There are four new faces on the Bowen Tourism and Business (BTB) committee. Erika Schmid, Bernie Mackie, Jilly Paddon and Amanda Brockbank joined the committee at last week’s Annual General Meeting held at the Big Mango. The other committee members are Jenn Honnery, Chloe Bauer, Michelle O’Regan and Natalie Lydom.
Jenn Honnery will remain as chair of the organisation.
In her report, Jenn thanked the staff and the volunteers for their dedication, hard work and passion and she thanked the outgoing committee members.
She said BTB was in a very strong financial position and that the team had welcomed a record number of visitors in the past financial year.
More than 56,000 visitors were welcomed at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre on the Bruce Highway and the information booth at Bowen’s Front Beach – representing more than 150 people every day.
“The revenue we raise through selling merchandise at the Visitor Information Centre, membership, and the funding from Whitsunday Regional Council is invested directly back into the community through our ongoing marketing efforts,” she said.
“In June 2024, we sponsored a full 30-minute episode of Queensland Weekender, taking viewers on a journey through Bowen and Collinsville.
“We are proud to continue to promote Bowen as a holiday destination through television, radio, print and digital channel.”
More than 60 people attended the AGM and this was followed by a night of networking with music provided by Kim-Maree.
The new committee also met after the AGM and elected the executive for 2024/25.
Deputy Mayor Councillor Michelle Wright is pictured with the Bowen Tourism and Business committee for 2024/25 - Jenn Honnery (Chair), Erika Schmid, Bernie Mackie, Jilly Paddon, Leanne Abernethy (Manager and secretary), Chloe Bauer (Treasurer), Natalie Lydom (Deputy Chair), Michelle O'Regan and Amanda Brockbank. Photo supplied