SeaLink turns 25Special feature Twenty five years ago SeaLink Holiday Centre, Adelaide Sightsee- economic impacts on the island are Donna Gauci said island communi- began, taking over the Philanderer ing, Hop-On Hop-Off, Kangaroo Is- reflected in part through the devel- ties needed a ferry service they could III ferry service to . land Odysseys, Kangaroo Island opment of new tourism products and depend on and while other ferries Today, SeaLink Travel Group is a Adventure Tours, Vivonne Bay experiences and associated employ- had come and gone, SeaLink had multi-million dollar, publicly-listed Lodge, SeaLink Queensland and ment outcomes.” stood the test of time. company owning businesses across SeaLink Northern Territory. Mr Gregor also recognised “What began as a one-ferry oper- Australia, including iconic Captain “SeaLink is a South Australian SeaLink’s encouragement and men- ation on Kangaroo Island has been Cook Cruises on Sydney Harbour success story and while our company toring of tourism business related built up over time and that has given and on the Murray River, and it in- continues to grow, Kangaroo Island skills through the virtual tourism everyone ongoing security and cer- jects many millions of dollars into has, and always will, play an impor- business program conducted at the tainty,” Ms Gauci said. SeaLink Managing the Kangaroo Island community tant and central role in our opera- Kingscote campus of Kangaroo Is- “With a fleet of two modern fer- Director Jeff Ellison. each year. tions.” land Community Education. ries and millions of dollars invested “In just 25 years our staff num- Chairman of Tourism Kangaroo “It is a great initiative that seeks in terminals at Penneshaw and Cape bers have grown from 15 employees Island, Pierre Gregor, said there was to develop skills valuable to the in- Jervis as well as land-based trans- to over 600 and today we service no doubt that the professional and dustry which may also assist with portation including coaches and four more than three million passengers reliable service provided by SeaLink some of the youth retention chal- wheel-drives, SeaLink continues to a year in Queensland, New South had contributed to the island’s de- lenges facing the island,” he said. invest heavily in the future of Kan- Wales, Northern Territory and South velopment. “The company’s sponsorship sup- garoo Island.” Australia,” Managing Director Jeff “SeaLink’s domestic and interna- port to a significant range of com- “We’re proud of what SeaLink Ellison said. tional marketing plus the holiday munity clubs, associations and has achieved over the past 25 years “What began as a one-ferry oper- packaging has been pivotal in the individuals also helps to demon- and look forward to many more ation now includes a fleet of 26 com- growth of tourism on Kangaroo Is- strate SeaLink’s commitment to decades of continued growth for the SeaLink SA General mercial vessels and brands such as land,” Mr Gregor said. Kangaroo Island.” company.” Manager Donna Gauci. Captain Cook Cruises, Australian “The positive direct and indirect SeaLink SA General Manager Milestones From The Philanderer to tourism projects and inter-state operations ❒ 1989: Philanderer ferry operation pur- and trucking company, majority shareholder ❒ 2013 - 2014: Construction and launch chased from the March family by Malaysian purchased of four new vessels, Elizabeth Cook, Mary company Mbf and renamed Kangaroo Island ❒ 2009: Premier Day Tour business pur- Reibey, Annabelle