Coonamble Shire Tourism Newsletter Page 1

Text Box: Council is looking for a motivated person or organisation to lead the Coonamble community in coordinating the Australia Day celebrations. The person/s must be able to work with local community organisations in planning and implementing activities for the day. A position description is available from Council’s Administration Office and further information is available from John Griffiths by phoning (02) 6822 1900 or email johng@coonambleshire.nsw.gov.au Applications will be received until 12 noon on Wednesday 15th November 2006.

Text Box: Welcome to the eighth edition of the Tourism Newsletter for 2006. The last two months have seen many successful events staged in the shire generating significant media and visitation benefits. There was a solid month of country racing and the Moorambilla Festival had people literally singing in the streets. Events like these are crucial to attracting visitors given the latest research shows that visitation to Central NSW has declined since 2005. Click here for full report Tourism NSW has been active in the region and I had the pleasure of attending the launch of the new Heart of Country NSW Holiday planner in Dubbo which features Coonamble shire jointly with Narromine, Gilgandra and Warrumbungle Shires. The launch followed a day of workshops by Tourism NSW and Tourism Australia. Tourism NSW staff also visited Coonamble recently to discuss the Great Inland Way touring route. The Central NSW Tourism Annual General Meeting is being held in Coonabarabran on the 22nd November and will include

Text Box: a presentation on the World’s largest virtual solar system drive which is being built on our doorstep. Congratulations to Gulargambone and two eight two eight on again being nominated as a finalist in the NSW Tourism Awards which are being held in Sydney next week. For a full list of finalists click here Last weekend I took a small display of Coonamble Artwork down to our sister council in Sydney, Campbelltown and thanks to Coonamble Arts Alive for assisting at short notice. Click here for Media Release. AAA Tourism is holding a seminar in Dubbo on 15th November for the Accommodation industry, click here for details Would you like to be able to promote your business better? Sensis is offering a free 230 page marketing and Advertising Guide for Small Businesses, click here to order Finally, we have been having some problems with email so if you do not get a response please give me a call (0408) 824 179 Steven Baldwin Tourism Development Manager Coonamble Shire Council

Text Box: 110km North of Warren adjoining the Macquarie Marshes lies Willie Retreat ! Phillip and Myra Tolhurst ventured into tourism more or less as a sideline following on from when the Staff from National Parks & Wildlife and also Land & Water Conservation first commenced using the property as a base station for works within the area. Their interest in the preservation and appreciation of the Macquarie Marshes has prompted them to open their home to others who wish to experience the opportunity to view the abundant wildlife and

Text Box: life in the outback. They realised there might be other people who may wish to enjoy a stay over in this part of the world. The accommodation is provided in what was the shearers quarters at ‘Willie’ station. There is a fully equipped kitchen, lounge room and five separate rooms each with two double bunks. Willie was also home to the oldest merino wether in the World, George, and the Guinness Book of records has recently issued a certificate to this effect. willieretreatmacquariemarshes.com.au EMAIL: willie.retreat@bigpond.com.au or (02) 6824 4361

Text Box: 10 November 2006

Text Box: Tourism Update

Text Box: Special points of interest: Coonamble Shire Council meeting 13 December 2006. Public Question time between 9.30-10am Did you know Council papers and minutes are listed on the web click here Advance Notice ! Dinner Under the Stars, two eight two eight Gulargambone 3rd March 2007. Click here for more DIARY: Meeting of Coonamble Showground Users Group 15th November, 7pm Council Administration centre Click here to view previous editions of the Tourism Newsletter

Get it in Coonamble	2
Event Photos	2
Future Events	3
Business Award Winners	3
Coonamble In the Past- 1996, 1986 & 1956	4
Tourism Links	4
Industry meetings	4

Text Box: NOTE: Public Meeting– Replacement of Coonamble Hospital 7pm, 21st November 2006 Coonamble Bowling Club Click here for Agenda

NSW Tourism Minister Sandra Nori and Coonamble Shire Tourism Development Manager with the new Heart of Country NSW Holiday Planner

The oldest merino wether in the world at his 21st Birthday at Willie Retreat in 2005. (Photo courtesy Warren Advocate newspaper)