Opposite page from left:
Sailaway visit the Low
Isles; enjoying a fiery
welcome at Flames of the
Forest; meeting the locals
at Hartley’s.
With the Reef and the Rainforest playing such huge part
in the appeal of TNQ, local operators put sustainable
practices into their businesses as a matter of course.
Angela Freeman, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures
“Our objective is to be known as one of Australia’s most
sustainable attractions. We are currently generating more
than half of our own electricity as all of the restaurant
roofs are covered in solar panels plus we recycle all
of our waste water, and collect all of our water before
micro-filtering it. From a carbon side we have our North Queensland Wildlife Trust and have sponsored a lot
of tree planting in Cape Tribulation and Daintree Area.”
Mick Cook, Total Exhibition Services
“We looked at the exhibition industry throughout the country, which were building custom build stands using
full on construction methods and raw materials. All these materials going to waste after a one or two day show.
We thought that’s not the way to go. There must be some other product out there that you can reuse and still
do spectacular forms and designs without having that waste factor. That’s when we aligned with the Eco
Custom Design Series. They allow you to create wonderful variations of custom stands time and time again.”
Beth Anderson, NQ Exhibitions
“We are very aware of the environment being between two World Heritage Listed areas. We try and recycle
everything. We scour the skip bins at the convention centre and take everything we can. We try to recycle
anything that is used to enhance a product like pull up banners, water bottles and coffee cups. It’s always
been about understanding and respecting the natural environment because that is what bolsters your
business. One supports the other.”
Walks which incorporates
culture, history and storytelling
on private Kuku Yalanji country
in the heart of the rainforest.
“We can block it out like a soldout hotel,” says McLeod. “And
you can tell your delegates that
we have got you in the oldest
rainforest in the world and it’s all
yours for the morning.”
There are now even more
ways to experience the Great
Barrier Reef now with Tropical
Journeys and new operator
in the business event market
Sailaway offering half day tours
in their itinerary.
Sailaway is an interesting example
of a new product that encapsulates
the philosophy behind many in the
region – one of sustainability. In a
region that relies on the pristine
reputation and uniqueness of
being located between two
World Heritage listed attractions
perception is everything.
“Because we are so passionate
about the environment ourselves
it is our vehicle to deliver a
bigger message,” says Steve
Edmondson, owner of Sailway,
which operates two (soon to be
three) luxury yachts that can
take groups up to around 30 for
trips to the Lower Isles or simply
sunset tours.
“Environmentalism and
sustainability is of growing
importance. By setting an
example that you can operate
successfully with a strong
environmental philosophy we can
educate people while on a fun
day about the appreciation and
awareness of the environment.”
With authenticity a key
attribute, Edmondson lives and
breathes his message, with
$10 from each passenger going
towards a tree plantation (Eco
Shamba Tree Farm) to offset
its carbon footprint, and many
deck hands on board marine
biologists to boot.
“Corporate groups want to
assimilate with environmentally
smart operations with a
sustainability plan and great
personal service,” he says. “It’s
what we try to deliver here on a
normal day and equally applies
to a business environment.”
11-13 Bollard St
CAIRNS
Queensland 4870
Ph +61 7 4035 4660
Express the Passion
[email protected]
Specializing in Exhibition & Events with a
combined Team experience of over 120 years
in the event industry Guarantees your event to
be a success Every time!
We are situated in Cairns servicing Australia
wide & The Pacific islands.
Innovation, Concept
Design, Quality
Experience
& Service
Shell Schemes, Furniture, Custom Stands,
Displays, Pavilions & More
www.totalexhibitionservices.com.au
www.cimmagazine.com Convention & Incentive Marketing, Issue 8, 2016 21