A long-established regional journalist and member of the Sunshine Coast News editorial team has been honoured with a national award.
The Australian Society of Travel Writers – the premier organisation for the nation’s travel media – held its 2022 Awards for Excellence as part of its AGM and Convention in The Tweed this month.
Shirley Sinclair, who has had a 40-year career in journalism, won the Best Accommodation Story category in the prestigious awards, announced during a gala dinner at Mantra on Salt Beach, Kingscliff.
Sunshine Coast News published the winning story: “Love letter to a heavenly river beauty” online in December last year.
An overnight stay at the Crystalbrook Vincent Hotel and the surrounding riverside playground of Brisbane’s Howard Smith Wharves provided the backdrop to a romantic overnight city getaway.
The judging comment was: “A well-researched piece with all the salient information interwoven and a fresh take.”
Spicers Retreats – with Maleny’s Spicers Tamarind Retreat and Spa and Montville’s Spicers Clovelly Estate among its properties – sponsored the award that attracted ASTW member entries from across Australia.
Shirley won a glass commemorative trophy and a one-night stay for two at any Spicers Retreat of her choice Australia-wide.
An award-winning features writer, this is her first major travel honour. She was also a finalist in the 2017 ASTW Awards for Excellence, held on the Sunshine Coast, for Best Travel Story from the 2016 Host AGM Country (South Africa) with an article on driving the emerging Route 62 wine country towns.
“My passion for travel only kicked in during a year-long camping trip around Australia with husband Ian and our sons – then aged two and five – in 1996, aided by a Kombi van towing a camper trailer, some good road maps and a satellite phone the size of a brick,” she said on arriving back on the Coast from the awards.
“Each week, I sent back stories of our time on the road, the people we met and places visited, for a weekly travel column in a Sunshine Coast daily newspaper.
“But my travel writing and photography really hit its stride after a family cruise in 2003.
“Around full-time and freelance work, I’ve managed to fit in 22 cruises throughout the world on everything from ferries to Tall Ships, the Queen Mary 2 to a former ‘Love Boat’ and travel to more than 40 countries.
“I’ve spent six months off and on through Europe, visited many South Pacific islands, and my favourite destinations – Canada, Alaska, Scotland, South Africa and Iceland.
“But in saying that, I love nothing better than the convenience and scenic beauty of a holiday at home. We’re on holidays every day, living on the Sunshine Coast.”
Local journalists (like Shirley) supporting local people. Help keep independent and fair Sunshine Coast news coming by subscribing to our free daily news feed. All it requires is your name and email. SUBSCRIBE here now.
