Cootamundra winner enjoys blissful hinterland getaway
Fran Musmeci, centre, with, from left, Wendy De Luca, Andrew Pitcher, Liane Flowerdew and Rhonda Billett.
A beauty therapist from Cootamundra is singing the praises of Nambour & hinterland after winning a $7000 prize package in a Channel Nine competition.
The getaway, organised in collaboration with local businesses and the “I Am Nambour” group, allowed Fran Musmeci to explore the Sunshine Coast hinterland with her two best friends.
“I had to say in 25 words or less why I wanted to come to Nambour, and I wrote that I wanted to share special memories with my friends in Nambour,” Fran explained.
Fran said her and her “besties” Wendy De Luca and Liane Flowerdew were immediately captivated by their stay at Sixty6 Acres Farmstay at Woombye. “It's just the serene, quietness and peaceful surroundings that we're loving so much,” she said.
Fran praised Andrew Pitcher and his wife Joe, the hosts at Sixty6 Acres, for their warm hospitality. “Andrew and Joe made our stay so pleasant because there was nothing for us to do. It was just unpack your bag and go for a walk. Go and get some fresh farm eggs, enjoy the freshly ground coffee, and just breathe in the beautiful fresh air,” she said.
The group made the most of their time in Nambour, exploring various local attractions and enjoying the town's culinary delights. “Maori Pizzeria was fabulous. The pizza was so authentic, it took me back to Italy. Small Change's pecan blondie is to die for, and it's gluten-free,” Fran noted. They also visited Wildlife HQ and were charmed by the koalas. “We're about to go down to Downtown Burgers and have a pretzel bun,” Fran said, adding that their experience at Uptown Hair Studio with Rhonda and her team was another highlight.
The prize package, valued at over $7000, was part of a promotion to showcase Nambour's vibrant community and tourism offerings. The competition was a collaborative effort between Channel Nine, the “I Am Nambour” group, and local businesses, highlighting the town's appeal as a holiday destination.
Fran's enthusiastic endorsement of her trip underscores the success of the campaign and the friendly people in Nambour and Woombye. “Everyone has said g'day, all the beautiful people that donated gift vouchers. We've gone into every shop. It's been a wonderful experience,” Fran said.
Gateway to the Sunshine Coast Region
“I Am Nambour” spokesperson Rhonda Billett said she was proud the group had been a driving force behind promoting the region. “Andrew (Pitcher) and myself, alongside Council, worked around the clock to pull the Today Show weekend broadcast and $7000 giveaway together for the Gateway to the Sunshine Coast Region. We knew the benefits to our community, and our business community as a whole.
“We have come a long way as a hinterland destination in the last few years and its something that I am incredibly proud of and I’m excited for what is ahead.”
Mr Pitcher said it was wonderful to host Fran and her friends. “They were so positive and grateful for the prize win, and for the generosity of the I Am Nambour team.”