Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
We know that Alice Springs has received what's been described
(00:03):
a much needed boost with Air and All to start
direct flights from cans to Alice Springs. Flights are now
on sale, with the first on April fourteen. That service
is going to be operating three times a week using
air or its modern Embraer jet fleet, which carries one
hundred passengers. There's promotional one way sales fares starting from
(00:25):
two hundred and ninety nine dollars. It is no doubt
that it is some good news for the people of
Alice and also for tourism in the Red Center. And
joining us in the studio this morning, he's here from
Alice Springs. Daniel Rochford, the CEO of Tourism Central Australia.
Good morning to you.
Speaker 2 (00:42):
Good morning Katie, and good morning to your listeners.
Speaker 1 (00:44):
Lovely to see you mate. Did you bring the rain with.
Speaker 2 (00:46):
You, Well, it's taken an Alice Springs person to bring
your rain. But it's great to be here. And yeah,
up here for a few days trend the boards, but
great to catch up.
Speaker 1 (00:54):
Well. We appreciate you bringing the weather. If you are
indeed responsible, I reckon there'd be some pollis sorts of
people trying to take responsibility because we've all been waiting
for them.
Speaker 2 (01:03):
Ather thing to wake up to this morning, I'd have
to say it.
Speaker 1 (01:06):
Sure was now mate. Tell me what has been the
reaction from locals and people in the tourism sector in
relation to this announcement by in North yesterday.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
Yeah, this is a great announcement. As I spoke yesterday,
this is a perfect example of what should happen team Territory.
We've got the airline, the airport, the government, industry all
aligne to bring this service in and that's going to
connect Alice to the Great Barrier Reef, the Reef and
the heart of Australia. You know, that's such a critical
(01:36):
piece of our tourism linkage, connecting internationals from Cannes to
Central Australia. You know, we talk about the Golden Triangle,
the Reef, the Rock and Sydney. That's where most of
our internationals travel. And the way we can make that easier,
the better we'll see more travelers. And this is a
huge news. And I tell you what, Katie twenty twenty five,
(01:57):
I'd say it it's going to be our year and
it's going to be a good way to kick it
off when those flights launch in April.
Speaker 1 (02:03):
Well, it really has to be your year as well,
doesn't it. I mean, to be really frank about it,
what we've seen over the last couple of years has
been so tough for locals but also for tourism operators,
some of whom who've been operating in Central Australia for decades.
Speaker 2 (02:19):
Absolutely, and there's no doubt in you and I've spoken
for many years about the challenges but our backs against
the wall and you know, we have no alternative but
to come out really strong this year and we need
and thankfully our government is helping us with that process,
you know, And no doubt you know, from a local
(02:41):
perspective in Al Springs, things have come down from a
crime and antisocial behavior issue, and you know, it's been
the first time in a number of years where we've
been able to get some clear air to go on
the offensive and we're rolling the sleeves up and we're
just about to do that.
Speaker 1 (02:55):
Well it's good to hear because as I say, it's
been it has been tough going and I know that
there's been a lot of work underway to try to
get things under control, and so our locals starting to
sort of fegel a little bit of confidence again that
you know that they can get to respect, that they
can really say to their family and friends again, hey
this is a wonderful place, come and visit us. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (03:17):
Look, we've been mind in negativity and being splashed across
the nation's media for all the wrong reasons. And now
the government has throw in the kitchen sink at our
crime and anti social issues. Things have calmed down and
we now can get on the offensive. And my message
to all Australians is twenty twenty five, this is the
(03:37):
year to come and visit the heart of Australia, the
sotyl of Australia, Alice Springs. And you know, we've got
so many exciting things happening this year and I'm really excited.
Our numbers are already looking really promising.
Speaker 1 (03:51):
Right.
Speaker 2 (03:52):
You know, we've almost quadrupled the amount of bookings that
we would have normally at this time of year compared
to previous years.
Speaker 1 (04:00):
Give us can you quantify that, look.
Speaker 2 (04:02):
We would you know, just pure higher car bookings. We've
gone from about one hundred and fifty thousand last year
to over four hundred and fifty thousand this year forward bookings,
forward bookings. So that just says, you know, there's strong
interest in coming back to Central Australia, and you know,
(04:22):
I guess we need to make sure that we're really
keen to just change that narrative. You know, when things
have settled down and that they have, now, is that
time to really go on the offensive our industry. Our
backs are against the wall. You know, we've got big
operators down there who are really fragile and if we
(04:42):
don't have a great season this year, I fear for
their future existence. So it is I don't want to
over sensationalists, but it is do or die for many
of our small businesses.
