Interview with Hailey Turner
Fri 03 Apr 2009
With just hours to till the announcement of the top 10 Best Job in the World applicants ChannelWhitsunday.com sought some answers from the top 50 that have now endured months of blogging, interviews and sleepness nights as they campaign be the first "Island Caretaker" for the Great Barrier Reef.
We received this response from Hailey Turner about her campaign.
1. When you started out with BJITw did you consider the amount of time that you would have to put in to eventually be the island caretaker?
No way, as I watched all the applications came in I didn't even expect to get this far!
2. How many hours would you estimate that you have put into your campaign?
2 months worth or so? LOL. Too many to remember, that's for sure! All been worth it!
3. Who has been in the most inspirational and supportive in your campaign (outside your folks)?
My sister! She's done so much, from helping me film, to getting a t-shirt made with my photo saying 'vote for hailey' and wearing it around, and even letter dropping my post cards. She's so awesome.
4. There has been some media and internet coverage that has been quite critical of the campaign. Have you come in for any direct flak for your success thus far? How did you feel about it?
There's always bound to be some good media and some bad media. I haven't personally been targetted, but I think you just gotta learn to accept it and not take it personally, cos it's not all going to be good feedback and that's just how it is.
5. What is the most important thing you have learned during the process?
I couldn't even think of one in particular, I've learned so many things! Video filming and editing, marketing, tourism, not just locally but world-wide. How to speak in front of the media and do interviews. Just to name a few! Biggest learning experience of my life so far.
6. Should you not eventually become the IC, what does life look like after the dust has settled?
I doubt the dust will settle! Life looks like a challenge as the IC, and one I would want to tackle head on, working as hard as possible to keep interest and bring visitors to the reef.
