Queensland Tourism News

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Brisbane’s Newest Convention Centre Set to Celebrate a Successful First Year of Business

Brisbane’s new kid on the block, the Royal International Convention Centre (Royal ICC), is pleased with its first 12 months of business and will celebrate its first anniversary on 2 March.

“We gauge the success not just on profitability, but repeat business and feedback from our customers, which has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Sue Hocking, General Manager, Venue Sales & Marketing.

The Royal ICC welcomed a number of high profile events in 2013 including the Queensland Tourism Awards, DUG International, National Radio Conference and Australian Commercial Radio Awards, Brisbane Boat Show, Brisbane Maserati Launch and the nationally televised 58th Walkley Awards for Excellence in Journalism.

“We worked hard to provide our customers with a different level of service, flexibility, creativity and care and I believe this is what has really set us apart from the competition this year – as well as the stunning heritage design of the facility,” said Ms Hocking.

“The Royal ICC was well and truly tested in 2013 with so many diverse events in all categories and it has performed exceptionally.

“The space works well with the adjoining unique outdoor Plaza; and our kitchens (and chefs) managed back-to-back large scale events with ease and grace.

“Our investment in Australia’s only operable ceiling grid system was appreciated by our customers who were able to produce creative options, and at the same time save on budget and time in the set-up and pull down of event theming and lighting,” she said.

The Royal ICC is also looking forward to welcoming a number of new international and national clients in 2014 including the MOTO Expo, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, General Practice Education and Training (GPET), QLD Education Resources Expo and the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RASC) Conference.

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Sunday, February 23, 2014

Information Expo to Help New ADF Arrivals in Ipswich

WELCOME: Carissa, Clint and Dusty McIlwain at the expo organised by the Defence Community Organisation.

FOR Australian Defence Force members and their families, packing their lives into cardboard boxes and moving to a new location can become a common experience.

ADF members can be required to relocate on posting every two to three years.

That means military families have to get used to regularly adjusting to new surroundings.

To make the experience a less bewildering ordeal, the Defence Community Organisation rolled out the welcome mat to families on new postings to RAAF Base Amberley with an Information Expo.

Cathy Dellit and J.J. Millar at the information expo at the Ipswich RSL

The event, held at the Ipswich RSL, featured numerous stalls offering useful local knowledge, giveaways and information about Ipswich; from child care services to support organisations.

Each year, more than 500 families are relocated into the Ipswich region as a result of new postings.
Among them was vehicle mechanic Clint McIlwain who was posted in Amberley and arrived in Ipswich four weeks ago with his wife Carissa and five-month-old son, Dusty.

Mrs McIlwain said she attended the expo to obtain useful community information - all in the one location.

"I haven't found the move too difficult so far," the 29-year-old said.

"I'm starting to get to know more people...it helps if you have a kid because there are a few social circles for mums."

Mrs McIlwain said events like the DFO expo definitely made life a lot easier though when relocating.

Source

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Meeting of QLD Mayors Has a Sweet Start at Metro Hotel Ipswich International

STRONG TIES: Logan Mayor Pam Parker hands Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale a chocolate heart yesterday.

THERE was love in the air yesterday when mayors from across south-east Queensland flocked to Metro Hotel Ipswich International.

Logan Mayor Pam Parker celebrated a political Valentine's Day, giving chocolate hearts to mayors from across the south-east including those from Ipswich, Brisbane, the Lockyer Valley, Somerset and Scenic Rim.

The giant hearts also doubled as reminders to the other mayors of Logan's motto: "The heart of south-east Queensland".

"It's about sharing the love," Cr Parker said.

"It's Valentine's Day and we'll be spending more time with the other mayors than with our families, so I thought it would be a nice way to celebrate the day."

Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale said the gift was a sweet reminder of the ties between the two cities.

"If anyone sees a boundary between Ipswich and Logan, they're crazy," he said.

"What makes a strong region is people working together."

Council of Mayors meeting in Ipswich from left, Scenic Rim Mayor John Brent, Somerset Mayor Graeme Lehmann, Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale, Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, Redlands Mayor Karen Williams, Toowoomba Deputy Mayor Mike Williams and Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson. Photo: David Nielsen / The Queensland Times

While the gifts may have started the Council of Mayors meeting on a lighter note, the meeting saw the mayors of 10 of the councils from across south-east Queensland discuss a variety of important regional issues.

Flying foxes and encouraging development investment were among them.

Cr Pisasale said the Council of Mayors meeting was a vital way for the various local governments across the south-east corner to communicate with each other and work together.

"What you've got here is south-east Queensland without borders," he said.

"It's the responsibility we have to make south-east Queensland strong."

The Council of Mayors board meeting is set to continue at the hotel today.

Source QT.com.au

Meeting of QLD Mayors Has a Sweet Start at Metro Hotel Ipswich International

STRONG TIES: Logan Mayor Pam Parker hands Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale a chocolate heart yesterday.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Cricket's Biggest International Prize! One Year to Go Celebrations

14 February 2014 marks one year to go until the first match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. To mark the occasion, public events will be held in all 14 World Cup Host Cities over two days.

To mark the occasion, public events will be held in all 14 World Cup Host Cities over two days. The events will include the unveiling of a city countdown clock, multicultural performances and junior cricket activities. Members of the public are welcome to all events.

Thursday 13 February

Host City	Event location	Start time
Auckland	Queen’s Wharf	6.30am
Hamilton	Garden Place, Victoria St	7.15am
Dunedin	The Octagon	10.30am
Wellington	Midland Park, Lambton Quay	12.00pm
Napier	Sound Shell, Marine Parade	12.00pm
Nelson	Trafalgar Square	12.00pm
Christchurch	Re:Start Mall, Cashel St	5.00pm

Friday 14 February

Host City	Event location	Start time
Sydney	Martin Place Stage	12.00p
Melbourne	Federation Square Stage	12.00pm
Adelaide	Rundle Mall	11.00am
Brisbane	Queen Street Mall Stage	12.45pm
Canberra	Canberra Centre	12.00pm
Hobart	PW1 forecourt (Princes Wharf 1)	12.30pm
Perth	Forrest Place	12.00pm

Also on 14 February, prior to the start of the New Zealand v India test match at the Basin Reserve, a press conference to announce how Government and tournament organisers will work together to maximise the legacy of the tournament.

There will also be a special visit from the members of New Zealand’s 1992 Cricket World Cup squad during the tea break on Day 2 of the test.

Find out more at http://www.icc-cricket.com/cricket-world-cup

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Sharky & The Caddman!! Glenn Shorrock & Brian Cadd Live in Ipswich, QLD

Special Offer Ticket $69.00 includes CD “The Story of Sharkie & The Caddman” which can be collected from the venue on the night.

After 40 years of friendship, music and laughter Glenn Shorrock and Brian Cadd are finally reuniting on stage for a limited Australian tour timetable through late 2013-2014. Joined by Axiom members Chris Stockley and drummer Doug Lavery, and featuring Sam See and Glyn Mason.

This is a show full of comedy and laughs – looking back at what Brian & Glenn see as ‘the best of times’ and forward with humour at ‘growing older’……for both themselves and the audience!!

Performing timeless smash hits from the 60’s to the 80’s harvested from their past supergroupsThe Twilights, The Groop, The Bootleg Family, Axiom and Little River Band to name a few: