Total Subscribers: 672
November/December 2010
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Message from the Chairperson
Whether you're planning to get away over Christmas or have family coming to visit, think of all the wonderful things Ipswich has to offer. There is a plethora of activities to keep the entire family happy and active during the break from kayaking on the Bremer River to relaxing in one of the city's more than 500 parks. The city boasts a number of terrific tourism operators, most of which can be found online at www.discoveripswich.com.au or in the Discover Ipswich official visitors' guide. There are plenty of great cafes and country pubs oozing character and charm. There are picturesque drives, including the newly revamped Cobb and Co Tourist Drive, which will allow you to see another side to the city at your own leisurely pace. Take a moment to discover everything Ipswich has to offer and you won't be disappointed. Remember... Tourism is everybody's business Cr David Pahlke |
In this issue...Tourism industry up-skills for futureQueensland's tourism and hospitality sectors will benefit from $2.6 million in training as part of the Federal Government's Skilling Australia For The Future initiative. The funding, secured by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council, will benefit Ipswich with the Bremer Institute of TAFE identified as a training provider for certificate IV in hospitality, diploma of management and diploma of hospitality courses. Flexible training options from intensive workshops to distance delivery will be available through the TAFE.  The Productivity Places Program (PPP), as part of the initiative, will cover up to 80 per cent of training costs. For more information on how the PPP can benefit your business, contact Stella Musk at Bremer TAFE on 3817 3548. [ Back to Top ] Sky's the limit for helicopter company
 Pterodactyl Helicopters has flown more than 1000 passengers across south east Queensland over the past two years. Pterodactyl Helicopters director and chief pilot, Captain Mike Jarvis, said the company had built up business despite the effects of the global financial crisis. When Pterodactyl Helicopters started operating in the Ipswich region in September 2008 it had a single Bell 47 helicopter for up to two passengers. The popularity of the company's charter flights means Pterodactyl has added a new Robinson R44 to its fleet. |
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"We began by doing joyrides and local scenic flights but now we also offer the region's first wine tours by helicopter and lots of trips to weddings and other special occasions," Capt Jarvis said. Another innovation introduced by the company is the Junior Aviation Program, which enables young people to spend a day with Pterodactyl Helicopters to see what is involved in the aviation tourism industry and learn more about helicopter aerodynamics. [ Back to Top ] New plan to target SEQ tourism marketsIpswich is a vibrant, modern city with a unique and home-grown village character – this is the message Ipswich City Council is promoting to the rest of Australia. Under the “Discover Ipswich” banner, council will develop a plan to target the short break and drive market within south east Queensland. The “visiting friends and relatives” market will also be targeted through a series of initiatives directed at Ipswich residents. Ipswich City Council offers tourism operators a number of opportunities each year to be involved in co-operative marketing, including advertising and, in some instances, editorial in tourism publications. Businesses can participate in these co-operative advertising opportunities by purchasing a panel in an advertising feature. Opportunities are also available to participate at consumer shows with stalls co-ordinated by council. [ Back to Top ] Jamie Oliver’s Ministry of Food comes to Ipswich Jamie Oliver teaches the crowd at d’Arcy Doyle Place how to make three dishes in a live link to his London home. IPSWICH has joined the Jamie Oliver revolution, becoming home to Australia's first Ministry of Food which helps people improve their cooking skills and diet. The London-based celebrity chef fired up interest in the healthy cooking program by staging a cook along in d’Arcy Doyle Place with Premier Anna Bligh, Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale and other local celebrities learning to cook piri piri chicken, a quick salad and dessert. Mayor Paul Pisasale said a partnership between Queensland Health, Ipswich City Council, Ministry of Food and the Good Foundation would offer a world class training facility that was all about education and healthy eating. "This is exciting news, not only for Ipswich but for Australia," he said. "The Ministry of Food is a shot in the arm for improving diets and will encourage thousand of people to sharpen their cooking skills.” The Ipswich Ministry of Food is expected to open in March next year and will offer 21 classes and five demonstrations each week. The course will teach participants how to prepare nutritious meals and shop for fresh produce. Ipswich’s fortnightly farmers and fresh produce markets expect a boost from the classes with more residents appreciating the foods coming straight from producers. [ Back to Top ] New service for Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale with Amanda Foy and Tania Murphy of Ipswich Event Services. Two Ipswich businesswomen, Amanda Foy and Tania Murphy, have joined forces to start Ipswich Event Services. The pair aim to provide a one-stop-shop for private, public and corporate events and functions, showcasing the products of the local event services industry. Ms Foy has 22 years experience in organising events and functions, while Ms Murphy has expertise in social media and small business management. If you would like to become a member of Ipswich Event Services, contact Amanda Foy on 0428 160 299 [ Back to Top ] People on the MoveFarewellScott Bellingham headed back to New Zealand in November after 12 months in the role of General Manager at Quest Ipswich. Anya Van Hunnik, one of the hard working Tourism Officers at the Ipswich Visitor Information Centre, left in late October to pursue a career in marketing and is now working with Motorcycling Queensland in the role of Communications Coordinator. WelcomeAllan Peters joined Quest Ipswich as General Manager in early November and is looking forward to some time off so he can explore some of the great attractions of Ipswich. Local girl Victoria Nugent has joined the Ipswich Visitor Information Centre as one of our Tourism Officers. Victoria, formerly with Tourism Queensland, brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience that is being put to good use. Matthew Brown has moved to Queensland to take charge at the Oaks Aspire Hotel. Matthew, previously from Adelaide, has worked at each of the three Oaks properties there. [ Back to Top ] |
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Websites of interestIf you are aware of a funding program or funding website that we have not listed, please contact us at info@discoveripswich.com.au
Grants & subsidies funding opportunities:These websites assist business and community to access government funding programs and associated guidelines:-
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IPSWICH CITY COUNCIL |
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