AusLeisure

Cairns-based tourism operator, The CaPTA Group, recently celebrated its outstanding team members at the 19th Annual Excellence Awards held in May at Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns, with Orian Blackmur, F&B Team Leader at Rainforestation Nature Park, named the 2025 CaPTA Excellence Award winner.

Blackmur, a valued team member since 2021, has shown exceptional leadership and commitment to enhancing guest experiences. Orian began with CaPTA in 2021 at Cairns Zoom & Wildlife Dome and has been a repeat finalist in recent years.

For the first time, a runner-up prize was also awarded, going to Tiarne Sutton, a dedicated Tropic Wings driver renowned for exceptional guest service.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Mark Olsen joined Pip and Peter Woodward as a guest judge on this year’s awards committee.

CaPTA Managing Director Peter Woodward opened the evening by thanking Olsen and reflecting on a big year for the group and noting “this event is not just about the winners – it’s about recognising the passion and pride each of you bring every day. The amazing experiences you provide give us the confidence to keep investing in our people and parks.”

Themed Welcome to Hollywood, the evening welcomed 160 staff from CaPTA, Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Cairns Koalas & Creatures, Rainforestation, Tropic Wings, Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas, ABC Sales & Maintenance, and Careers Training Centre, with guests embracing the red carpet spirit.

Key achievements from the past year included:

• Cairns Koalas & Creatures: Success of the Water Science Zone, with plans for three new interactive experiments.
• Australian Butterfly Sanctuary: Implementation of food and beverage offerings with innovative ant control solutions, boosting guest satisfaction and sales.
• Rainforestation Nature Park: Ongoing restoration of WWII Army Ducks.
• Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas: Sustainability innovations including rainwater tanks, solar, and battery storage.
• Tropic Wings: Leader in electric transport, operating 12 electric vehicles; winner of the BIC Environmental & Innovation Award.
• Vehicle Dealers International: Named QBIC Supplier of the Year 2025.

Special Category Award Winners:

• Community Spirit Award: Trent Berry, Wildlife Habitat – for volunteer leadership with Douglas Dragons Soccer Club.
• Bright Ideas Award: Sybella Salter, Wildlife Habitat – for her Heart for TARC project, transforming a walkway into a Conservation Corridor.
• Sustainability Award: Sam Dillon, Wildlife Habitat – for the Live Breeding Room initiative, reducing food waste and improving animal care.

Grand Finalists – CaPTA Excellence Award 2025:

• Sebastian Howell – Australian Butterfly Sanctuary
• Charmaine Billing – Cairns Koalas & Creatures
• Kim Were – The CaPTA Group
• Orian Blackmur – Rainforestation Nature Park
• Tiarne Sutton – Tropic Wings
• Lauren Potter – Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas

The night concluded with the team video competition, with Tropic Wings taking out ‘Best Site Video’ for their creative tribute to finalist Tiarne Sutton.

CaPTA Projects & Systems Director Michael Woodward also shared updates on the COUCH Wellness Centre and highlighted a $49,000 donation to the Tropical Animal Rehabilitation Centre from the Leder Foundation. He commended team members Orian and Victor for fundraising through their participation in Ironman 70.3.

The Woodward Family and the CaPTA Group extend their heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and express their gratitude to the entire team for their unwavering dedication and commitment.

The CaPTA Excellence Awards stand as a testament to the company’s core values and commitment to excellence, leaving a lasting impact on their journey to create unforgettable experiences for visitors.

Image from left. CaPTA Managing Director Peter Woodward, CaPTA Director of Operations & Projects Michael Woodward, Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO Mark Olsen, CaPTA Excellence Awards Winner & F&B Leader Orian Blackmur, CaPTA Director of Sales & Marketing Ben Woodward, CaPTA Director & Co-Founder Pip Woodward.

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