Awards hail Kimberley tourism expertise

Four Kimberley tourism experts were recognised for their outstanding contributions to the industry at the 2021 Perth Airport Western Australian Regional Tourism Conference last week. The WA Tourism Awards recognise businesses, individuals and destinations for their commitment to excellence, providing a platform to review achievements and an opportunity to raise their profile within the industry. Broome was well represented, with Willie Creek Pearls chairman Robert Banfield a finalist for the individual excellence in customer service award and Kimberley Quest exhibition leader Timothy Willing a finalist for the FACET golden guide award. Having lived in the Kimberley for more than 40 years, Mr Willing is an expert in the geography, flora, fauna, culture and environmental values of the Kimberley coast and islands. Before working for Kimberley Quest, Mr Willing held positions as a horticulturist for the Shire of Broome’s Parks and Gardens, and a conservation officer for the former Department of Conservation and Land Management. A founding member of Broome Botanical Society, Mr Willing also co-wrote the book Broome and Beyond: Plants and People of the Dampier Peninsula, earning him a CSIRO medal for research achievement. Kimberley Quest general manager Clare Marquis said Mr Willing had a wealth of experience and was often described by guests as “the Kimberley’s national treasure” and “Australia’s own Attenborough”. “As an onboard naturalist, he shares his encyclopaedic plant knowledge and experience to guests and fellow crew, inspiring them with the incredible immensity of geological and natural wonders of the Kimberley,” she said. Lake Argyle Cruises representative Mitchell Brown was a finalist for an individual excellence in customer service award. Kununurra’s Kingfisher Tours also had two staff members as finalists: Rebecca Sampi for individual excellence in Aboriginal tourism, and Iolanthe Fitzgerald for the Sir David Brand young achiever medal.