Notes from the FACET Regional Tourism Conference Mt Magnet

I have spent the last two days at the FACET conference talking about regional tourism opportunities, partnerships, value adding, sharing stories, interpretation & significance.

Have been motivated and encouraged by lots of stories and speakers. In particular I was impressed by Patrick Maher, the Irish Geologist/geotourism advocate and his examples of the ways that Ireland has embraced this sub-set of the tourism market and integrated this with their mining industry to leverage real benefits for communities adversly affected by mining closures. He also really GETS INTERPRETATION!!! I got particularly excited by the examples of how artists have been engaged to interpret the landscape (similar to Anthony Gormly's Lake Ballard works)

The tour today was spectacular - though hot!! and loved the built heritage of Cue, the natural landscapes between Cue and Mt Magnet, the indigenous experience of billy tea and damper under a shady tree, and the industrial heritage of the abandonded townsites and shutdown mine sites. Last night also experienced dinner under the stars (well under the clounds under the stars!!) at Meeline Station, and experienced camel, goat and kangaroo stew, washed down of course with a very palatable shiraz, and great company.

From MAWA's perspective, I have had the opportunity to spruik our Museum, Gallery and Heritage brochures and (hopefully) make some contacts that may allow us to further build partnerships to continue the project. Check out the photos in the FACET album.