The PRWIRE Press Releaseshttps://2016-09-09T04:52:47ZRICHARD BRANSON KOALA CONSERVANCY AT MAKEPEACE ISLAND2016-09-09T04:52:47Zrichard-branson-koala-conservancy-at-makepeace-island
Makepeace
Island is throwing open its doors to host a ‘Save the Koala’ fundraising luncheon
on 30th September 2016 as part of its critical effort to help save
the Noosa region’s koalas from extinction. Friday 30th September is recognised
nationally as ‘Save the Koala Day’.
This
fundraising initiative follows the recent establishment of the Richard Branson
Koala Conservancy and a commitment by Makepeace Island owners, Sir Richard
Branson and Brett Godfrey, to fund koala research. The 5-year grants program
will focus on mitigating koala mortality, with an emphasis on koala health, as
well as investigating areas within the Noosa region, for its suitability as
long-term koala refugia. One hundred
percent of proceeds from the luncheon will be directed to this important work
and will add to monies already committed by the owners.
Makepeace
Island will serve as a base for scientific koala research projects given its
proximity to koala habitat along the Noosa River catchment. Koala experts
Professor Peter Timms, PhD, MSc, BSc (Hons), FASM – Professor of Microbiology,
University of the Sunshine Coast and Dr Jon Hanger, BVSc BVBiol PhD MACVSc,
Managing Director, Endeavour Veterinary Ecology Pty Ltd will lead the program.
Richard Branson said, “Animal
conservation is one of my greatest passions. I wholeheartedly believe that
protecting endangered species is one of the most important things any of us can
do.” Richard continued, “We felt compelled to act given the dire state of
koalas in the region and with this in mind, we have offered my family’s
Australian home, Makepeace Island, as a central site for koala research.”
Brett Godfrey added, "We
believe we all have a responsibility to help to protect the koala. More work is
required to clearly understand why numbers have declined to
crisis levels in the Noosa region. By working with
koala experts and other stakeholders over the longer term, we are
committed to support reversing the downward trend.”
The Conservancy will establish an
advisory board
led by Dr. Hanger and Professor Timms. The board will be a collegial forum for
encouraging a multi-disciplinary approach to local koala efforts and will work
collaboratively with government, as well as scientific and community groups.
Environment Minister Dr Steven
Miles said, “Like Sir Richard and Brett, the Queensland Government takes the
protection of the State’s iconic and much loved koalas very seriously. The
Sunshine Coast is an area where we’d really welcome a koala refuge. Not only
are we offering our support, but we have been approached to make available the
government’s scientific expertise and information regarding koalas, which we
will gladly do.”
‘Save the Koala’ fundraising
luncheon tickets are $250 each and bookings are available online at www.makepeaceisland.com. Event patrons will experience an exclusive island
tour, indulge in seafood stations and wines and be entertained by XFactor stars
‘Soulcutz’. Island co-owner Brett Godfrey, Queensland Environment Minister
Steven Miles and koala experts Professor Peter Timms and Dr Jon Hanger will address
the luncheon. Ticket holders will receive a special invitation to return to the
island for an update on the program.
ABOUT MAKEPEACE ISLAND
Makepeace
Island is owned by Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Australia co-founder Brett
Godfrey. Nestled amidst the Australian wilderness near Noosa, Queensland, the
25-acre heart shaped island luxuriously accommodates up to 20 guests.
Featuring stunning open plan entertaining areas, exquisite gardens, carved
volcanic boulder bathtubs and waterfall entry foyers, a stay at Makepeace
Island is a unique barefoot luxury experience completely tailored to your needs
and desires.
‘Rivals’ Forge New Partnership For Australian Tourism2015-08-04T01:11:06Zrivals-forge-new-partnership-for-australian-tourism
Adventure
tourism[1],
including walking and hiking, is worth an estimated US$263 billion globally
with growth of in excess of 25% annually since 2009. Australia, however, does not feature highly
on the world stage for Adventure travelers, ranking currently 15th in
the industry’s travel destinations index.
Our closest neighbour, New Zealand consistently ranks in the Top 5 and
is currently ranked 3rd.
Geoff Dixon and Brett
Godfrey on behalf of the Tasmanian Walking Company (TWC), announce today the
formation of the Australian Walking Company (AWC) in a landmark partnership
that through new investment, aims to redefine the current perception and raise
awareness of Australia’s outstanding walking destinations and associated
product offerings.
Further, AWC are pleased
to announce its first acquisition, the Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk in Victoria. This
exceptional product is one of the eight Great Walks of Australia and offers an exclusive 4 day, 3
night guided lodge experience from Castle Cove to the Twelve Apostles.
Former
owner, Dana Ronan, comments “We are delighted with the sale to AWC. Adventure tourism is a growing sector and the
Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk will now realise its full potential under this new
ownership”.
