The NSW Regional Tourism Awards (Country and Outback NSW) recognises excellence in 15 different categories, lauding the work of tourism businesses, local councils, events, restaurants, wineries and accommodation providers. 

The awards were announced at a gala dinner hosted by the NSW Regional Tourism Awards Council in Orange at The Greenhouse on July 28 and more than 120 industry representatives were there hopeful they would take home a gong. 

Gold medals went to Wolgan Valley Eco Tours and Mayfield Gardens in Oberon. 

Wolgan Valley Eco Tours took to social media in the early hours of Sunday morning to state the company was “over the moon” to win gold in the Ecotourism category.

The award makes the winners automatic finalists in the NSW Tourism Awards to be held in November 2018, the highest honours in state tourism.

Wolgan Valley Eco Tours owner and founder Kristie Kearney said she was extremely proud to accept the award on behalf of the business. 

She said taking out the Gold was completely unexpected.

“This is the first time that Wolgan Valley Eco Tours has nominated for the category of Ecotourism at the NSW Regional Tourism Awards so to be honest we thought that at best that we would receive a highly commended,” she said. 

“To receive gold in what is only our second year of operation is a massive accomplishment and something we’re incredibly proud of.”

The Ecotourism category recognises ecologically sustainable tourism businesses with a focus on natural areas that foster environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation.

Oberon’s Mayfield Gardens won gold, taking top place in the Tourism Attraction category.

Mayfield CEO, Hamish Keith, said the awards were a welcome endorsement for the innovation and re-branding at Mayfield over the past year.

“Mayfield Garden is a young business that is striving for excellence, and our place on the world’s stage,” he said. 

He said the business has been evolving since its opening in 2008. 

“Since our first opening to the public in April 2008, Mayfield has evolved to encompass 64 hectares of garden and a cafe serving a seasonal farm to table menu.”

The gold award for Tourist Attraction recognised the gardens recent moves in launching ‘Glamping in the Garden’, garden tours, corporate retreats, and even goat yoga.

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Mayfield also won a $20,000 grant from Destination New South Wales, to be used for marketing to guests outside 100km from Mayfield, for the National Cool Climate Wine and Food Festival on October 13.

“There has never been a more exciting time to visit Mayfield Garden, and we have even greater plans for the future,” Mr Keith said.

“For anyone who hasn’t visited for a few years, it’s a great time to come back with the family and see how this spectacular destination has evolved.”

Wolgan Valley Eco Tours’ Kristie Kearney was eager to highlight that the success was due to the support of the surrounding business community. 

She highlighted the support of the Wallerawang (Wang) Bakery, Homemade Fresh, the Newnes Hotel and Cabins and the team at MessageTrain Lithgow.

Regional Tourism Awards Chair, Jane Barnes, congratulated all winners and finalists on their contribution to regional tourism.

“Finalists in this year’s program were of a high calibre with a number of first-time entrants on the list. We are thrilled to recognise the best of the Country and Outback region’s tourism industry tonight and wish our winners the best of luck as they progress to compete against operators from the entire state,” Ms Barnes said.

Rhonda Taylor, General Manager of Destination Country and Outback, praised the awards gala as an opportunity for industry to gain recognition for their efforts, as well as providing the impetus for stakeholders to come together, network and learn from each other.

“We are proud of the strong industry support for the awards program across our destination network with a fantastic turn-out in Orange this weekend.

“All winners and finalists are to be congratulated for their efforts to enhance the Country and Outback region’s profile as a leading regional destination.”