2008 Kamsler Award - Shane Warmington

Hi there!

I grew up in Sydney and pursued varied careers. From roles in Insurance, Claims, Assessing, Sales, Underwriting and Broking, to Marketing to Recruitment and even to Landscaping, studying Personnel Management, Journalism, Risk Management, Insurance and Travel, in the words of Mick Jagger, I couldn't "get no satisfaction".

I travelled too, for years at a time, searching for that right place, that right job. During this time two recurring constants kept me enlivened, 'People' and 'Travel'. On a holiday to Norfolk Island a friend suggested to me that I should be the guide behind the wheel. The idea stuck and 6 weeks later I was that guide. Finally, satisfaction! Following some wonderful times in that place a succession of tour jobs led me north to Cape York and eventually to Cairns, where I was fortunate enough to secure a great position with a great company, CAPTA and then finally with Tropical Horizons, an amazing diverse company that provided all I wished for in professionalism, diversity, personal appreciation and job satisfaction.

I found in this position that I could excel and put to good use all I had learned in my journey there. Then amazingly, my nomination and success in the May 2008 CTA award! Wow, industry recognition as well as personal satisfaction, my working life was complete, (or so I thought). The interview process for the Kamsler Award for Excellence in Service was thorough, emotionally exhausting and intense. When I saw the array of incredible tourism professionals I was competing with I felt I had no chance but was honored to be considered amongst them. The highlight of my professional life came that night in November when my name was read out as the winner and my heart still beats loudly in the recollection. I can't remember exactly what I said in my acceptance speech but it went something like this:

"Cairns is named after William Wellington Cairns, governor of Queensland, who was born in Ireland, and as any Irish will tell you should be pronounced Kuuurns (sic). We, however pronounce it Kens (sic) cause you can't say Kuuurns when you're smiling!!!! Surrounded as we are by nature's beauty, ancient rainforests and the world's largest coral reef, experiencing an amazing climate and an easy going lifestyle and an abundance of opportunity, you can't help but smile!!"

I'm in South East Asia now conducting tours for a while but in the famous words of the Governor of California 'Aaal be back'.

Love ya,
Shane