Tasmanian Galta members really turned it on for the Galta Function, Board meeting and AGM held over the weekend Friday 1st – Saturday 2nd September.
Phil Walcott (Galta Director NT) flew in from Alice Springs via Melbourne where he caught up with Galta MD & Director of Finance QLD, Jeff Aquilina, in the QANTAS Club. Jeff had only that morning flown in from Seattle, Washington following successful OzTalk meetings across the US where Galta members received huge exposure.
Brenton Smith (Galta Membership Services) and his partner Stephen had arrived a day earlier from Adelaide and were staying at the very gracious Elms Of Hobart B&B. They met Phil & Jeff as they arrived at the stunning Edinburgh Gallery B&B in Hobart in time for the Member networking function on the Friday evening.
During the evening, it was tremendous to see how some of the B&B industry works in Tasmania and our gracious hosts, ensured that the evening was a great success. They arranged a delightful array of local foods, some great wines and Tassie beers for us to try.
John Pugsley (Marketing Director for Tourism Tasmania, Galta member 46) was on hand to meet with us and look at ways in which they could help build GALTA and the g/l markets forward in that state.
A few other local operators including members Matthew & Wilmar, (Corinda’s Cottages M# 24 www.corindascottages.com.au ) Lee, (Elms of Hobart M# 231 www.theelmsofhobart.com ) Dee, (who flew in from Melbourne – Rainbow Tourism International M# 213 www.rainbowtourism.com ) Lisa (Adventure Tarraleah M# 252 www.tarraleah.com ) and a couple of potential GALTA members joined in the event.
We were all delighted with the outcome, it was a very pleasant, relaxing, comfortable evening.
Our thanks go to Tourism Tasmania for their generous support ( www.discovertasmania.com.au )
Saturday morning Jeff, Phil, Brenton & Stephen headed down to Huon Bush Retreats (M# 229 www.huonbushretreats.com ) an easy 40-minute drive south of Hobart. What a delightful presentation and fantastic concept created by our members Paul & Michael. Make sure you visit their web-site for a look at what’s available and be sure to include them as an option if you, friends or network colleagues are planning a trip to Tassie. We held the meetings in the newly created Wallaby Grassland Cabin and Michael created a delightful roast dinner (beginning with a delicious chicken and chic pea soup and finishing with a spectacular apple & raspberry crumble) for those of us who could stay the night. Much was accomplished throughout the meeting schedules. The Outgoing Board Meeting, the Galta Annual General Meeting and an Incoming Board meeting was held during the day. Many items were discussed concerning the next twelve months and beyond for Galta, we have an exciting year ahead to look forward to.
If you would like a copy of the full Galta Annual Report, please email Brenton at membership@galta.com.au and he gladly will post you a copy.
On Sunday, a few of us drove down along the Huon River and spent a delightful day in the beautiful forests and little villages, no wonder Tasmania is such a popular tourist destination. Sunday evening, Phil joined Brenton & Stephen at the beautiful Elms of Hobart. There they had the opportunity to meet with Lyn & Lee Hurley from The Lodge on Elizabeth, M# 157 who sadly were unable to make the Friday evening event.
Elms of Hobart is a marvellous old mansion in North Hobart. Our host, Lee, was most hospitable, made stunning breakfast, so different from the usual hotel buffet selections. He was gracious and generous with his time and stories and we sincerely thank him for providing our accommodation FOC. (However, Brenton & Stephen did bring over some Sth Australian wine for his cellar.) The Elms is a fantastic option for people staying in Hobart and we highly recommend it. www.theelmsofhobart.com
All in all, a great weekend that saw much achieved with respect to moving GALTA forward into the 2007/08 period. The budget included in Jeff’s report will give you some idea of where your membership money is being spent and we look forward to a prosperous period ahead for all of us. Galta Directors attending, Board Meetings, State Fair Days receive no remuneration from Galta. A sincere thanks to our members who provided us with some tremendous accommodation, great meals and interesting insights into the tourism industry in Tasmania.
Phil Walcott
NT Regional Director
9th September, 2006