Speaker 1 (04:52):
And so by the sounds of it, the government do
sound like they're prepared to support tourism operators in terms
of really trying to promote the place again. I mean,
is it time for us to get a little bit
territory proud once more and sort of you know, hey,
look come back, come back to the Northern Territory. We
want to see you here.
Speaker 2 (05:10):
Oh look, I think everyone's had to you know, we've
had to deal with the issues that we're dealing with,
and yeah, we can't go back in history. You know,
the government is certainly changing what they're doing and that
seems to be gaining some traction in terms of results.
So yeah, I do agree. I think we do need
to get territory proud. I think we've got an amazing
(05:33):
place in Central Australia and likewise here in the top end.
You know, we should be absolutely proud of it and
should we should be proud of seeing that from the rooftops.
And that's what I say to all Australians now is
let's reconnect back to Central Australia. Let's come and see
it for yourself and experience and get out there and
get amongst it and you'll have an amazing time.
Speaker 1 (05:55):
Daniel, I do want to ask because we just caught
up with the Opposition leader Selena Ruba and we were
talking about the art gallery for Alice Springs. She said
that there has been quite a bit of feedback that
the downsizing or the plans to downsize what is going
to be built is going to have a negative impact.
How like, how are you feeling, how's the tourism sector
(06:15):
feeling about the changes to plans when it comes to
the Art Gallery for Alice.
Speaker 2 (06:20):
I think the tourism sector is really keen to see
the plans and to see what the actual details are,
because the devil will be in the detail.
Speaker 1 (06:26):
Look.
Speaker 2 (06:26):
I had a long conversation with the treasure and the
Minister responsible for infrastructure last week, and you know, he
was giving me some assurances that you know, wasn't too
much of a downsize in gallery space. You know, there
might be some things lost like cafes and conference rooms,
but you know, the devil will be in the detail.
Speaker 1 (06:45):
You know.
Speaker 2 (06:45):
I encourage the Minister to be really proactive with our
industry to share that information and hopefully that was listening.
I understand they're at around about thirty percent architectural, so
I'm sure it's not too far away to always see
the designs. So I'll reserve my judgment until then. But
you know, we it's I guess when it comes to
(07:05):
gallery size matters, and you know, our hopes and dreams
with this is that it becomes a national institution. And
my comment to everyone is why can't we have a
national institution in Alice Springs like the ones that are
in Canberra. You know, we are the spiritual home of
the Indigenous art movement, the home of Albert Namajeira. You know,
(07:29):
this center should be world class. You know, I'm being
told by the government that's their intent, So yeah, I'm
very keen. I'm also mindful that, you know, there's a
federal election coming and you know there's obviously politics around,
so you know, I note Marian Scrimdaw's recent comments about,
you know, the potential of federal greater investment, and you know,
(07:51):
if there is federal greater investment in this project, you
know we would all welcome that.
Speaker 1 (07:55):
I absolutely agree. Hey, let's as I understand that the
entries are opening today for the think but there's also
a big cycling event that's going to be happening in
terms of well the different kind mountain biking. Two wonderful
things to get.
Speaker 2 (08:08):
Underway completely, and I'll throw a third one in there
that you know, very exciting. We've got the Black and Festival,
which is one of Australia's biggest heavy metal festivals, for
later in the year for all new headbangers out there.
So yeah. The Shimano Gravel Muster was a new event
last year. It was so well received that the organizers
(08:30):
have definitely doubled down this year and of course Fink
Red Center, NATS and of course Pardus kicking off in
just a few weeks time. So yeah, it's going to
be a big year for events in Central Australia. You know,
we're just so excited. You know, I think we've had
our difficult days, but you know, there's a real sense
of turning of the page. And I'm not there yet.
(08:53):
I did. I think about doing some cartwheels down you're
mall here, but I'll wait till.
Speaker 1 (08:58):
Get Kay, not yet, all wait, We'll give it a
few more weeks and we'll see how things are tracking.
Speaker 2 (09:03):
Indeed, No, I think my message to everyone is, look,
even if it's just over the school holidays, come down,
come down camping, come down, be under those Red centers
night skies. It is an amazing experience that everyone should do.
Speaker 1 (09:18):
Daniel Rochford, lovely to speak with you this morning, mate,
Thanks so much for joining us in the studio.
Speaker 2 (09:23):
Cheers, Gattie, Thank you.
