JOANNA CARSON – Bellarine Times

December 30 2011

Showing tourists around our beautiful region isn’t as easy as you might think, says a Bellarine-based professional tour guide.

Pauline Campbell was in charge of a bus load of British tourists from the cruise liner Spirit of Adventure, which anchored off Geelong last week.

With very little notice of what the itinerary was going to be, Mrs Campbell was responsible for showcasing the Great Ocean Road to its best advantage, and ensuring the visitors were still in good spirits ten hours later when they met their ship in Melbourne.
Describing tour guiding as an art and sometimes quite hard work, Mrs Campbell nevertheless loves the job so much she and husband Greg have started a tour business on the Bellarine. She said when they moved to Portarlington from Melbourne they soon felt a need to show off all their new home had to offer.
“We didn’t move here to do this, but there aren’t any professional tour guides on the Bellarine as far as I know and it’s the ideal place,” she said.
“My job is to totally entertain, whether it be for two or 10 hours. That’s the goal – that they all come back having had a little experience of Victoria.”
When the cruise ship came in, Mrs Campbell guided on behalf of Cruise Guides Australia, and said it was her first cruise tour from Geelong. However, she is also very keen to create tours for locals and their visitors, around local attractions such as wineries and also into Melbourne, where she first learned the craft of guiding.
She believes there are still lots of treasures that locals may not yet have come across, such as the city’s mysterious laneways. She has planned a walking tour around this ‘darker’ side of the city which ends with the famous high tea at the Hotel Windsor.
For more information visit www.downundertruebluetours.com.au.

Bellarine-based professional tour guide Pauline Campbell.

Building Industry Development for Guides and Operators

10 a.m. Tuesday 18^th October

Gordon TAFE , 4 Fenwick St, Geelong.Vic

As we face many changes to tourism in 2011 and beyond, it is clear that development and training in the cruise ship segment of our market is crucial. Building Industry Development for Guides and Operators, is a key focus of the inaugural Excellence In Shorex Conference 2011.

We are aiming to provide insight into future developments in the cruise ship industry, tourism trends in Shorex, discussing how to increase profit by developing and providing an excellent standard of world class service and above all , giving clear information on current industry practises and developments.

Guides and Operators play a key role in the Tourism Industry and as such, this is an opportunity for practitioners, operators, peak tourism bodies and state government representatives to discuss current and emerging issues at this ‘must-do’ conference.

With guest speakers from within the Australian and Victorian Tourism Industry, conference attendees will hear from experts and enjoy a full workshop session with Peter Wagner.  Peter will provide an insight into the trends and training on International Standards.

Finally without the support of our industry partners this conference would not be possible. We especially thank our speakers for their most valuable participation, the Gordon for providing the venue and the staff and students of the Gordon for their valuable support and assistance in presenting this conference,.

Anne Bottomley, Victorian Representative, GOA

Jill Abel, General Manager, Cruise Down Under

Jill commenced her work in the cruise industry in 1995 when she became a consultant to Hobart Ports looking after the operational aspects of the cruise ship visits. The position developed to include the Executive Officer role of Cruise Tasmania, marketing the state as a cruise ship destination. Jill worked in this role for ten years until 2005.

In February of 2005 Jill was appointed General Manager of Cruise Down Under, the peak industry marketing body. Cruise Down Under is responsible for the marketing of Australia and the Pacific to the cruise ship industry. Jill manages the marketing initiatives of the member based organisation that includes international sales missions, attendance at international cruise events, website development, brochure production and media. Jill is responsible for the management of the Economic Impact Study currently being conducted into the benefits of the Australian Cruise Ship Industry and is also the secretary of the organisation.

Jill has a Diploma of Business (Tourism) and runs her own company Abel Event Management

CLAIRE WILLIS from ABERCROMBIE & KENT

Claire has worked within the cruise industry for more than 19 years, spending many years at sea as a Purser, first for Premier Cruise Lines and then for Princess Cruises. Ten years ago she made the transition back to land and joined A&K Europe as Cruise Manager where she operated shore excursions around the UK and overland tours for cruise passengers throughout Europe.

