Locals are getting behind a new campaign to Make the Most of the Moment on the Sunshine Coast, with more than 250 already in the running to win some great Coast experiences, from a massive prize pool valued at over $10,000.
The campaign, by Sunshine Coast Destination Limited (SCDL) and Tourism Events Queensland, is designed to get locals and tourists alike not be too distracted by mobile technology and really immerse themselves in all the Coast has to offer.
SCDL CEO Simon Ambrose said the Sunshine Coast is the first destination in the world to encourage people to “Be Smarter with Your Smartphone” so they don’t miss experiencing what’s around them.
“The Sunshine Coast is known for its great lifestyle but we all get caught up with work and don’t really enjoy what is in our own backyard,” Mr Ambrose said.
Over 500 people have participated in the campaign so far, by either completing the fun quiz that assesses their smart-phone use, or uploading a photo to the Facebook competition after they have experienced their moment.
International cookbook author, Kim McCosker of 4 Ingredients, has joined the campaign as an ambassador and said she is guilty of smartphone overuse.
“My worst habit is not switching off from my smartphone at the end of the day.
“I leave my phone switched on right beside my bed at night and I hear all the emails and messages coming through from people I do business with in the Northern Hemisphere instead of getting a good night’s sleep,” Kim said.
Kim joins ambassadors including singing sensation Kelsie Rimmer, ironman Matt Poole, artist Raelean Hall and celebrity chef Matt Golinski, who have all vowed to Make the Most of the Moment.
More than half the ambassadors who are taking part in the campaign classify them selves as being a ‘smartphone addict’ and find that their busy schedules and lifestyle make it easy to rely on social media to keep their family, friends and fans updated.
The ambassadors are calling on locals to join them and participate in the challenge and Make the Most of the Moment.
Kim said that she is going to leave her phone outside the bedroom and continue a family tradition of having phone free Sundays.
“Smartphones make doing business globally a lot easier but it’s important to take time out to reconnect with family and experience moments together,” Kim said.
To get involved jump online to www.makethemostofthemoment.com.au to take the quiz and then visit www.facebook.com/sunshinecoastqld to take the Make the Most of the Moment Challenge for your chance to win. You can also find out more at www.visitsunshinecoast.com.au/localmoments.
