ON THURSDAY, November 27, the brightest stars were celebrated at the Victorian Tourism Awards Gala Ceremony. From iconic attractions to innovative regional experiences, the awards showcased the vision, creativity, and excellence that make Victoria a must-visit destination.
The Island Whale Festival was awarded the Gold in the Festival and Events category and will now go on to represent Victoria at the Australia Tourism Awards in Fremantle in March 2026. The Festival, now in its ninth year, has grown to be a hero event of the Winter School holidays and a focus of Destination Phillip Island’s winter marketing campaign starting in June and running to August. It has continued to develop, supported by the passionate leadership at Destination Phillip Island and the long-standing committee and organisations. Sponsorship from the State Government Regional Events Fund and the Bass Coast Shire Council has supported the Festival’s development.
The Gala Ceremony was held at Centrepiece, Melbourne Park, with many of the Festival’s committee in attendance along with Destination Phillip Island Board members and staff.
The night was an exciting reward for the Island Whale Festival committee to be acknowledged for the incredible amount of work and dedication they contribute to the Festival for the community, visitors and the tourism industry.
The core committee is made up of the following organisations: Dolphin Research Institute, Wildlife Coast Cruises, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Zev Landes Graphic Artist, Dr Sue Mason Cetacean Science, Bass Coast Shire Council Events team, with Destination Phillip Island the Festival management, delivery and coordinating organisation.
The night also delivered further accolades for Destination Phillip Island with a Silver Award in Tourism Education and Training for the Ken Hore Tourism Mentoring Program, which is a collaborative program in partnership with Bass Coast Shire Council and Destination Gippsland to honour respected tourism leader Ken Hore. Now in its 11th year, the program has graduated over 70 participants. The program develops the skills, knowledge and excellence of emerging tourism professionals, fostering growth and career confidence through mentorship. Participants are matched with experienced industry leaders, aligned with their career goals, and gain immersive behind-the-scenes experience on familiarisation days in Phillip Island, Gippsland and Visit Victoria and VTIC offices. Graduates leave as capable professionals and advocates for a thriving, inclusive industry, building a sustainable talent pipeline to support the future of regional tourism.