Most recently, Claire joined A&K Australia as Cruise Manager, where she heads up a team of expert cruise professionals providing land services to cruise passengers all around Australia. Over the past four and a half years she has worked closely with local operators and tourism bodies to develop new product, improve existing product, and explore new opportunities for delivering top quality experiences to cruise ship passengers visiting Australia.

With her many years in the industry, Claire has a deep understanding of the cruise industry, and has a wide network of contacts at all of the cruise lines. She has developed relationships around the country with local suppliers and has a wealth of knowledge about the cruise industry.

PETER WAGNER, WORLD FEDERATION OF TOURIST GUIDE ASSOCIATIONS.

Peter Wagner’s experience as Tour Manager and Tourist Guide covers thirty years. Based in London and Paris, he clocked up twelve years in Western Europe with Viva Holidays, Travellers International, and Insight.

Based in Sydney, he covered much of North America and Asia, as well as touring Australia-wide and through New Zealand with Aircruising Australia and Globus. His great interest in the highest standards of guiding led to his involvement in the International Association of Tour Managers (IATM), and the establishment of the Institute of Australian Tourist Guides (IATG), not to mention its connection with the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA).

He is a Lead International Trainer accredited by WFTGA, for whom he spent four weeks in Saudi Arabia delivering Train the Trainer courses in Riyadh and Jeddah.

ce Program

Tuesday 18^th, October 2011

Venue: Gordon TAFE, 4 Fenwick St, Geelong.

Room: Auditorium, G Building, level 3.

Combine “High Tea” with a glimpse into Melbourne’s past on a Down Under True Blue Tours day tour.

At the eastern end of Spring Street, the ” Parliament Precinct” of Melbourne, stands a Hotel which is entwined in the history of this City – a clear reminder of the “Marvellous Melbourne” era.

“The Tourism & Events Excellence Conference will help us all to continuously improve and develop a profitable, sustainable, innovative and professional tourism and events industry.
This conference is an ideal opportunity for leadership across the tourism and events industry to be recognised and for best practices across a range of national and international industry sectors to be promoted.”
- Tourism Victoria

Conference Profile

The 2011 Tourism and Events Excellence Conference showcases business excellence within the tourism and events industries. Excellence at all levels in the industry, regardless of the size of the business or organisation, is essential to achieving our overarching goal of a professional, sustainable and commercially prosperous future for tourism and events.

The Conference will bring together industry experts and leaders, business owners and operators, destination managers and visitor service providers, offering a unique opportunity to share knowledge, learn from each other, form new business relationships and discuss the issues that matter most to your business and our industry.

Conference Theme

“Defining Excellence”

The Australian tourism and events industry must aspire for excellence at all levels in order to be competitive on an international platform.

Australia as a nation is historically recognised as a leader in tourism and world renowned events, however we must ensure we do not become complacent and rely on past successes as we strive for future excellence and growth. As an industry we must enhance our focus on becoming world leaders through promoting best practice across all levels of industry. Together we must aim for continuous improvement and development of a profitable, sustainable, innovative and professional tourism and events industry.

Session Topics

The Tourism and Events Excellence Conference will address the following topics:

Policy Development

Designed for policy makers across all levels of government and specialist tourism and event professionals who advise industry and government.

Event Management

Designed for owners and operators of event venues and suppliers, contractors, marketing professionals and event attraction and development professionals.

Marketing and Consumer Trends

Designed for product developers, marketing professionals and operators – examining consumer trends through best practice case studies of innovative campaigns; reviews of trends; and tools to tap into taking the pulse of the market.

Destination Development & Management

Designed for destination managers and planners – from local through to national scale destinations; policy makers; infrastructure providers; investors; and local government.

