Four individuals have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to the tourism industry at tonight's Perth Airport WA Tourism Conference dinner in Mandurah.
The FACET Golden Guide Award winner was announced as Graeme Dearle from Pemberton Discovery Tours. In a hotly contested field of entrants, Graeme was recognised for his extensive knowledge and deep connection to the region, proactive and guest-centric approach, and passion for his craft.
The Individual Excellence in Aboriginal Tourism Award was awarded to Joshua Whiteland from Koomal Dreaming. The judges described Josh as an exceptional individual, with an exemplary commitment to preserving and sharing his culture.
Ebony Muirson from Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments won the Individual Excellence in Customer Service Award and was characterised by the judges as a dedicated tourism professional making a strong contribution to the industry.
The Sir David Brand Young Achiever Medal was awarded to Tess Crake from Sin Gin Distillery in recognition of her positive attitude and dedication to going above and beyond.
"The Western Australian tourism industry is made possible thanks to the passionate people who tirelessly work towards showcasing WA to visitors," Tourism Council WA Chief Executive Officer Evan Hall said.
"The individual awards provided an opportunity for four of these people to be recognised for their commitment to creating innovative and friendly experiences for Western Australia's visitors," he said.
The finalists in each category were:
FACET Golden Guide Award Finalists
- Sarah Clay, Off the Beaten Track WA
- Delma Coulson, AAT Kings
- Graeme Dearle, Pemberton Discovery Tours
- Elise Parker, Walk into Luxury
- Rocco Pileggi, Optus Stadium
- Vaughn Ralph, Kalbarri Rock Lobster Tours & Charter
- Malcolm Roberts, Rottnest Express
- Steve Sertis, Bibbulmun Track Foundation
- Jack Sherrell, Two Feet & a Heartbeat
- Gemma Sharp, Whale Watch Western Australia
- Steve Webster, ATG Downunder
Individual Excellence in Aboriginal Tourism Finalists
- Peter Cooper, Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation
- Sarah Hicks, Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation
- Rebecca Sampi, Kingfisher Tours
- Joshua Whiteland, Koomal Dreaming
Individual Excellence in Customer Service Finalists
- Susana Bento, Pullman Bunker Bay Resort
- Nic Chirico, SurfPoint Resort
- Ebony Muirson, Freshwater East Kimberley Apartments
- Kim Phillips, The House of Honey
- Karen Teong, Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
Sir David Brand Young Achiever Medal
- Tess Crake, Sin Gin Distillery
- Lisa Hindmarsh, WAITOC
- Amy Joiner, Pan Pacific Perth Hotel
- Wendy Quinn, Optus Stadium