AWC
teams with the market leading Tasmanian Walking Company, tourism industry
leaders Geoff Dixon, Brett Godfrey and Rob Sherrard, and Greenstone Partners investment
banker, Scott Malcolm. Setting out to engage a new generation of inbound experience
seekers and change the mindset of the more than 70,000 Australians who annually
choose to walk overseas. AWC will
deliver environmentally sustainable guided walks with contemporary luxuries employing
the company’s own lodges, guides and chefs, serving the best of Australian produce
and beverages.
Following the acquisition of the Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk, the AWC consortium
will together own 3 of the 8 recognised ‘Great Walks of Australia’
The
Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk will be operated by Launceston headquartered TWC,
which was purchased by Tasmanian tourism investors Brett Godfrey and Rob
Sherrard in 2013. Offering unique experiences in eco-tourism, TWC owns a number
of award winning walks including the unparalleled Cradle Mountain Huts Walk along
the World Heritage Area, Overland Track; the Bay of Fires Lodge and Spa and the
Wineglass Bay Sail Walk, all in Tasmania.
Geoff
Dixon commented, “Australia exhibits strong potential as a world class walking
destination and having recently walked both Maria Island and the 12 Apostles, I
am delighted to be involved in this burgeoning high yieldtourism sector. I am also very pleased
to be teaming up with the 25 year industry leader, TWC, in a partnership that will bring to life
our vision to develop new and sustainable high-end walksshowcasing Australia’s
iconic and incomparable landscapes, produce and accommodation”.
Brett
Godfrey added, “TWC’s expanding portfolio of walks is becoming one of the great
tourism experiential brands. Rob and I are excited to partner with Geoff and Scott in a consortium
that shares a determination to raise the profile and quality of Australian guided walks
which have long been ‘under-weight’ on the world’s stage”.
Managing
Director of Tourism Australia, John O’Sullivan said, “AWC’s shareholders have a
history of leadership, innovation and success in the tourism sector. They are
an exciting and welcome addition to a relatively untapped market and compliment
Tourism Australia’s vision and focus of growing inbound high yield tourism”.
While
the acquisition of the Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk represents AWC’s first guided
walks investment, the partners have long enjoyed a presence together in the
tourism industry most famously as spirited ‘archrivals’ in aviation. Geoff Dixon, former
Qantas Chief Executive and Brett Godfrey, former founding Virgin Australia
Chief Executive have put aside their 10-year competitive ‘rivalry’ opting for a
sea change from arguably the world’s most dynamic industry. The partners found détente
and a common purpose on the board of Tourism Australia. Following
Geoff’s recent retirement as Chairman, they will utilise AWC to promote sustainable
Australian lodged based walking experiences.
The launch of AWC and acquisition of the 12 Apostles Lodge Walk are an
important but first step in broader plans for growth in and marketing of the
sector with the consortium now looking at and considering other investments in
the guided walks market.
ABOUT THE TWELVE APOSTLES LODGE WALK
The
exclusive 4 day guided experience takes in the ‘wild’ side of the Great Ocean
Walk from Castle Cove ending at the Twelve Apostles. With walking groups no
larger than ten trekkers at a time, it offers an immersive and intimate experience
along one of the great coastlines of the world. The ‘off the grid’ lodge accommodation
features large king bedrooms with ensuites, heating, passive solar design, foot
spas and a live in chef. The cuisine complements the trail adventure, showcasing
local and regional ingredients accompanied by Victorian wines. A scenic
helicopter flight recognizes the achievement of the experience.
ABOUT THE NEW OWNERS
Geoff Dixon,
who stepped down from his role as Chairman of Tourism Australia last month, has
investments in the hospitality sector. He is Chairman of the Australian Pub
Fund which owns and operates twelve hotels across Sydney and Brisbane, and
operates three family owned hotels. Geoff remains involved in a number of ASX
listed boards.
Scott Malcolm
is Chairman of the Sydney based corporate advisory firm, Greenstone Partners,
which he founded in 2003. Prior to Greenstone Partners, Scott was a
Director in Credit Suisse's investment banking department in Sydney.
The
Tasmanian Walking Company owners Rob Sherrard and Brett Godfrey jointly purchased
the company in 2013 from Gresham Private Equity. Together they have invested in several other
tourism ventures including Quamby Estate and Country Club, Entally Lodge and Vineyard,
Lake House and Low Head all in Tasmania and Makepeace Island in Queensland, a
joint venture with Sir Richard Branson. Brett sits on several public company
boards involved primarily in tourism and aviation.
For Twelve
Apostles Lodge Walk Enquiries:
Visit www.twelveapostleslodgewalk.com.au or call 1300 767 416
[1]2013, Adventure Travel Trade Association
“Adventure Tourism Market Study” & “2015 Adventure Tourism Development
Index (ATDI)”