Hinterland's 'biggest' icon gains national attention
Last week (June 13), the team from Channel 7’s Sunrise program visited the newly opened The Big Pineapple, along with a crowd of locals, to celebrate the Sunshine Coast’s very own “big” icon.
Sam Mac from the Sunrise program broadcast from The Big Pineapple from 7am and there were plenty of colourfully dressed locals there to show their support for the freshly renovated attraction.
“People started arriving from 5.30am and the broadcast ran from 6am to 9am. It was fantastic to see the number of people there, despite the early start and the chill, and how many of them went to the effort to dress up for the occasion,” said Julie Smedley, of The Nambour Chamber of Commerce.
“There was one gentleman there who bought a pineapple costume especially!”
Local distillers, Sunshine & Sons renamed their sunset cocktail to ‘Sunrise’ for the occasion, COYO Organic prepared a delicious looking parfait and Wildlife HQ introduced their favourite koala.
“From the Chamber’s point of view, we are always looking for ways to support increased investment and visitation to our area, and the re-opening of The Big Pineapple, as well as publicity events on a national scale, certainly do that,” Ms Smedley said.
I am Nambour ambassador, and local business woman, Rhonda Billet, was instrumental in drawing the broadcaster’s attention to the much loved local attraction.
“When I wrote to Sunrise a few weeks ago asking them to come, I thought it would be great to show Australia that the Gateway to the Sunshine Coast Region is open for business and our newly restored “Big Thing” of Australia, being the Big Pineapple was certainly worthy of a visit,” she said.
“We are so lucky to have Peter Kendall and his team invested in our region, to grow the Big Pineapple for future generations to enjoy.
“I would love to give a massive thank you to everyone who attended and got up in the dark to be a part of the show.”
*Photos courtesy of Rhonda Billet and The Nambour Chamber of Commerce.
