The announcement was made at the national Top Tourism Town Awards, hosted today at Parliament House in Canberra.
In May, Port Broughton was crowned as South Australia's Top Tiny Tourism Town and a finalist for the national awards.
Barunga West Council CEO, Maree Wauchope, and Mayor Leonie Kerley represented Port Broughton in Canberra at the national awards. Both noted the very strong competition.
Port Broughton vied against other towns like Aireys Inlet (VIC), Huskisson (NSW), Stanley (TAS), Winton (QLD), and Yuendumu (NT), with Dwellingup (WA) ultimately taking the top spot.
Despite not securing the national award, Mayor Kerley emphasised that the national recognition for Port Broughton was well-deserved.
“Port Broughton boasts a harmonious mix of natural beauty, rich history, and warm, family-friendly hospitality. We are deeply appreciative of everyone who contributes to making it such an inviting place to both live and visit,” said Mayor Kerley.
Winners for the Top Tourism Town Awards, which are presented by the Australian Tourism Industry Council and sponsored by Tourism Australia and Qantas, were decided by a state and national-level voting process which combines people’s choice votes and an industry judging panel.
As part of the formalities of the awards, all state and territory finalists and their guests were treated to a lunchtime ceremony at Canberra’s Parliament House, with addresses by Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell, and Executive General Manager of Corporate Affairs for Tourism Australia, Bede Fennell.