The Tourism Palm Cove Annual General Meeting, held on October 30, underscored the organization’s commitment to supporting local tourism through strategic initiatives, marketing efforts, and industry partnerships.

With a growing membership and a financial recovery from deficit to surplus over the past year, the meeting highlighted key achievements and outlined future goals to bolster tourism in Palm Cove and the Northern Beaches.

Opening the meeting, President Matthew Cork expressed optimism about the organisation's recent strides, emphasising a renewed focus on community involvement and regional partnerships.

“Our goal has been to reconnect with our roots and respond to our members’ needs for a supportive network that enhances their return on investment and strengthens Palm Cove’s position as a premier destination,” Mr Cork said.

Attendees echoed his sentiment, sharing a positive outlook for the organisation’s direction.

The AGM also saw the election of a new management committee, with Mr Cork re-elected as President, Michael Kohn appointed as Secretary, and a General Committee formed to steer initiatives forward. The group is poised to launch a series of marketing campaigns aimed at raising Palm Cove's profile nationally and internationally, particularly through collaborative campaigns with Expedia and My Queensland.

Financial reports presented at the meeting showed a favorable turnaround, with membership efforts contributing to the budget's positive growth. “Our membership drive in July and August has been instrumental in boosting our resources, and we’re proud to have doubled our member base, now including key corporate partners,” Mr Cork noted.

Further successes highlighted during the meeting included a recent partnership with Koncept Konnect, which represented Palm Cove at corporate travel events in major Australian cities, and a strong digital presence bolstered by the newly redesigned website, which saw a significant rise in user engagement.

Moving forward, Tourism Palm Cove plans to expand its digital strategy, foster relationships with tourism organizations, and focus on new initiatives to enhance the region’s appeal across the low season. Plans include launching a spring-summer campaign, discounted flight promotions, and a focus on event-based tourism to attract visitors year-round. Mr. Cork added, “By targeting both domestic and international markets with these initiatives, we’re ensuring Palm Cove remains a top destination, even during off-peak times.”

More than 40 new Queensland Police Service (QPS) officers were sworn in during a twilight ceremony at the QPS Academy in Oxley on Thursday, November 14.

Nearly all recruits who graduated from this cohort will be deployed outside Brisbane to support regional communities, with one graduate pencilled in to be posted at Mossman.

The Commissioner of Police, Steve Gollschewski APM, said it was an honour to welcome the new officers into the Service.

“The 44 new officers sworn in today will enhance community safety, especially in regional Queensland,” Commissioner Gollschewski said.

“I wish each of our new first-year constables the best, and thank them for the commitment they have made to keeping the people, places and communities of Queensland safe.”

Aged between 19 and 40, these officers are a result of QPS’s record-breaking global recruitment drive, which has attracted applicants for this cohort from as far away as the United Kingdom.

Constable Andrew Lovelock, who will be deployed to the Far Northern Region, brings to QPS 19 years of specialist policing experience in the United Kingdom, including fresh international perspectives and knowledge.

“I wanted a more fulfilling life for my family, and despite not visiting Australia before, a QPS recruiting ad sparked a journey that saw us sell everything we owned and move our children and our dog to Queensland,” Constable Lovelock said.

“I’m excited to start policing in a new environment, with new challenges, and in a career that could take me to work in communities anywhere across an area seven times the size of the UK.”

Constable Lovelock received the Leadership Award, which recognises his leadership qualities for inspiring others, and for his commitment to the QPS values of integrity, respect and courage.