It’s known as the Sunshine State, but over the last few months North Queensland has endured some of the fiercest weather conditions in Australia, plunging the region into severe floods and drought.
But North Queensland is back in business, and in a week-long special event beginning Wednesday, April 10, the TODAY show will be going on the road and broadcasting live from some of the world’s most beautiful places.
In a spectacular television event TODAY’s Georgie Gardner, Deb Knight, Tom Steinfort, Stevie Jacobs and Brooke Boney will visit paradise with a simple message to Australians – get behind Tropical North Queensland, Townsville and the Whitsundays, and come visit.
The team will broadcast from picture postcard areas, including Airlie Beach, Palm Cove, Townsville, Daintree and more locations. On Friday, April 12 TODAY Extra hosted by Sonia Kruger and Richard Wilkins will also broadcast from NQ, joining TODAY at Palm Cove.
Georgie Gardner said: “The images of devastating drought and floods in Queensland were nothing short of heartbreaking. The Today Show wants to bring the of rest of the country up-to-date with how Queenslanders are faring and drive home the message that tourism in the affected areas has never been more important.”
Deborah Knight said: “North Queensland is the jewel in the Sunshine State’s crown; it seems everywhere you look is stunning scenery. Tourism is crucial and we’re keen to spread the word that the region is back in business. We want all Australians to consider Queensland in their holiday plans this year, and make sure we help out struggling tourism operators.”
For TODAY News Presenter Tom Steinfort, he is looking forward to seeing the rejuvenation of Townsville after reporting from the city during the height of the devastating floods in February.
Tom Steinfort said: “The scale of the flooding was awful but my lasting memory of the disaster is the spirit of community in Townsville and the way everyone wanted to help each other.”
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones welcomed TODAY to North Queensland.
Ms Jones said: “The waterfalls are pumping, rainforests are blooming and beaches are sparkling in the tropical north. Hosting TODAY in North Queensland is a great opportunity to share the stories of these regions and encourage Australians to holiday here.
“It’s especially important heading into the Easter break in April and into the winter months, when people living in the cold southern states dream of escaping, they book a holiday to the warm, tropical climate of north Queensland.
“The Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland, has provided significant marketing support to the North Queensland tourism industry to get this message out and our partnership with TODAY marks the start of a series of campaigns.”
Come and join TODAY as we broadcast live from 5.30am-9am AEST. We’re encouraging everybody to come down as we get behind the locals. There’ll be cash giveaways, free breakfast and live performances:
Wednesday, April 10: TODAY at Airlie Beach Lagoon
Thursday, April 11: TODAY at Townsville (Picnic Bay Surf Lifesaving Club at Strand Park)
Friday, April 12: TODAY & TODAY EXTRA at Palm Cove (Williams Esplanade Reserve) and Stevie Jacobs at Palm Cove
Monday, April 15 – Stevie Jacobs in Port Douglas
Tuesday, April 16 – Stevie in Charters Towers
Wednesday, April 17 – Stevie in Magnetic Island
Thursday, April 18 – Stevie in Bowen
Friday, April 19 – Stevie in the Whitsundays