Rankin and Violet SeaLink chased McKenzie for Captain Cook Cruises, Sydney Harbour ❒ 1991: Purchased second ferry, the Is- ❒ 2010: Construction of $1.2 million bus land Navigator to operate fuel and freight operations and maintenance facility in Pen- ❒ 2013: Purchased new passenger ferry services to/from KI neshaw James Grant for SeaLink Northern Territory ❒ ❒ 1996: A group of South Australian in- ❒ 2010: Phase Two of Vivonne Bay Lodge 2013: Purchased ‘Freedom Sovereign’ vestors and staff members purchased The Island Navigator ferry which SeaLink redevelopment completed - accommodation, ferry ($3.1m) (vessel name changed to ‘Tiwi SeaLink from Mbf, returning it to local owner- purchased in 1991, to run the KI service common room, dining, bar and deck Mantari’) ship and then it went to SeaLink NZ. SeaLink ❒ ❒ 2010: Kangaroo Island Odyssey 4x4 2014: $3.5 million invested into building ❒ 1998: Launched luxury passenger and NZ has since been sold but the Island Navi- new Penneshaw Ferry Terminal gator still operates to Great Barrier Island touring business purchased vehicle ferry Sealion 2000 built at a cost of ❒ 2009-2014: $4 million invested on new from Auckland. ❒ 2011: Sunferries Townsville to Magnetic $9.1million touring coaches and vehicles and Palm Island purchased - rebranded ❒ 2000: Adelaide Sightseeing Day Tours ❒ 2014: SeaLink Queensland signed 5 and City Centre Travel purchased ❒ 2006: Kangaroo Island Adventure Tours SeaLink Queensland ❒ year contract to provide ferry services to ❒ 2003: Australian Holiday Travel Centre in touring business purchased 2011: Captain Cook Cruises and Matilda Magnetic Island Cruises, Sydney Harbour and Murray River Melbourne and Sydney acquired ❒ 2006: Opened CJ’s by the Sea cafe in ❒ Cruises purchased 2014: SeaLink Queensland signed 5 ❒ 2004: Launched second luxury passen- the Cape Jervis ferry terminal year contract to provide ferry services to ❒ ger and vehicle ferry Spirit of KI built at a ❒ 2006: Launched ‘FreightLink’ NZ brand 2011: Sold SeaLink New Zealand includ- Palm Island, Queensland cost of $14.3 million ❒ 2007: Kangaroo Island Booking Centre ing the sale of majority shareholding in Big B ❒ Cartage Limited 2014: Signed contract with the Northern ❒ 2004: Auckland, New Zealand based retail specialist agency purchased Territory Government to provide ferry serv- ❒ Subritzky Ferries purchased ❒ 2007: SeaLink selected as Facility Man- 2011: SkyLink Adelaide Airport Shuttle ices to Tiwi Islands Service sold ❒ 2004: The Ski Connection ski packaging ager for the new Adelaide Central Bus Sta- ❒ 2014: Refurbishment of John Cadman 2 and express coach transport company ac- tion ❒ 2013: Over $3 million invested in pas- completed ($1.7m) quired ❒ 2007: SkyLink Adelaide Airport Shuttle senger ferries Sealion 2000 and Spirit of KI ❒ 2014: Captain Cook Cruises signed con- ❒ 2005: Purchased Vivonne Bay Outdoor Service and fleet of coaches purchased ❒ 2013: SeaLink Travel Group listed on the tract to ferry passengers to the Biennale of Education Centre, renamed Vivonne Bay ❒ 2007: Phase One of $1.2 million ASX Sydney Art Festival Lodge Vivonne Bay Eco Adventures redevelopment - ❒ 2013: Commenced ferry operations in ❒ 2014: Captain Cook Cruises awarded a ❒ 2005: $2.4 million invested into building built bistro and function centre Darwin to Tiwi Islands and Mandorah under 3 year charter contract with Harbour City Fer- Cape Jervis Ferry Terminal ❒ 2008: Big B Cartage Limited - NZ freight SeaLink Northern Territory brand ries

