1. Kiwis in our sights

2. Adelaide sold on Caloundra

3. Maleny Wood Expo promotion

4. Loud and clear

5. Spitfire on show

6. Kite surfers fly high

7. Vida. It’s Spanish for LIFE

8. Walk the talk

8. Did you know?

9. Upcoming events

Contact Us

Caloundra Tourism Inc
PO Box 688
Caloundra, Qld, 4551
Phone 07-5491 2500
Fax 07-5420 8319
Mob 0410 538 202
leanne@caloundratourism.com.au
www.CaloundraTourism.com.au

Written specifically for members of Caloundra Tourism Inc as an information source.

Kiwis in our sights

Caloundra Tourism will further strengthen its brand profile during OzTalk, a showcase of Australian tourism product for the NZ travel industry in Auckland from April 6-8. Our participation in an earlier sales mission in February to New Zealand has paid dividends by establishing a firm base to further promote destination awareness and maintain relationships with travel agents. Discover Sunshine Coast functions, attended by travel agents, wholesalers and airline staff, were held in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga and Christchurch. Sales calls were also made to agents in those locations. The itinerary included product-training sessions for the sales staff working in the call centres of all NZ travel wholesalers, including GO, Gullivers, Infinity, Travelplan and Air New Zealand.

Adelaide sold on Caloundra

Port Power’s Chad Cornes did not let a broken leg slow him down during a pre-season training camp at Caloundra. He has told Adelaide travel industry representatives what a great time he had in Caloundra during the camp.

Former All-Australian, and star Port Adelaide AFL player, Chad Cornes, had a great time during the club’s pre-season training camp in Caloundra despite having a broken leg. As you can see by the picture this did not stop Chad training. Chad was a special guest at a beach party for travel industry representatives held during a sales mission to Adelaide from March 21-22. Despite his injury, Chad told of how much he, and the squad, enjoyed their camp and the opportunity to experience our beaches and attractions. Caloundra Tourism is working through the Power to promote Caloundra to their members. The current activity features a Caloundra holiday prize as an incentive for new members to sign on.  Thanks to Shearwater Resort for the accommodation component of the prize as well as A1 Airport Transfers, and the Queensland Air Museum, Big Kart Track, Aussie World and Australia Zoo for donating family passes. The Adelaide sales mission was timed to coincide with the new Jetstar direct flights between Adelaide and the Sunshine Coast. At the regional level a Sunshine Coast public relations campaign is also underway in Adelaide with editorial in the travel pages of the Sunday paper and advertising is planned for different newspapers and publications to boost interest.

Maleny Wood Expo promotion

Caloundra Tourism is sponsoring the printing and insertion of 120,000 Maleny Wood Expo programmes into a Friday edition of The Courier-Mail prior to the event. This direct promotion of the event aims to build the number of visitors from Brisbane and surrounds. This year’s expo at the Maleny Showgrounds from Saturday, April 29 to Monday, May 1 explores best practices in sustainable living. Regular attractions include showcasing the work of the nation’s finest wood artisans, working in sustainably harvested Australian timbers, weed timbers and recycled timbers. Entry is $10 for adults (includes free parking). Youth under-16 are admitted free. Maleny is alive with events over the May long weekend with the Maleny Quilt Show and the Maleny Arts and Crafts Show also on in town. Leave your car at the showgrounds and jump on the shuttle bus into Maple Street to visit these other events without any parking problems. For more information visit www.malenywoodexpo.com.

Loud and clear

There will be no excuses for not getting the message during Caloundra Tourism and Caloundra Chamber of Commerce functions thanks to a new public address system donated by Big Kart Track General Manager Ferre De Deyne. Many thanks to Ferre, who is also a member of the Caloundra Tourism Board and our representative on the board of Tourism Sunshine Coast. See and hear our new addition in action on Wednesday, April 26 during the next Chamber of Commerce Networking Evening at Caloundra Tennis Centre.

Spitfire on show

Let your guests know about the new Spitfire Exhibition in the Queensland Air Museum at Caloundra Airport. The Spitfire is one of the most recognised fighter aircraft in history and famous for its heroics during the Battle of Britain. The Spitfire Exhibition consists of a full-sized reproduction of a Spitfire with the markings of 19 Squadron based at Duxford, England, in early 1938. Visitors will also have the opportunity to look inside the open cockpit of the aircraft. The exhibition includes scale models of the prototype of various Spitfires tracing the aircraft’s development and photographs featuring the history of its wartime activities. For further information phone (07) 5492 5930, or visit www.qam.com.au. The Queensland Air Museum is open 7 days from 10am to 4pm.

Kite surfers fly high

Caloundra’s Mike Walker is one of the leading kite surfers competing at the national titles to be hosted off Kawana Beach from April 7-12.

Australia’s leading kite surfers will be towing into waves at blistering speeds at Kawana Beach from April 7-12 in search of a national title in Australia’s fastest growing water sport. The Australian Wave-Riding National Championships will be hosted on the Sunshine Coast for the first time attracting more than 140 entries. With a sail area of nine to 18 square meters competitors can reach speeds of 70-80 kilometres per hour during their manoeuvrers, depending on the wind strength. The Redkite Kitesurf for Kids Race will be held in conjunction with the titles on Saturday, April 8. The charity race will involve teams of three kitesurfers who will exchange a baton as they race 15km downwind from Dicky Beach to Kawana Beach. Each team needs to raise a minimum of $500 for Redkite to be eligible for the relay race. Redkite, which is the new name for the Malcolm Sargent Cancer Fund for Children, supports children dealing with cancer, and their families. Redkite receives no government funding, and relies 100% on the community to provide support for children and young Australians battling cancer. To donate please make cheques payable to Redkite and send to, Redkite, PO Box 1889 Toowong Qld 4066, or make a donation during the Australian Kitesurfing National Titles from April 7-12. For more information visit www.redkite.org.au .

