Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Wildcat Wins Gold At National Awards

A new tourism business, showcasing Mackay in a way that it has never been before is making waves not just regionally, but now on a national scale, having won Best New Tourism Business in the country at the Qantas Australia Tourism Awards held in Sydney on Friday night.

Wildcat Mackay is now in its second year of operation, offering guests daily experiences to previously inaccessible Great Barrier Reef islands off the Mackay coast, on a purpose-built vessel, custom-designed from extensive research.

The business was launched in the midst of Covid, making its success even more incredible.

Owners, Julie and Asher Telford are familiar with conquering adversity, having operated Wildcat’s award-winning sister company, Red Cat Adventures in the Whitsundays for the past 10 years.

Despite their achievements with Red Cat Adventures, the couple say that they were surprised to receive gold and deeply humbled to be selected for such a prestigious award.

Julie Telford said for a business launched at the height of the pandemic, Wildcat had not only met but exceeded expectations, virtually against all odds.

“To say the cards were stacked against us would be an understatement, so to be recognised as Australia’s best new tourism business is testament to the innovation and tenacity involved, and proof of our ability to design and develop new tourism experiences that people want,” she said.

“We put everything we had into this – emotionally, physically, financially – but it was a calculated risk that paid off; we promise our customers the experience of a lifetime, and awards like this confirm that’s what we deliver.”

Every element of Wildcat Mackay is conceived from scratch – from the boat design to the tour itself and when Asher Telford scoped out a coastline with a reputation for shallow approaches and steep seas, he quickly discovered there was a reason not many operators had offered day trips.

“But after completing significant data analysis and aerial surveillance we knew we’d found paradise and were determined to showcase it,” he said.

“Working with a team of leading naval architects, we were able to come up with a hull design specifically suited to the waters where we wanted to operate, with features like reverse bows, angled surfaces, easy-access fore and aft electric stairs, and a 360-degree rooftop viewing platform, that are every bit as practical as they are striking.”

Wildcat employ eight staff and departs daily from Mackay Marina.

In under two years, the business has already expanded to include weekend sunset cruises around the Mackay Harbour, as well as offering immersive learning tours, curriculum-linked school excursions, school-age Coxswain training and private charters.

Mackay Isaac Tourism Chief Executive Officer, Al Grundy, said whatever the outcome had been at Saturday’s awards, he sees Wildcat as a winning experience.

“In our eyes Wildcat were already winners as the trips they provide exploring the islands and reefs off the Mackay coast are world-class,” he said.

The support for our region from Asher and Julie Telford is helping to establish Mackay as a jumping-off point to visit the islands of the Great Barrier Reef – so go get ‘em Jules, Ash and the Wildcat team, and thank you.”

What does it take to top Australian Tourism?

A clear vision that also involves in-depth research, innovation and development. A focus on the community, accessibilty and a genuine passion towards protecting the environment. We also believe in maintaining our integrity within a business. We stick to our purpose: to make sure everyone who travels with us has the best experience and deliver on it.

It also takes a lot of hard work and dedication from everyone involved. A business is only as strong as the people in it, and winning awards acknowledges their commitment and passion for Wildcat.

Left to right: Asher and Julie Telford with Operations Manager Dan Gabbert

Wildcat Mackay offers unique experiences in nature

The business has achieved the highest level of ECO accreditation and is a Climate Action Leader

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