DEONE Van der Westhuizen is in the running for the Sir David Brand Young Achievement Medal that will be announced at the WA Tourism Awards on November 12.
The Rottnest Island Authority (RIA) Events and Weddings co-ordinator is a finalist with Christina Azar from Adventure World and The Bell Tower’s Emma Went in the prestigious category.
The 24-year-old started with the RIA as the events co-ordinator two-and-a-half years ago and recently expanded the role to include wedding co-ordinator.
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READ NOW“I took the weddings on myself because I realised we weren’t offering something that needed to be focused on,” Ms Van der Westhuizen said.
The Sir David Brand Young Achiever Medal goes to a person under the age of 30 working in the tourism industry who demonstrates an ongoing contribution to the positive image of tourism in WA.
Nominated by RIA Destination Marketing general manager Suzanne Perry, Ms Van der Westhuizen has been responsible for organising several events such as Carnivale that is in its third year and the New Year’s Eve fireworks.
She said that during interviews for the award judges focused on the outcomes of events and how they effected visitor numbers on the Island overall.
Rottnest Island nominations at the WA Tourism Awards
Major Tourism Attraction – Rottnest Island
Festival and Events – Rottnest Island NYE Fireworks
Major Tour & Transport Operators – ADAMS, Rottnest Express and Rottnest Fast Ferries
Destination Marketing – Rottnest Island
Excellence in Chinese Tourism – Rottnest Fast Ferries