www.theislanderonline.com.au The Islander, Thursday, November 27, 2014 Page 11 Special feature Tour a sweet success story

When Clifford’s Honey Farm opened honey ice-cream so when groups arrive to in December 1993, business owners Dave the farm their mouths are already wa- and Jenny Clifford welcomed self-drive What has been key is tering in anticipation.” visitors travelling on the SeaLink ferry “all the wonderful SeaLink Today, Clifford’s Honey Farm wel- to their farm gate shop and visitor cen- comes a SeaLink coach daily and other tre. staff, particularly the special groups are regularly booked. In 1997, SeaLink began bringing vis- coach drivers Jenny said she fondly remembered itors to the honey farm in bus groups and SeaLink promotional events, particularly the farm’s relationship with the SA- Kangaroo Island honey so special and” the one where local business owners trav- based company has flourished ever since. unique and rare Ligurian Honey Bees elled with SeaLink staff on the SeaLink “We were very honoured that while Jenny has made her now famous ferry to Port Adelaide for an onboard SeaLink were keen to bring their visitors honey ice-cream for the shop since open- Kangaroo Island presentation to agents. to our honey farm for tours,” Jenny Clif- ing day. Another fond memory was when the ford said. Jenny said from the beginning, a Honey Farm renovated its interpretive Dave and Jenny Clifford - Clifford’s Honey Farm. “Local people, including many who daily tour time slot was negotiated with centre and Dave and Jenny asked then have worked for SeaLink, have been key SeaLink. SeaLink coach driver Michael Clark to in word-of-mouth advertising, promoting “What has been key is all the won- cut the ribbon. Congratulations on the honey farm to visitors from far and derful SeaLink staff, particularly the “We’ve always enjoyed a great rela- wide.” coach drivers,” Jenny said. tionship with SeaLink and wish them Over the years the honey farm has “They have been fantastic promoting every success as they celebrate their 25th 25 years shared its knowledge about what makes the farm’s honey and in particular our year of service to KI,” Ms Clifford said.

VR2034250 It’s been a privilege to have Penneshaw Terminal been associated with SeaLink for the last 24 years, congratulations, and we wish you VR2034192 continued success. www.emuridge.com.au The Sealion 2000. Congratulations Nat, Dave and all the staff at the Great gift idea Turner’s Tyre Service Rabbitt Warren Bakery SeaLink Travel SeaLink Gift Vouchers make a would like to great Christmas gift. on this amazing milestone. SeaLink gift vouch- Wow 25 years. Congratulates ers start from $20 and can be redeemed Congratulate LookingLLookking foforwardrrward to workingwoorking withwit against any product youyou forfor 25 moremoore SeaLink offered by the SeaLink Travel Group includ- SeaLink on 25 years of service ing ferry fares, accom- over the last 25 years VR2034117 modation, packages, to the Island. VR2034104 tours, experiences and and we are proud to more. 8553 3299 Gift vouchers can www.kangarooislandbirdsofprey.com.au be purchased online be associated. through a secure pay- VR2034188 ment gateway and sent to you or directly to the recipient, and CASTROL AUSTRALIA with no fare restric- tions or block out would like to dates applying, all the recipient has to do is congratulate to call 13 13 01 to re- deem the value of the gift voucher. KANGAROO ISLAND Some of the great ideas available are: over the last 25 years FOOTBALL LEAGUE • Two-day Self- VR2034604 Drive Package includ- and we are On behalf of its member clubs - ing return ferry with proud to be associated. Wisanger, Dudley United, Western car and 1 night ac- Districts, Parndana and Kingscote - and commodation from $214pp the many people playing, offi ciating and • KI Farmers Mar- participating in football, we take this ket Tour and Cooking opportunity to congratulate SeaLink and Class at Kangaroo Is- land Source from its people in celebrating 25 years of $99pp moving people and freight to and from • Family ticket to Kangaroo Island, from the President, the ‘Birds of Prey In- Flight’ Show at Raptor VR2034180 Andrew (Aphid) Heinrich. Domain $50. Page 12 The Islander, Thursday, November 27, 2014 www.theislanderonline.com.au Special feature SeaLink Travel Group wins another award