Skills Development

Designed for professionals involved in skilling the tourism and event industries and for researchers who are providing intelligence for the development and management of the sectors.

Day 1 – Monday 5 September 2011
08:30 – 08:40	WELCOME TO COUNTRY
08:40 – 08:50	OPENING CEREMONY John Dalton, Acting Chief Executive, Tourism Victoria
08:50 – 09:00	CO-CONVENORS MESSAGE Tony Charters, Principal, Tony Charters and Associates
09:00 – 09:20	POLICY OUTLOOK Senator The Hon. Nick Sherry, Minister Assisting on Tourism, Australian Government
09:20 – 09:40	NATIONAL TOURISM OUTLOOK Juliana Payne, CEO, National Tourism Alliance
09:40 – 10:00	NATIONAL EVENTS OUTLOOK Linda Gaunt, Chief Executive Officer, Meetings and Events Australia (MEA)
10:00 – 10:30	ECONOMIC OUTLOOK Chris Richardson, Partner, Deloitte Access Economics Two Speeds, One Industry, One Currency
10:30 – 11:00	Morning Tea
11:00 – 11:30	CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR Michele Levine, CEO, Roy Morgan Research Competitor Analysis and Consumer Behaviour
11:30 – 12:00	RETAIL, TOURISM AND EVENTS Bernie Brookes, CEO, Myer The Threat of the Australian dollar, the Internet and Creating a Competitive Advantage
12:00 – 12:30	PANEL DISCUSSION: Hiding Behind the Australian Dollar Facilitator: Nick Bryant, Sydney Correspondent, BBC World News Panelists: Chris Richardson, Partner, Deloitte Access Economic Michele Levine, CEO, Roy Morgan Research Bernie Brookes, CEO, Myer
12:30 – 13:30	Lunch
13:30 – 14:00	SOCIAL MEDIA AND MARKETING Dean McEvoy, CEO and Co-founder, Spreets 7 Essential Social Media Marketing and Travel Tips
14:00 – 14:30	TOURISM AND EVENTS PARTNERSHIPS Shani Wood, Director, SW Events and Red Bull Air Race Creating a ‘Win’ for Both Parties
14:30 – 15:00	FUTURIST Daniel Levine, Executive Director, Avant-Guide Institute The New Future of Excellence
15:00 – 15:30	Afternoon Tea
15:30 – 16:00	ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY Stephan Bognar, Chief Executive Officer, Maddox Jolie-Pitt Foundation
16:00 – 17:00	LEADERS FORUM John Dalton, Acting Chief Executive, Tourism Victoria Juliana Payne, CEO, National Tourism Alliance Linda Gaunt, Chief Executive Officer, Meetings and Events Australia (MEA) Craig Davidson, General Manager Destination Development, Tourism Australia Mark Stone, Chief Executive, Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) Wayne Kayler-Thomson, Deputy Chairman, Victoria Tourism Industry Council Rob Giason, CEO, Tourism Tropical North Queensland Host: Nick Bryant, Sydney Correspondent, BBC World News
	Leaders Forum hosted by:
17:00 – 18:00	WELCOME RECEPTION
19:00 – 23:00	EXCELLENCE DINNER Ministers Address: The Hon. Louise Asher MP, Minister for Tourism and Major Events Interview: Dean McEvoy, CEO and Co-founder, Spreets Victoria Rose, Director of Sustainability – Australasia, Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) Stephan Bognar, Chief Executive Officer, Maddox Jolie-Pitt Foundation Graeme Lewsey, Chief Executive Officer, L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival Host: Nick Bryant, Correspondent BBC World News

Olive oils are to be enjoyed as a finishing touch on your favourite pasta, risotto, polenta, fish or salad. Or as a quick meal, try it drizzled over thick slices of country bread rubbed with garlic and topped with tomato.

The Bellarine Peninsula’s Mediterranean-like climate and olives have a close union.

