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In 1998 FACET initiated the concept and developed the FACET Golden Guide Award.

The aim of the Award is to recognise individual excellence in tour guiding and raise the profile of this important profession. It acknowledges the significant contribution quality tour guides make to enriching the experience of visitors through interpreting the natural and cultural environment.

The Award is open to Tour Guides and Coach Captains working in the natural, cultural and heritage environments in either a paid or volunteer capacity.

The Award has been incorporated into the Western Australian Tourism Awards and is presented at the prestigeous Western Australian Tourism Awards Gala Dinner and reported nationally.

Good interpretation is essential for successful tour guiding and ensuring the visitor is left with a memorable experience. FACET believe it is important to acknowledge those guides who are leading the way in offering visitors an authentic and enriching experience.

Recipients of the Golden Guide Award are:

1999 Helen Lee, Bushtucker Tours, Margaret River,
2000 Kevin Coate, Landscope Expeditions,
2001 Neil MacLeod, Ningaloo Safari Tours,
2002 Jeff Hayley, Triple J Tours, Kununurra
2003 Gary Muir, WOW Wilderness Experiences, Walpole
2004 Jeremy Perks, Global Gypsies
2005 Scott Robertson, Broome Sightseeing Tours
2006 Cherie Toovey, Freelance Tour Guide
2007 Brad Bayfield, Aussie Off Road Tours
2008 Phil Coulthard, Dolphin Discovery Centre
2009 Paul Sofilas, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

"As the inaugural FACET Golden Guide winner in 1999, I found my profile in tourism and business became respected and I was able to feel a sense of self worth after 11 years of guiding". Helen Lee, Bushtucker Tours.

Congratulations to Pat Barblett, FACET Chairperson, who received the 2003 Sir Brand Medal at the recent Western Australian Tourism Awards.

The Sir David Brand Medal recognises personal and professional achievement and contribution over many years to the Western Australian Tourism industry. Pat has been involved in over twenty boards and committees, nearly all on a voluntary basis, since entering the tourism industry twenty five years ago. She is passionate about cultural and eco tourism in Western Australia and is a worthy recipient of this prestigious Award. Well done Pat!

Nomination forms & criteria can be obtained from:

Julie Wood
Awards Coordinator
Tourism Council WA
Tel: (08) 9416 0703
Email: jwood@tourismcouncilwa.com
Web: www.watourismawards.com.au
IMPORTANT DATES:

Nominations close - 26 June 2009
Submissions due - 18 August 2009
Site visits - September 2009
Announcement of Finalists - 20 October 2009
WA Tourism Awards Gala Dinner - 21 November 2009