Two-time Australian a South Australian com- Tourism Award winner and pany which began with just South Australian Hall of one ferry service has grown Fame inductee, SeaLink, into a major tourism and has won at the South Aus- transport company that tralian Tourism Awards fol- employs 600 people and lowing a four year absence transports more than three from entering. million guests every year,” SeaLink received the he said. award in the Major Tour “We couldn’t have Kevin Howard - Kangaroo Island Sealink coach driver. and Transport category at wished for a better way to the Awards ceremony re- celebrate our 25th year of cently, and also won a gold business success.” medal in the Adventure Mr Ellison said Kanga- Tourism category for Kan- roo Island was Australia’s Part of SeaLink family garoo Island Adventure must-see destination, fa- SeaLink is a family affair for the on holidays and having a good time all over the world.” Tours, which attracts inde- mous for its wildlife, food Howard clan. that rubs off. It’s almost a bit of a hol- Kevin said the tours showed Kan- pendent travellers looking and wine and stunning Fourth generation islander Kevin iday for me every day too.” garoo Island’s main attractions such for an authentic and adven- scenery and extremely pop- Howard has been showing off his Kevin joined the company in 1999 as Seal Bay, Remarkable Rocks and turous KI experience. ular with domestic and in- home to holidaymakers from around at a time when the farming commu- Admirals Arch but he also gets to tell SeaLink Managing Di- ternational visitors alike. the globe for 14 years as a coach driver nity was doing it tough. He was work- guests about island life and the many rector Jeff Ellison said the “There is so much to see for Kangaroo Island SeaLink while ing on the breakwater at Penneshaw diverse businesses that drive the wins reflected the hard and do on Kangaroo Island his son Luke is the operations man- when one of the other coach drivers economy. work of SeaLink’s South from getting up close and ager of Kangaroo Island Odysseys, told him about a job going at SeaLink. “Most days on tour I would see Australian team and its personal with Australian owned by SeaLink. “I did three tours as an observer members of my family and the local Board who had ensured SeaLions, kangaroos, Tam- Over the years Kevin’s wife, Sandy, and three accompanied by an experi- community I grew up with. Guests on that SeaLink remained at mar wallabies and koalas and his other son, Jimmy, have enced driver. Then I was on my own,” board the bus are amused by my wav- the forefront of tourism na- to wandering along pristine worked on the Island Navigator ferry. he said. ing to everyone,” he said. tionally. beaches, sampling local “Four out of five of us have worked “Of course I was nervous. “We always see wildlife from the “SeaLink has experi- produce and wines and with SeaLink and they’ve always been “I’d spent most of my life on our coach and the stunning coastal enced an amazing period of staying in romantic light- good to us,” Mr Howard said. family farm working with sheep and scenery on the walks that we do. The growth over the past few house accommodation “I really enjoy my job. I work in a yelling at dogs and all of a sudden I island is a pretty special place to me.” years and we’re proud that along a wild coast,” he said. luxury coach with 50 people who are was speaking to 30 to 50 people from “No two tours are the same.”

Kangaroo Island Bakery is a highly valued partner and a would like to congratulate Congratulates SEALINK for SeaLink on 25 years of its fantastic achievement of long term supporter of the Hotel. 25 years service to the Island. of valuable Our Get your bakery products at transport and tourism your local supplier services, to the Kangaroo management and Island Community. Phone 8553 2056 VR2034166

VR2034076 staff congratulate 25SeaLink yyears on Congratulations SEALINK of tourism and Kangaroo Island Freight Services Pty. Ltd. took the plunge with you 25 years ago and started a daily freight service to Kangaroo Island which changed the 2 days per week service we had to today’s transport to the reliable daily service. Thanks SeaLink local KI community Kangaroo Island Freight Services Pty. Ltd. “Daily freight to the best part of the state”

KANGAROO ISLAND FREIGHT SERVICES P /L Box 15 Kingscote 5223 • Phone: Kingscote 8553 2274 Fax: 8553 2755 Phone: Adelaide 8240 1144 VR2034198 - DAlLY FREIGHT TO THE BEST PART OF THE STATE - VR2034095

www.theislanderonline.com.au The Islander, Thursday, November 27, 2014 Page 13 Special feature Experiencing the changes first-hand

