One of Australia’s biggest breakfast shows spent a day on the shores of the Whitsundays’ far north to promote the region last week through its daily weather broadcast.
The TODAY Show’s weather presenter Tim Davies introduced national audiences to Bowen and its variety of experiences on Thursday.
The top of the Whitsundays went all out in its television spotlight, having Mr Davies drop in at some iconic spots including Rose Bay and The Big Mango, and some lesser-known locales.
The TODAY Show journalist stopped by Stackelroth Farms for a beekeeping lesson courtesy of Bowen Police Sergeant Michelle O’Regan, local business Smile Kitesurf took Mr Dvies out on the water to showcase their tours and kitesurfing adventures, and Bowen State School kids and Principal Christien Payne came along later, as well as their school mascot – Kindawri.
And he wasn’t the only mascot, Bowen Tourism and Business’ Kenny the Kensington Pride Mango made a guest appearance alongside Manager Leanne Abernathy and Committee Chair Jenn Honnery at The Big Mango Visitor Information Centre.
Ms Abernathy and Ms Honory put the spotlight on Bowen’s most famous commodity, decking Tim out with some mango socks, a hat, and a fishing shirt – which he gladly put on for the segment.
“It was a little blowy as Bowen is famous for on the day that the TODAY Show came, but the community turnout just made such a fantastic atmosphere for Tim and the crew,” Ms Honnery said.
“We could show them how much we love Bowen and the feedback so far is it was a fantastic snapshot of what people can expect when they come here to visit.”
TODAY Show was already visiting the Whitsundays as part of a Wonders of the Whitsundays campaign to showcase the region, which Bowen Tourism and Business contributed financially to see the region have its own “morning on air”.
Mr Davies said it was another opportunity in his career to show off operators and spend another occasion at the Big Mango.
"Everyone knows the Big Mango, I've been there many times and I looked up on my phone all the different occasions I've been there and all the haircuts and all the different people I've been there with," Mr Davies said.
"It's one of those landmarks that is very recognisable. Bowen is such a massive producer of tomatoes, capsicums, and that honey, and if we can highlight that to the nation, even if they're passing through, it's a pin drop in their brain. If from memory they can say, 'I think you can go and do this in Bowen', that's job done for us.
“That is so important to have in an Australian breakfast program, that’s the real DNA of our segment. I love the Whitsundays – it’s my happy place.”