The focus is on natural goodness and high quality, working towards recognition as an organic olive grove, achieving irrigation water self-sufficiency, and practising artisan-like attention to the management of the grove and oil production.

The first harvest from the initial planting yielded robust, intense olive-flavoured Manzanillo and the lightly piquant, fruity Frantoio oils.

These cold-pressed oils were processed within 12 hours of being hand-picked and resulted in an exceptionally high-quality, extra-virgin product with free fatty acids well below the threshold level.

In addition to the fabulous views and produce of the region, there are some mysterious and little known facts about the area, – from famous movie locations to historic nautical landings and tales of long forgotten mysteries hidden along the coastline. These true events add a unique perspective to your overall experience.

‘WINE, WILDLIFE & WOOL’ Tour – Winery Luncheon Section

Bellarine Winery Restaurant Luncheon – 2 Course & Wine

Nestled amongst the rolling hills of the Bellarine,

down a country lane,

alongside vines in neat rows,

is one of the regions most

outstanding winery restaurants!

The vines excel in a Mediterranean-like atmosphere with unrivaled majestic views

across the bay to Geelong, the You Yangs and Melbourne, as you dine.

Choose from a diverse variety of cool climate wines to enhance your two course luncheon.

Inside or outside, the experience is sublime.

In addition to the fabulous views and produce of the region, there are some mysterious and little known facts about the area, – from famous movie locations to historic nautical landings and tales of long forgotten mysteries hidden along the coastline. These true events add a unique perspective to your overall experience.

The Geelong Ford Discovery Centre is more than a car museum, it is a showcase of automotive technology and a behind the scenes look at how cars are made.

The museum is within one minutes walk from the Geelong Wool Museum and is an alternative or an adjunct as you wish.

A joint project of  Ford Motor Company of Australia and Deakin University, with continued support from Gordon TAFE and initial sponsorship support from the Victorian State Government, City of Greater Geelong, Bendigo Bank and RACV, the Ford Discovery Centre is an important part of Geelong’s exciting Waterfront development.

The Ford Discovery Centre is Australia’s leading interactive automotive museum.

Ford’s Australian history is fascinating and complex. The company has come a long way since its early beginnings in Geelong in 1925. Local content, design and engineering work are given high priority although the company is linked to the best global technology and practices.

The Ford Discovery Centre opened in April 1999 as a showcase of the rich heritage and advances in technology of  Ford’s design, development and manufacturing operations in this country and has grown to become one of the finest interactive automotive exhibitions in the world.

In addition to the fabulous views and produce of the region, there are some mysterious and little known facts about the area, – from famous movie locations to historic nautical landings and tales of long forgotten mysteries hidden along the coastline. These true events add a unique perspective to your overall experience.

Our ‘WINE, WILDLIFE & WOOL’ Day Tour
appeals to travellers who appreciate a full experience with a professional tour guide highlighting  what the local region has to offer in the way of Wine, Wildlife and Wool History – & MUCH more.

The coach captain will concentrate on conveying you safely, while the accredited local guide provides entertaining and interesting commentary over the day’s enjoyable tour.

In addition to the fabulous views and produce of the region, there are some mysterious and little known facts about the area, – from famous movie locations to historic nautical landings and tales of long forgotten mysteries hidden along the coastline. These true events add a unique perspective to your overall experience.

WINE,WILDLIFE & WOOL Day Tour
9:00 AM     Depart Melbourne City CBD

Down Under True Blue Tours is dedicated to WINE, WILDLIFE & WOOL Tours of the Bellarine Peninsula in Victoria Australia. The Bellarine Peninsular wine region is approximately an hour and a half from Melbourne along the divided freeway known as the Princes Highway to Geelong, a major regional city situated on the shore of Corio Bay. Wine, Wildlife and Wool history generally define the essence of Australia to most of us who have enjoyed our local wines amongst the rolling hills and coastal views so prominent to this area.

