mmg.com.au

After winning at both regional and state levels, two of Deniliquin’s best tourism attractions will contest the national Qantas Australian Tourism Awards (QATA) tonight.

The Deniliquin Ute Muster and BIG4 Deniliquin Holiday Park will go head to head with some of Australia’s best.

The ceremony is being held at Salamanca in Hobart, Tasmania.

In getting to this stage, both tourism attractions have won at the NSW Inland Tourism Awards and the NSW State Tourism Awards.

The Ute Muster has been recognised under the ‘Festivals and Events’ category, representing NSW.

Ute Muster general manager John Harvie, along with committee president Harold Clapham and muster employee Belinda Perrett, are attending the QATA.

‘‘This is truly a remarkable achievement for the Deni Ute Muster team and the broader Deniliquin community,’’ Mr Harvie said.

‘‘Whenever you put your event ‘out there’ for others to judge it can be quite intimidating; however at the same time it is an opportunity for the organisation to reflect on operational and organisational standards, to enable future growth.

‘‘We are all heading to Hobart to bring home the gold,’’ he said.

Deniliquin BIG4 Holiday Park is a finalist under the ‘Tourist and Caravan Parks’ category.

Owners Frank and Lynda White are making a quick trip over to the awards night.

‘‘We fly out to Tassie on Friday arvo, and are back for a wedding at BIG4 on Saturday,’’ Mr White said.

‘‘It’s pretty good to be recognised on a national level, and for the town to be recognised on a national level too.’’

The BIG4 Holiday Park was a finalists in the QATA four years ago, also held in Hobart.

‘‘We’ve been there once before, but I think it’s the first time Deni has had two finalists.

‘‘Deni will be well represented.’’

The awards are held by the National Tourism Alliance (NTA), and the judging panel comprises of 27 tourism industry experts - three from each state and territory as well as three independent judges appointed by the NTA.