett – the region’s new Local Tourism Organisation (LTO) – announced on Thursday that its membership has now swelled to more than 60.
And one of its newest members is Cr Kathy Duff, who has become to first South Burnett councillor to sign aboard.
Cr Duff told southburnett.com.au she had been an advocate of a locally run tourism association for many years, and was very pleased to see Visit South Burnett’s formation.
“I’ve always believed we would be much better off with an industry-driven organisation where members have ‘skin in the game’,” Cr Duff said.
“No one can have more passion and commitment to grow tourism than our own operators.
“I believe that if we all work together we can build the South Burnett into a regional tourism powerhouse, and that’s why I’ve joined VSB – to show my support.”
Cr Duff’s membership was welcomed by Visit South Burnett’s secretary Julie Thomson.
Julie said after several public meetings around the region early this year, followed by the group’s official launch in Nanango on February 25, COVID-19 restrictions had brought Visit South Burnett’s rapid growth to a temporary halt.
“Because of the lockdown our management committee had to hold meetings using Zoom the past few months,” she said.
“But we’ve been developing a following on our Facebook page during the lockdown, and we’ve been getting members to like and share it with their friends.”
The group is also encouraging all tourism operators and businesses in the region to send in a short video about their business.
“The video that receives the most likes and shares will receive a $400 basket of gifts and vouchers.”
Julie said now that as COVID restrictions were being wound down, the group planned to resume member meetings soon.
- The first meeting – for VSB members in Nanango, Yarraman, Maidenwell and Blackbutt – will be held at 6:30pm at the Royal Hotel in Yarraman on July 21.
- The second meeting – for members in Kingaroy, Kumbia, Wondai, Murgon and Proston – will be held at 6:00pm at Wondai’s Cecil Hotel on July 28.
Memberships of VSB taken out before June 30 are $50 per business.
