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Wujals wonderful Walker Sisters at the beginning of the walk they have made famous!
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Walker Tours a Success in Wujal Wujal
Tomorrow's first anniversary of the Walker family's tours to Bloomfield Falls is a milestone in the journey towards indigenous economic independence through small enterprise. Balkanu congratulates Wujal Wujal Walker Family Tours for their ongoing prosperity and contribution as a role model to the wider community in Cape York.
It's fantastic to see statistics showing a steady and sustainable growth in their business, and the impact this is having on the community, says Gerhardt Pearson, Executive Director of Balkanu Cape York Development Corporation. Breaking the mentality of powerless and passivity can only happen when there are local success stories that people can relate to. It provides proof that it can be done, which generates self belief and opens the door to many more business start-ups.
Wujal Wujal Walker Family Tours operate from their homeland a few kilometers south of the community of Wujal Wujal in the Daintree Rainforest of south-east Cape York. Having started with local bush-tucker walks in early 2003, in July last year the company added a tour to the spectacular Bloomfield Falls (Wujal Wujal) which has proved extremely popular.
"We're very happy that we have made it this far," says Francis Walker, Tour Manager of Wujal Wujal Walker Family Tours. "With a bit of luck we hope to be here for many years to come."
Working with non-indigenous tourism businesses in the region has been an important factor in the growth of the operation. Guesthouses and tour companies from Cape Tribulation have demonstrated a willingness to direct visitors a little further north along the Bloomfield Track.
"I'd like to thank all the family and the many people who have supported us along the way," says Francis Walker. "It's something we can all be proud of."
Balkanu's Business Hub in Cooktown has provided some assistance including with business plans, marketing, and in the process of making contact and negotiating terms with partnering tourism operators. Indigenous Enterprise Partnerships have also contributed the expertise of Westpac staff and local mentor Judy Bennett.
"What we can't forget here is the years of hard work the family have put into getting the business going," says Mr. Pearson. "Ultimately that's always going to be the difference between success and failure. The Walkers have demonstrated what local people can achieve when they take a professional approach to creating a new enterprise, and back it up with the dedication needed to make it succeed."
The anniversary will be marked by a ceremony at Bloomfield Falls tomorrow.
Background:
Balkanu's Business Hubs Unit is supported by the Queensland Department of State Development.
Contacts:
Gerhardt Pearson: Executive Director, Balkanu Cape York Development Corporation. 0419 773 433 07 4051 9089 (Kimko Gabey)
Melissa Noonan: Business Planner, Balkanu Business Hubs Unit.
07 4051 9089 0407 154 165
Francis Walker: Tour Manager, Wujal Wujal Walker Family Tours.
07 4060 8139. HYPERLINK "mailto:ffw@bigpond.com" ffw@bigpond.com
For further information
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