I was reading the Qantas Link magazine and in it was a feature on the Capricorn region. In the story was a comment referring to Rockhampton as the City of Champions. I wondered if my previous columns calling for a change to the branding of Rockhampton away from Beef Capital of Australia to the Home of Australia’s Future Champions were having an impact. Whether they did is immaterial, what is good is that change to the branding is not only being considered but implemented. Could I suggest – ramp it up. At the Rockhampton airport have a wall of champions. Photos of champions that are either Rockhampton born or largely developed their talents while living in Rockhampton. Imagine the sporting champions alone; Rod Laver, Jamie Dwyer, Anna and Kerrie Meares, Mark Knowles, Duncan Armstrong, Kenrick Tucker , Kim Ireland, Glen Housman, Rod Reddy (I apologise to the many others not listed). As well as the champions in cultural, business, politics, science and primary production. Located near the baggage carousel such a wall would arguably create quite a positive impact on visitors. Supporting a slogan like ‘City of Champions’ with tangible evidence. Other than knowing how to spell the name Rockhampton, our airport at the moment doesn’t give visitors much impression of the city or region until they get to the bull statue on the way out. Maybe something to consider, other than who is parking where.
Also with the new south side pool complex being completed this year, could we get away from calling everything Rockhampton Regional whatever. Could Duncan Armstrong and Glen Housman maybe receive some acknowledgement within the complex? This to would help develop new branding for the city. Rockhampton has changed and will continue to change, let’s see the marketing of our city and region reflect this.
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