Boat’s clearly a beaut
Post GM’s key tip is to own your success
A LEADING Far North Reef tourism company has splashed out more than $430,000 for an “ultra-modern” boat.
Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises new glass-bottom boat can seat 50 passengers.
Designed by local naval architects G A Glanville & Co, the boat’s larger windows offer an “uninterrupted view of the coral and fish life” throughout the vessel.
The boat was built over a six-month period by English Engineering, another local business.
“We could have looked overseas, but it was important to us as a locally-owned and operated company to support local industry,” said Steve Davies, Big Cat general manager of operations.
“Business is healthy and we are confident in the future of the tourism industry.
“So reinvesting in our customers’ experiences of the Reef and fish life is very important to us.”
Established more than 30 years ago, the company has been owned by the Wallace family since 1990.
The latest investment comes amid growth in the Far North’s Chinese tourist numbers, a key market for Big Cat.
The company now has three glass bottom-boats operating daily between Cairns and Green Island.
Big Cat managing director Paula Wallace said the new boat would strengthen company’s offering.
“The majority of our passengers have a visit to the Great Barrier Reef on their the bucket list and a large percentage cannot swim, so the glassbottom boat is a fantastic way for them to get up close and see the Reef,” she said.
“We are looking forward to the commencement of direct flights from China to Cairns, which will be starting in December.” ALI Davenport has urged other Cairns business leaders to “take ownership” of their successes.
The Cairns Post general manager spoke about her own experience with “impostor syndrome” – the perennial feeling of inadequacy in the workplace, no matter how successful someone may be – at yesterday’s Cairns Business Women’s Club September Lunch.
“Impostor syndrome is a feeling common among successful people,” Ms Davenport said.
“They feel that, despite every evidence of their success, they still feel inadequate, like they haven’t really made it.
“If you have impostor syndrome, the best thing you can do is focus on your success and concentrate on owning it.
“Spend time thinking about all the things that you have done well and take ownership.”
The event was held at the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino.