Bargara couple Maureen Thomas and Ray Timperley are headed to the Caravan Parks Association of Queensland awards after being named finalists in the Employee of the Year category.
Moving to the region in 2016, the couple took over management of the BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks – Bargara in 2017, spending the past five years making memories with a range of guests.
The award provides recognition of the couple’s hard work and dedication to delivering exceptional guest experiences.
The Employee of the Year Award recognises outstanding individuals working in caravan parks in Queensland who are undertaking new initiatives or those who consistently goes above and beyond during their workday.
Maureen said they were very surprised to be shortlisted as finalists for the award.
“We couldn’t believe it; we were in shock and it was a lovely surprise as we didn’t expect to be finalists,” Maureen said.
“We love working in the industry, it is fantastic meeting all the different people and everyday is different working within the park.”
Maureen said there were a number of travellers who have visited the park over the last few years who, without Covid, would not have explored the region and realised its true beauty.
“We have been really lucky the past two years. We have seen a lot of new-to-the-industry travellers and they have discovered the region,” she said.
“The comments are so positive about the region.
“They are surprised about how lovely Bargara is and how much they enjoy it and wish they had visited years ago.”
On Monday night the couple will find out the outcome of the Employee of the Year award but regardless of whether or not they take away the win Maureen said it would be a great experience.
“We are looking forward to catching up and seeing everyone from around the industry and seeing what it is all about,” she said.
CEO of Bundaberg Tourism Katherine Reid said it was great to see local tourism operators being recognised at state levels, on the back of the region’s recent success at the Australian Tourism Awards.
“Ray & Maureen at BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks – Bargara are active members of Bundaberg Tourism and the tourism industry here in the Bundaberg Region, always participating in available training and media opportunities and we know they deliver a recognised
‘Best of Queensland Experience’,” Katherine said.
“It is wonderful to have Ray and Maureen’s hard work and dedication to their visitor experience recognised and celebrated at the state level.
“To be nominated as Employee of the Year finalists in the Caravan Parks Association of Queensland Awards is no small feat, and we have our fingers crossed for Ray, Maureen and the entire BIG4 Breeze team for the upcoming awards.
“It is so important for the people who are on the ground, day in, day out, welcoming our visitors and leaving those lasting impressions to receive the recognition and celebration of their hard work and dedication.”
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