In collaboration with the #EmptyEsky movement and regional tourism businesses, AAT Kings welcomed the industry and wider community to join them on one of their newly launched not-for-profit Bushfire Relief Giveback Experiences – which are designed to help provide immediate support directly to tourism communities that have been affected by this season’s devastating bushfires.
Bushfire Recovery Giveback Experience: #EmptyEsky to Shoalhaven Ex-Sydney
Armed with an empty esky, ready to be filled with local produce and treats from their journey, guests included Jayson Westbury, CEO of AFTA and Senator Andrew Bragg, were all welcomed with true country hospitality and open arms by the locals, “Expect to see big smiles and a lot of thank yous, because we really need you now.”
First stop was the Kangaroo Valley township who greeted AAT Kings guests with signs in their storefront, followed by the Nowra Market Farmers Market, an indoor marketplace where all the local producers have their goods showcased for locals and tourists to buy. There, one of the owners Jeffrey Coe and locals welcomed everyone, including farmer John Bennett, who spoke about the devastation on tourism in the Shoalhaven area due to the bushfires, which is one of the primary incomes in the region. Guests collectively spent over $1000 at the markets that visit.
Final stop was at Bangalay Luxury Villas, where guests were treated to lunch by the owner General Manager Michelle Bishop at her restaurant Bangalay Dining. She introduced local egg farmer Kristen Provest of Kangaroo Valley Pastured Eggs who shared her heartbreaking story of having to leave their chickens behind and the downturn in business since the bushfires.
Michelle stated, “It’s incredible to have companies like AAT Kings stepping up and delivering visitors when we need them the most. Most businesses are expecting at least 50% down turn in their annual revenue, so these trips are lifting all our spirits – not just the businesses but the entire community. We feel like people are listening and actually responding. It makes you feel good.”
A truly rewarding day had by all. The local Firefighters from the Shoalhaven Heads Rural fire brigade were invited to lunch including Superintendent Mark Williams – District Manager who lead the charge in the area, as a “thank you” for the tireless and selfless work of the Rural Fire Services throughout this time.
These trips have been developed respectfully and in conjunction with local communities, with more to be announced across NSW, Victoria and South Australia across Day Tours and Short Breaks, including opportunities to rebuild communities alongside locals and farmers.
Matthew Cameron-Smith, Managing Director for AAT Kings, stated: “Having worked with Australian tourism operators for over 100 years, AAT Kings live and breathe these communities, and they need us now more than ever. We’ve worked with local businesses to bring much-needed benefit through the tourism economy directly back to restaurants, cafes, farmers markets and local stores, to help start providing immediate support to the regions that need it the most.”
Erin Boutros, Co-founder of Empty Esky, commented: “We are so excited to be partnering with AAT Kings to offer our community the opportunity to put their pledges into action and visit fire affected towns. Since the Empty Esky campaign launched, we have witnessed first-hand how powerful the Australian spirit is. The ‘Empty Esky’ trips will lead the way in effectively supporting bushfire affected towns as they recover.”
All Bushfire Recovery Giveback trips are 100% not-for-profit for AAT Kings, and have been designed in collaboration with the local community to inject funds into small businesses and support farmers.
Cameron-Smith concludes, “Our nation and the world have been deeply affected as we watched parts of our country ravaged by the fires. We are so privileged to be able to take advantage of our experience and network, to facilitate bringing as many visitors as we can back to our most affected townships. Working in partnership is the best way that we know how to help, and we invite the industry to join us in supporting our fellow Australians to get back on their feet for the long-term.”
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