The Bowen Tourism and Business volunteers enjoyed a “Christmas in July” celebration last month with a lovely dinner at the Queen’s Beach Hotel in Bowen.
The staff and volunteers all donned their favourite Christmas outfits for the evening.
Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the volunteers were an integral part of the organisation and this was a way of saying thank you.
The 18 volunteers welcome thousands of visitors each year at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre next to the Big Mango and at the information booth at Bowen’s Front Beach.
“Our volunteers are passionate about Bowen and the entire region, and they are very knowledgeable,” Leanne said.
“They welcome every visitor with a smile and go above and beyond to provide information about our attractions, businesses, culture and history.”
It has been a big year for the organisation with Bowen winning the Top Tourism Town in Queensland, the Big Mango being named the “Best Big Thing” in Queensland and the team welcoming a record number of visitors.
“None of these achievements would have been possible without our wonderful volunteers," added Leanne.
“The dinner was also a good chance for everyone to get together as a team, the volunteers all work on different days and don’t see each other very often.
“After such a busy 12 months, we thought it was time we all had a night out to celebrate.
“Thanks also to the Queen’s Beach Hotel – it was a fantastic evening.”
Contributed with thanks to Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business Leanne Abernethy
Volunteers from Bowen Tourism and Business enjoyed their Christmas in July
Kevin Clarke, Viv Clarke and Glenn Womal
Kate Mackie, Trudy Starkey and Cindy Tonks
Photos supplied