Country town enlists international assistance for tourism award bid

It’s an unassuming, quaint country town west of Toowoomba but it’s made its mark on the tourism scene. Now, it’s taking its bid for tourism success overseas.

Samantha O'Toole and Tourism Manager Kim Wildman with Borough President James Oddo, Colleen Siuzdak and Jennifer Sammartino

St George is a tiny, remote town west of Toowoomba but the mark it has made on Queensland’s tourism sector is remarkable.

Nominated for one of Queensland’s Top Tourism Town awards, St George and the Balonne Shire Council have enlisted the help of an overseas counterpart to bolster their efforts and lock down the prestigious award.

Borough President of Staten Island in New York City, James S. Oddo, has responded to Council’s call for international communities called St George to vote for our town in the

Queensland Top Tourism Town Awards.

Staten Island has a district of St George within its borough, which is a tight-knit community at the southern tip of New York City.

Balonne mayor Samantha O’Toole met with Mr Oddo to discuss the awards, and the striking similarities between their towns.

“I was so surprised and excited to hear from Mr Oddo and his team in Staten Island. We never thought a city of their size would respond to a letter from our small Shire,” she said.

“To hear directly from a Borough President in New York City, and receive this pledge of support – we’re over the moon with this response.

“Their Local Government Area has a huge population compared to ours, and to have them vote for St George in the Top Tourism Town Awards is simply incredible.

“I’m looking forward to the ongoing friendship between the Councils in Balonne Shire and Staten Island, and we have already invited their community to visit us once we get a handle on the COVID-19 pandemic and can safely travel again.”

The Queensland winner of the Top Tourism Town Award is decided by popular vote; polls have now closed, and Balonne Shire Council appreciates the support from everyone who voted from our community and beyond.