Mudgee’s Fairview Artspace will join the Inland NSW Tourism Hall of Fame after winning its third consecutive Travel In Inland Tourism Award on the weekend.
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The Mudgee Region was the toast of the awards presented in Broken Hill on Saturday night.
Three local organisations and businesses – Mudgee Region Tourism, Fairview Artspace, and Gooree Park Wines – were recognised for their excellence in tourism with gold and silver awards in their categories.
Chairman of Mudgee Region Tourism, Russell Holden, said the Mudgee Region was represented strongly across several highly competitive categories.
“This achievement reinforces what we’ve known for a long time – that Mudgee Region is home to some of the most sought-after, immersive experiences which we invite all to enjoy,” he said.
The Inland Tourism Awards are held annually to acknowledge the high standard and innovative tourism experiences offered across NSW.
Mudgee Region Tourism, CEO Cara George, said winning the Destination Marketing category reaffirmed that the organisation was hitting the mark in marketing the region to others.
“Having only launched the Reset Yours Senses campaign less than 12 months ago, we’re delighted by the overwhelmingly positive response we’ve received from the industry, local community and visitors alike, and thank all for their ongoing support,” Ms George said.
'It was the first year for Southern cross Kayaking to even be nominated and it’s a very big learning curve.'
Helen Harwood from Fairview Artspace said she was thrilled with her win in the Specialised Tourism Services category, more so this year because there were a huge number of people from the region at the ceremony.
“It’s the third year that Fairview Artspace has been awarded top place, so why wouldn’t I be happy?” she said.
“It’s an amazing feeling that Fairview has been recognised for all the hard work that has gone into the business. The fact that we’ve done so well against some other very good businesses, and the permanent recognition that the award brings, is just amazing.”
Ms Harwood said the Mudgee region was a prominent presence throughout the weekend with locals travelling across the state in order to support those up for an award.
With her third win in as many years, Ms Harwood said Fairview Artspace was up for Hall of Fame induction and would not be able to enter the same category for a number of years.
“It’s a way of giving other businesses a chance to win. Who knows if I’ll nominate for another category next year, I guess we’ll see,” she said.
Jackie Conroy from Gooree Park Wines said while the winery “good have gone one better”, they were thrilled with silver in the Tourism, Wineries, and Distilleries category.
“It was so exciting to be part of the Mudgee team, that we can’t be upset even a little with our silver,” Ms Conroy said.
“It was a very successful awards night for the Mudgee region and a fabulous weekend, especially with such a large Mudgee contingent having made their way to Broken Hill for the event.”
While Southern Cross Kayaking did not receive an award on the night, they were commended for their nomination as a finalist by Gooree Park, Mudgee Region Tourism, and Fairview Artspace.
“It was the first year for Southern cross Kayaking to even be nominated and it’s a very big learning curve,” Ms Conroy said.
“They put an amazing effort into their submission and we can only hope they make it to the podium next year,” she said.
The full list of winners can be found at inlandtourismawards.com.au