We know that Alice Springs has received what's been described
(00:03):
a much needed boost with Air and All to start
direct flights from cans to Alice Springs. Flights are now
on sale, with the first on April fourteen. That service
is going to be operating three times a week using
air or its modern Embraer jet fleet, which carries one
hundred passengers. There's promotional one way sales fares starting from
(00:25):
two hundred and ninety nine dollars. It is no doubt
that it is some good news for the people of
Alice and also for tourism in the Red Center. And
joining us in the studio this morning, he's here from
Alice Springs. Daniel Rochford, the CEO of Tourism Central Australia.
Good morning to you.
Speaker 2 (00:42):
Good morning Katie, and good morning to your listeners.
Speaker 1 (00:44):
Lovely to see you mate. Did you bring the rain with.
Speaker 2 (00:46):
You, Well, it's taken an Alice Springs person to bring
your rain. But it's great to be here. And yeah,
up here for a few days trend the boards, but
great to catch up.
Speaker 1 (00:54):
Well. We appreciate you bringing the weather. If you are
indeed responsible, I reckon there'd be some pollis sorts of
people trying to take responsibility because we've all been waiting
for them.
Speaker 2 (01:03):
Ather thing to wake up to this morning, I'd have
to say it.
Speaker 1 (01:06):
Sure was now mate. Tell me what has been the
reaction from locals and people in the tourism sector in
relation to this announcement by in North yesterday.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
Yeah, this is a great announcement. As I spoke yesterday,
this is a perfect example of what should happen team Territory.
We've got the airline, the airport, the government, industry all
aligne to bring this service in and that's going to
connect Alice to the Great Barrier Reef, the Reef and
the heart of Australia. You know, that's such a critical
(01:36):
piece of our tourism linkage, connecting internationals from Cannes to
Central Australia. You know, we talk about the Golden Triangle,
the Reef, the Rock and Sydney. That's where most of
our internationals travel. And the way we can make that easier,
the better we'll see more travelers. And this is a
huge news. And I tell you what, Katie twenty twenty five,
(01:57):
I'd say it it's going to be our year and
it's going to be a good way to kick it
off when those flights launch in April.
Speaker 1 (02:03):
Well, it really has to be your year as well,
doesn't it. I mean, to be really frank about it,
what we've seen over the last couple of years has
been so tough for locals but also for tourism operators,
some of whom who've been operating in Central Australia for decades.
Speaker 2 (02:19):
Absolutely, and there's no doubt in you and I've spoken
for many years about the challenges but our backs against
the wall and you know, we have no alternative but
to come out really strong this year and we need
and thankfully our government is helping us with that process,
you know, And no doubt you know, from a local
(02:41):
perspective in Al Springs, things have come down from a
crime and antisocial behavior issue, and you know, it's been
the first time in a number of years where we've
been able to get some clear air to go on
the offensive and we're rolling the sleeves up and we're
just about to do that.
Speaker 1 (02:55):
Well it's good to hear because as I say, it's
been it has been tough going and I know that
there's been a lot of work underway to try to
get things under control, and so our locals starting to
sort of fegel a little bit of confidence again that
you know that they can get to respect, that they
can really say to their family and friends again, hey
this is a wonderful place, come and visit us. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (03:17):
Look, we've been mind in negativity and being splashed across
the nation's media for all the wrong reasons. And now
the government has throw in the kitchen sink at our
crime and anti social issues. Things have calmed down and
we now can get on the offensive. And my message
to all Australians is twenty twenty five, this is the
(03:37):
year to come and visit the heart of Australia, the
sotyl of Australia, Alice Springs. And you know, we've got
so many exciting things happening this year and I'm really excited.
Our numbers are already looking really promising.
Speaker 1 (03:51):
Right.
Speaker 2 (03:52):
You know, we've almost quadrupled the amount of bookings that
we would have normally at this time of year compared
to previous years.
Speaker 1 (04:00):
Give us can you quantify that, look.
Speaker 2 (04:02):
We would you know, just pure higher car bookings. We've
gone from about one hundred and fifty thousand last year
to over four hundred and fifty thousand this year forward bookings,
forward bookings. So that just says, you know, there's strong
interest in coming back to Central Australia, and you know,
(04:22):
I guess we need to make sure that we're really
keen to just change that narrative. You know, when things
have settled down and that they have, now, is that
time to really go on the offensive our industry. Our
backs are against the wall. You know, we've got big
operators down there who are really fragile and if we
(04:42):
don't have a great season this year, I fear for
their future existence. So it is I don't want to
over sensationalists, but it is do or die for many
of our small businesses.