WINE, WILDLIFE & WOOL Day Tour –
9:45 AM    Native Animal Sanctuary

Less than an hour from Melbourne we visit a sanctuary and get up close to Australian native wildlife including Kangaroos. The once plentiful native wildlife has learned to accept the many sheep grazing in paddocks that were once the domain of  Kangaroos and Emus. These days the local Kangaroos and Emus,  as well as many bird species are mainly in protected sanctuaries allowing you to view them up close.

WINE, WILDLIFE & WOOL Day Tour –
11:00 AM    National Wool Museum

It was said in early Australian history the country economy ”rode on the sheeps’ back”.  Learn about the “Million Dollar Bale” of wool in Australia’s local National Wool Museum we visit near Geelong Waterfront on Corio Bay.

WINE, WILDLIFE & WOOL Day Tour –
11:00 AM    Ford Discovery Centre

If your interest is more towards automobiles, you can visit the FORD Discovery Centre Museum a minutes walk from the Wool Museum. You can visit both if you prefer.

WINE, WILDLIFE & WOOL Day Tour –
1:00 PM      Winery Luncheon

The magnificent views from the vineyards always enhance the wonderful taste of the blended grape varieties that tempt the palate alongside a 2 course luncheon at one of the major wineries on the Bellarine.

WINE, WILDLIFE & WOOL Day Tour –
2:15 PM       Winery Cellar Tour

Be amazed at the process that transforms the wine grapes into the liquid nectar that captivates your taste buds and enhances a great meal.

WINE, WILDLIFE & WOOL Day Tour –
3:00 PM      Olive Oil Producer

Experience typical country hospitality with tastings from the olive grove farm house kitchen. Sample a mix of tasty olive varieties and wander amongst the olive grove and bottling sheds.

It was said in early Australian history the country economy “rode on the sheep’s back”.

We kept warm in our cold winters wearing wool garments produced from many of the worlds finest local sheep.

Learn about the “Million Dollar Bale” of wool in Australia’s local Geelong National Wool Museum where there are many rare working examples of wool production machinery from shearing through to stockings, and even a 100 year old Axminster carpet machine still operating.

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At the National Wool Museum, you will discover why fleece from

Australia’s sheep has been the heart of our economy for 200 years.

Since the arrival of sheep with the First Fleet in 1788, the wool industry has dominated our economy, our agriculture and our reputation as a quality wool-growing nation throughout the world.

Two hundred years later, in 1988, the National Wool Museum was established as Australia’s only comprehensive museum of wool.

Geelong is a city synonymous with wool and the wool industry – sheep farming began here in 1835 and the first of many woollen mills opened here in 1868.

For many years the city was known as the “wool centre of the world”.

Source: National Wool Museum Website

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Although Australia does not ride on the sheep’s back any longer the current sheep flock is about 15 million sheep, down from the 1990 total near 30 million.

The long drought seems to have broken and numbers are on the increase due to improved seasonal conditions. It will be some time though for the current wool production of 78 milllion kg’s to reach back to 1990 levels of over 200 million kg’s.

The ‘Golden Fleece’ exported is worth around $2 BILLION with Victoria’s share $552 Million so we have a lot to be thankful for from the humble Aussie sheep.

The Bellarine Peninsular wine region is an hours journey from Melbourne along the divided freeway known as the Princes Highway to Geelong, a major city on Corio Bay.

Less than an hour from Melbourne on the way to the Bellarine, we call in to get up close to Australian native wildlife including Kangaroos, Emus and more.

As you can see the Kangaroos are tame and this one looked inquisitively from only yards away.

He soon got bored though and hopped off in the direction of his mates.

The Emu’s were not a bit interested in posing for a picture.

The Geese were a lot more accommodating, with much flying around and squawking at each other and competing to see who gets in the picture first.

These two were more shy than the others. The joey was still young and not keen to meet and greet any onlookers. This was just in the first enclosure a short walk from the Coach Parking area and there is much more to see in the bird aviaries and around the lakeside nesting areas with over 150 species.