Bungendore chamber of commerce’s Matilda Jones, Councillor Bryce Wilson, Deputy Mayor Esma Livermore, chamber member Martina Woodford, Federal Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain and chamber member Alan Longhurst celebrate the win. Photo: Emmeline Chidley.
When the town of Bungendore lost its key tourist attraction, The Wood Works Gallery, earlier this year, it was left reeling at the prospect of reduced visitor numbers.
Now, on the back of a campaign led by the Queanbeyan Palarang Regional Council (QPRC) and the Canberra Region Tourism Industry Council, the town has been named Australia’s best Small Tourism Town in the Top Tourism Town Awards, announced at a ceremony at Parliament House on Wednesday (3 September).
Bungendore competed under the banner of Canberra and came out on top of Airlie Beach (Queensland), Deloraine (Tasmania), Exmouth (Western Australia), Merimbula (NSW), Mount Beauty (Victoria) and Normanville (South Australia).
To be eligible for the category, the towns have to have a population of between 1500 and 5000.
The Tiny Town award, previously won by Bungendore’s nearby neighbour Gundaroo, was won this year by Trentham in Victoria, while Fremantle in WA was named Australia’s Top Tourism Town.
Bungendore chamber of commerce member Martina Woodford accepts the award, watched on by Matilda Jones and Esma Livermore. Photo: Emmeline Chidley.
The campaign for the award submission focussed on Bungendore being a place where heritage meets handmade.
The concept was showcased in a promotional video which featured a number of the town’s winemakers, truffle growers, pubs, photographers, galleries and artisans, proving the town is far more than just the now defunct Wood Works Gallery.
Deputy Mayor Esma Livermore told the award ceremony it was a remarkable achievement for Bungendore and the region.
“The heart and soul of Bungendore are its people and this national award is a well-deserved recognition of their dedication to creating memorable experiences for every visitor,” she said.
“We are incredibly proud to showcase the rich stories, artistry and incredible hospitality that Bungendore is famous for on a national stage.”
A similar sentiment was expressed by Dr Naomi Dale, CEO of the Canberra Region Tourism Industry Council.
“Bungendore is truly a shining gem within the Canberra Region, steeped in history, alive with vibrant food and wine experiences and surrounded by our world-class cool climate vineyards,” she said.
“To see this historic town recognised nationally is a proud moment and a reflection of the passion and dedication that continues to drive unforgettable visitor experiences in our region.”
To celebrate the win and encourage Australians to visit the nation’s top Small Tourism Town, QPRC has kicked off a campaign called Meet You in Bungendore, which again showcases the business owners, creatives, makers and producers that have been so integral in the award win.
