Kimberley Wilkinson, General Manager of Marketing and Community, is leading the charge to ensure The Ville’s impact extends beyond its walls. “Being an integral part of the community is key,” Richardson says, introducing Wilkinson’s role. “It improves customer satisfaction and team retention and helps us be the employer of choice.” Wilkinson elaborates: “Last year alone, we donated over one million dollars to local communities— everything from school fetes and charities to sporting clubs. We also host fundraising events here at the precinct, like those for Ronald McDonald House Charities, where we act as the venue partner and help reduce their costs.” Significant partnerships include the Townsville Fire (the city’s WNBL team), the North Queensland Cowboys (NRL), and Clontarf Foundation’s Indigenous youth programs, such as funding driver’s license training for students facing financial barriers. “There are two major streams to our community giving,” Wilkinson explains.“Corporate sponsorships of major sporting teams,and then bespoke community support like our work with Clontarf and local schools. It all adds up to a meaningful impact.” MASTER PLAN IN MOTION The Ville is not resting on its laurels. The team is already looking ahead with a bold and ambitious master plan that could generate up to $1 billion for the local economy over the next decade. “We’ve just begun the master planning of the entire Breakwater precinct,” Richardson reveals. “That includes mixed-use residential, commercial, shortstay hotels, green space, and open community areas— all on premium waterfront land with uninterrupted views of Magnetic Island.” It’s the next chapter in a long-term story of regional transformation, with The Ville and Ardo continuing to serve as the heart of North Queensland’s tourism narrative. A DESTINATION NETWORK For Richardson, Morris’s vision extends beyond 89 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 07, ISSUE 04 THE VILLE RESORT – CASINO AND ARDO
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