CQ Week 2015

Was the offer to buy Rockhampton’s bull statutes our ‘stolen’ Bowen Mango? For an issue that could of being simply responded to with just a ‘no’, it did generate some publicity for Rockhampton, Casino and the Beef Expo’s they hold. Not as creative or logistical as a 10 tonne metre mango disappearing but points for generating some publicity. Beef Australia 2015 will be a success in showcasing the Australian Beef Industry, but will it be as successful in showcasing the Rockhampton Region? Should that even be a purpose of Beef Australia, after all it’s the by-product of hosting the event, isn’t it? The Showgrounds, Gracemere Saleyards, accommodation providers will be the most frequented places. Shops, foodies, tourist attractions will benefit from the visitors attending. But will the majority of visitors be exposed to the real Rockhampton Region during their stay over the 6 day event. Beef Australia draws a national spotlight on Rockhampton for 6 days, we need to ensure the focus is not just on the Showground activities. To the visitors, national media, important dignitaries attending let’s showcase Rockhampton Region, even Central Queensland (after all Rockhampton is capital of that to) as well as Beef Australia will do in showcasing the Australian Beef Industry? Have the mandatory bull in the airport terminal, but also a sample of the richness of experiences within CQ. Instead of the haystack in the shop window with retailers dressed in Levi’s and chequered shirts adopt a CQ uniform for the week? Have every visitor exposed to a CQ message/image rather than seeing someone dressed similar to what they see most days. They’ll still feel welcomed. Let’s consider how Beef Australia can benefit CQ for the 1096 days between Expo’s. Just believing the exposure to the region visitors get in their brief stay will encourage a longer return stay is not enough. Use Beef Australia 2015 to showcase CQ as well as the beef industry. Make visitor touch points away from the official Beef Australia activities not more of what they’ll see at the Showgrounds, but a taste of what makes CQ unique. This is not the job of the Beef Australia 2015 committee; it’s ours as a community.