Speaker 1 (04:52):
And so by the sounds of it, the government do
sound like they're prepared to support tourism operators in terms
of really trying to promote the place again. I mean,
is it time for us to get a little bit
territory proud once more and sort of you know, hey,
look come back, come back to the Northern Territory. We
want to see you here.
Speaker 2 (05:10):
Oh look, I think everyone's had to you know, we've
had to deal with the issues that we're dealing with,
and yeah, we can't go back in history. You know,
the government is certainly changing what they're doing and that
seems to be gaining some traction in terms of results.
So yeah, I do agree. I think we do need
to get territory proud. I think we've got an amazing
(05:33):
place in Central Australia and likewise here in the top end.
You know, we should be absolutely proud of it and
should we should be proud of seeing that from the rooftops.
And that's what I say to all Australians now is
let's reconnect back to Central Australia. Let's come and see
it for yourself and experience and get out there and
get amongst it and you'll have an amazing time.
Speaker 1 (05:55):
Daniel, I do want to ask because we just caught
up with the Opposition leader Selena Ruba and we were
talking about the art gallery for Alice Springs. She said
that there has been quite a bit of feedback that
the downsizing or the plans to downsize what is going
to be built is going to have a negative impact.
How like, how are you feeling, how's the tourism sector
(06:15):
feeling about the changes to plans when it comes to
the Art Gallery for Alice.
Speaker 2 (06:20):
I think the tourism sector is really keen to see
the plans and to see what the actual details are,
because the devil will be in the detail.
Speaker 1 (06:26):
Look.
Speaker 2 (06:26):
I had a long conversation with the treasure and the
Minister responsible for infrastructure last week, and you know, he
was giving me some assurances that you know, wasn't too
much of a downsize in gallery space. You know, there
might be some things lost like cafes and conference rooms,
but you know, the devil will be in the detail.
Speaker 1 (06:45):
You know.
Speaker 2 (06:45):
I encourage the Minister to be really proactive with our
industry to share that information and hopefully that was listening.
I understand they're at around about thirty percent architectural, so
I'm sure it's not too far away to always see
the designs. So I'll reserve my judgment until then. But
you know, we it's I guess when it comes to
(07:05):
gallery size matters, and you know, our hopes and dreams
with this is that it becomes a national institution. And
my comment to everyone is why can't we have a
national institution in Alice Springs like the ones that are
in Canberra. You know, we are the spiritual home of
the Indigenous art movement, the home of Albert Namajeira. You know,
(07:29):
this center should be world class. You know, I'm being
told by the government that's their intent, So yeah, I'm
very keen. I'm also mindful that, you know, there's a
federal election coming and you know there's obviously politics around,
so you know, I note Marian Scrimdaw's recent comments about,
you know, the potential of federal greater investment, and you know,
(07:51):
if there is federal greater investment in this project, you
know we would all welcome that.
Speaker 1 (07:55):
I absolutely agree. Hey, let's as I understand that the
entries are opening today for the think but there's also
a big cycling event that's going to be happening in
terms of well the different kind mountain biking. Two wonderful
things to get.
Speaker 2 (08:08):
Underway completely, and I'll throw a third one in there
that you know, very exciting. We've got the Black and Festival,
which is one of Australia's biggest heavy metal festivals, for
later in the year for all new headbangers out there.
So yeah. The Shimano Gravel Muster was a new event
last year. It was so well received that the organizers
(08:30):
have definitely doubled down this year and of course Fink
Red Center, NATS and of course Pardus kicking off in
just a few weeks time. So yeah, it's going to
be a big year for events in Central Australia. You know,
we're just so excited. You know, I think we've had
our difficult days, but you know, there's a real sense
of turning of the page. And I'm not there yet.
(08:53):
I did. I think about doing some cartwheels down you're
mall here, but I'll wait till.
Speaker 1 (08:58):
Get Kay, not yet, all wait, We'll give it a
few more weeks and we'll see how things are tracking.
Speaker 2 (09:03):
Indeed, No, I think my message to everyone is, look,
even if it's just over the school holidays, come down,
come down camping, come down, be under those Red centers
night skies. It is an amazing experience that everyone should do.
Speaker 1 (09:18):
Daniel Rochford, lovely to speak with you this morning, mate,
Thanks so much for joining us in the studio.
Speaker 2 (09:23):
Cheers, Gattie, Thank you.
Popular Podcasts
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Therapy Gecko
An unlicensed lizard psychologist travels the universe talking to strangers about absolutely nothing. TO CALL THE GECKO: follow me on https://www.twitch.tv/lyleforever to get a notification for when I am taking calls. I am usually live Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays but lately a lot of other times too. I am a gecko.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.