When Joylene Ingram and Theresa terstate guests to Clipsal 500 and organ- staying on when SeaLink took over 25 Cussans joined SeaLink, ferry tickets ised accommodation along the Adelaide years ago. were still being written out by hand. to Melbourne touring route. “It used to be nothing like now where They’ve both seen the company grow “I’ve been to Falls Creek, stayed on there are multiple services a day,” she from a one ferry operation into one of the Great Ocean Road and of course said. Australia’s most significant tourism and spent plenty of time on Kangaroo Island, Joylene, who works in the Kingscote transport companies and say they are which is wonderful.” office and has lived on Kangaroo Island proud to work for a South Australian suc- Theresa, who is Team Leader for the all her life, said she had met people from cess story. group’s international, trade and retail all over the world and had become used “I spent six months working some- areas, said plenty of opportunities to to “using her hands” when trying to com- where else but I came back,” Theresa move around the company and experi- municate with people who understood lit- Cussans said. ence different parts of the business had tle or no English. She has been with SeaLink for 23 kept her interested. “It’s always interesting when some- years, spending her first six months in “And I love working with the clients. I one wanders into the office and wants to Penneshaw before moving to Adelaide. have people who have been phoning me know what they can see and do,” she said. “It’s like a big family here and I’ve since I first started and you become a “We always seem to work it out some- been lucky enough to work in so many part of their lives as well,” she said. how. Theresa Cussans has different areas of the company,” she said. Joylene is a familiar face on Kanga- “There are so many people from the travelled extensively to Joylene Ingram loves “I’ve made snow holiday bookings for roo Island, working with the previous island working for SeaLink now - it’s a see other SeaLink-run operations. working for SeaLink. the Ski Connection, booked travel for in- ferry operators for two years and then great place to work.” PENNESHAW FUEL AND HARDWARE Connecting KI freight to the world Mike Smith, from Kangaroo Island Freight Operators, is one businessman who remembers Congratulations on 25 years carrying freight on the Troubridge and Island Sea- way, of service to the “The Troubridge used to take six hours and KI Community. the took eight hours with just three services a week,” Mr Smith said. For all your fuel and hardware He always supported the short Penneshaw to Cape Jervis crossing over the longer Kingscote to Port Adelaide service, which was often cancelled Thomas Willson Street Penneshaw due to bad weather. 8553 1044 “I remember pointing out at a meeting in VR2034172 Kingscote that I’d taken 3000 sheep out of Jamestown and had them home before my com- petitor could even get to Jamestown,” he said. CONGRATULATIONS SEALINK “As a company, I think SeaLink has done a 25TH ANNIVERSARY wonderful job and if reliability is what you go on, OF TOURISM AND TRANSPORT TO THE they have certainly been the most reliable and run LOCAL KI COMMUNITY Mike Smith - Kangaroo Island Freight Operators. & a great schedule for Kangaroo Island.” 6 YEARS SERVICING KIPG AND KI GRAIN GROWERS CONGRATULATIONS SEALINK VR2034090 SupplyingSuSupplyining ourouur servicesservrvices toto wash the seat covers for the Breaking news SeaLink ferry is only one of Andermel Marron, Marron Cafe our specialities. SeaLink 25 VR2034151 Two Wheeler Creek Wines Our laundry systems also consist of servicing holiday Congratulations Congratulate SeaLink on their rental properties, hotels, 25 years of Service to KI. resorts etc., with hiring of to SeaLink and Long may they bring tourists to our shores, quality linen & towelling. staff for 25 great We also provide laundering and so to our UNIQUE 3 in 1 experience, years, of property owner linen. from the editor particularly the MARRON CAFÉ. A professional service with a friendly smile. and staff at The

804 Harriet Rd, Kangaroo Island VR2034237 Islander. 08 8559 4114 • www.andermel.com Email : [email protected] | Ph : 8553 9012

The Seafront and Penneshaw Hotel wish Congratulations to SeaLink on 25 years of service. to congratulate SeaLink on 25 years of As new owners of Wanderers Rest, we look Congratulations forward to working together in the future. tourism and transport services to on 25 years Kangaroo Island and on 25 years we wish you all the success of service for the next 25 years. Kangaroo Island Netball Association would like to 4 STAR ACCOMMODATION VR2035316 Restaurant open for lunch/dinner Hosts Steve and Kim Gutteridge VR2034138 thank SeaLink for their Bayview Road, American River SA 5221 generous sponsorship of Phone 08 8553 7140 • Fax 08 8553 7282 netballers on Kangaroo Island www.wanderersrest.com.au [email protected] VR2034164

Page 14 The Islander, Thursday, November 27, 2014 www.theislanderonline.com.au