Cape York will have its fingers crossed for the Weipa Camping Ground team on Monday night as it aims to collect the silverware in two categories of the 2025 Caravan Parks Association of Queensland Awards. Photo: Supplied.
A culture of going above and beyond to welcome travellers and outstanding teamwork will put Weipa in the Queensland caravan industry spotlight at a gala awards ceremony tonight.
The Weipa Camping Ground was announced last week as finalists in two categories of the 2025 Caravan Parks Association of Queensland (CPAQ) Awards – Team of the Year Award and the Simon Warner Memorial Young Achiever of the Year Award for rising star Darci Lawson.
The team award recognises “outstanding teams who go above and beyond, working together to create unforgettable experiences and a thriving business”, while Ms Lawson was nominated as being someone in the industry under 30 who brings “passion, innovation and dedication” her to role.
General manager Gemma Shaw said the team was thrilled to be named as a finalist in two categories, with a small contingent travelling to the Gold Coast for the awards on 12 May.
“We’re incredibly grateful to be named finalists in the awards,” she said.
“These awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise the hard work and dedication our entire team puts into creating a warm, welcoming, and memorable experience for every guest.
“At the heart of our business is good old country hospitality and a commitment to building genuine connections – having that recognised means the world to us.”
For 20-year-old Ms Lawson, who is completing a double degree in International Tourism, Hotel Management and Business while working at the campgrounds, she said she was proud to play a role in Weipa’s reputation as a destination that opened its arms to welcome visitors.
“Although I’ve only been in Weipa for 12 months, I’ve completely fallen in love with this town,” she said.
“My goal is to help every guest experience the beauty, character, and charm of Weipa, and to show that even a small town in the middle of nowhere has incredible character and adventures to offer.
“I’m incredibly passionate about the role tourism plays in supporting small communities; one day, I hope to run my own business focused on sustainable rural tourism.”
Ms Shaw said she believed the team’s commitment to ensuring every visitor that drove into the campgrounds had the best local experience they could was part of the culture that impressed judges in coming up with the list of finalists.
“Delivering the highest standards in our day-to-day operations is essential to maintaining consistency and building a brand our guests can rely on,” she said.
“But we don’t stop there – we put in the extra effort to go above and beyond, ensuring every visitor has the opportunity to truly experience all that Weipa and Cape York have to offer.
“For many, this may be their one and only trip to the Cape, and we’re passionate about making it unforgettable.”
