The team took out top honours in the Destination Marketing category for this year’s inaugural Pie Time campaign.

The awards recognise tourist attractions and businesses that excel in delivering top-class visitor experiences and services in and around the Canberra area.

Dr Naomi Dale of the National Capital Attractions Association said our Highlands win demonstrated how well Canberra’s surrounding regions were breaking down border barriers and working to engage with wider tourism markets.

On behalf of all councillors I congratulate the entire team from Destination Southern Highlands on a fantastic achievement.

This latest award is yet another example of our tourism staff ensuring our shire remains on the ‘must-do’ visit list for local, regional, interstate and international visitors.

Best of luck at next year’s national awards.

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This Saturday evening I’ll be joining community members to light the shire’s largest Christmas Tree in Bowral’s Corbett Plaza.

The seven metre high tree is being erected and decorated by staff of council and the Southern Highlands Chamber of Commerce.

The evening will feature performances from the Bowral High School Singers and the Chevalier School Choir.

A free sausage sizzle will accompany the yuletide tunes and Santa is even rumoured to be making a guest appearance.

Well done to the staff of council and the Southern Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Industry for organising this wonderful community event and kicking off our shire’s festive season celebrations.

The fun starts at 7pm in the Corbett Plaza and all are welcome to attend.