Vida. It’s Spanish for LIFE

You can shake your way to health and fitness. Ten minutes on the new Bio Shaker at Vida Health and Spa works every muscle in your body and helps increase bone density, and can stimulate the lymphatic system. Let your guests know about the Bio Shaker that is the latest addition to a range of state-of-the-art exercise equipment, and exclusive treatments at the five-star rated Spa, located at Ramada Pelican Waters. The Bio Shaker offers a total workout over a 10 to 20-minute session at different speeds, and is often a great way to start your health and fitness routine. Also available to local residents and visitors is the unique range of all-natural beauty treatments and rejuvenating therapies to cleanse the body and lift the mind. For more information about memberships and pamper packages visit www.vidahealthandspa.com or phone (07) 5437 4600.

Walk the talk

Queensland National Parks and Wildlife rangers will host guided walks through the Glass House Mountains National Park during this month’s school holidays.

During the April school holidays Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service have some special bush activities in the Glass House Mountains National Park. A guided walk is planned to the summit of Mt Ngungun on Thursday, April 13, from 8-11am. Along the way discover the history of the Glass House Mountains and identify some of the rare and endemic plant species. This walk is for moderate fitness levels. Morning tea is provided. Cost is $12.85 adults, $8.20 children, $34.15 families. A paying adult must accompany children.
Creatures of the night are a feature on the easy-paced guided spotlight walk at Mt Tibrogargan on Tuesday, April 11, from 6.15pm to 8pm. End the night with a hot cuppa and a chat. Cost: $12.85 adults, $8.20 children, $34.15 families. A paying adult must accompany children.

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Did you know?

Young runners warm up for last year’s Caloundra Foreshore Fun Run. This year’s event, that hugs our scenic waterfront, is on May 28 with the 10km start at 7.15am at Jensen Park, Golden Beach. The 3km fun run starts at 8.15am from Moffat Beach Park. Entry Forms from: www.olr.qld.edu.au. Major Prizes include an Inexa race bike and wheels, accommodation packages at Aspect and Watermark resorts, and lucky prize draws.

• Congratulations to Australia Zoo’s Terri Irwin who was appointed an Order of Australia, in recognition of her service to wildlife conservation, the tourism industry and her support for many charitable organisations.
• Maleny locals Jill Morris and Heather Gall have collaborated on another children's picture storybook, Platypus Deep, which is dedicated to the Maleny platypus. The book launch is on April 8 at 2pm, beside the Maleny Library next to Obi Obi Creek, the habitat of a large colony of platypus.
• The Sunshine Coast Convention Bureau (SCCB) has taken out the 2005 Queensland Award for Best Convention Bureau/Tourist Organisation at the 2005 Meeting and Events Industry Awards held on the Gold Coast. The Sunshine Coast is fast becoming a preferred destination for business events with numbers rising 27% in the 12-month period to June 2005. SCCB will now go on to compete for the national title at the Annual Meeting and Events Industry National Awards, during the 19th MEA Annual Meeting and Events Industry Conference from April 26-29.
• Caloundra Tourism is pleased to have sponsored the polo shirts for the Kawana Waters Surf Life Saving Club team participating in the World Lifesaving Titles held at Lorne and Geelong in Victoria. The Kawana team of 12 made history in taking out first place. After a strong showing in the pool events, they withstood a determined effort from Northcliffe to win by almost 30 points, gaining five gold medals, one silver and two bronze. Congratulations Kawana SLSC and thanks for your promotion of Caloundra to the Australian and international competitors.
• A proposal for six new canoe trails in the Pumicestone Passage, Bells Creek, Coochin Creek, Ewen Maddock Dam, Currimundi Lake and Mooloolah River is under consideration by the State Government’s Sport and Recreation Queensland Grant Program.
• Construction of stage four of the Kings Beach redevelopment is underway with work centred on a $3.3 million revamp of the existing salt-water swimming pool. Work is expected to be completed before the Christmas school holidays.
• Sunshine Coast Grammar School is following up on Caloundra’s links with the Blues super 14 franchise during their tour of New Zealand. The schoolboys were invited to see the Blues play against the Bulls on March 31 in Auckland.
• The Australian Government has released the National Tourism Investment Strategy: Investing for our future. The report covers a broad range of issues of interest to several Government portfolios, and makes recommendations to the industry and all levels of Government for future action. The strategy is available at www.industry.gov.au/tourisminvestment. 

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Upcoming events

• April 7-9: Visit the Tourism Sunshine Coast Hinterland stand during the Sunday Mail Holiday Escapes Expo at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
• April 16: Top horse racing during the Easter Sunday Cup at Sunshine Coast Turf Club, Corbould Park.
• April 22: Popular classics during Opera on Kings at Kings Beach Park.
• April 28-30: Everything for the home, outdoor living and the backyard during Suncoast Living Expo at Kawana’s Quad Park.
  

A complete list of events is available at: www.caloundratourism.com.au