No Wonder They Call Him, 'Sir'
To celebrate the success of Virgin companies
around the world, in particular the tremendous results of
Virgin’s Australian staff this year, Richard Branson has
bought an island at Noosa on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast for
Virgin staff worldwide to share.
Makepeace Island is a beautiful 25-acre island off Noosa; from
the air, it looks like a giant heart. It currently consists of a
Queenslander house and a swimming pool; and it is five minutes from
Noosa itself.
For the nearly twenty-five hundred staff who work for Virgin
Blue (who fly the red planes), it is an easy two hour drive from
the airline’s Brisbane Head Office. For those who work for
Virgin overseas, Virgin Atlantic hopes to be flying to Australia
via Hong Kong on the new London-Sydney route within twelve months,
offering special rates.
The island will be developed into an eco-tourism retreat for
Virgin staff both in Australia and worldwide and will be a place
for them to escape with partners, family and friends.
The Virgin Group also owns Necker Island in the British Virgin
Islands, which is run as a business for external visitors.
Makepeace Island will be available for Virgin staff, making it the
first Virgin staff island in the world.
The island is named after Hannah Makepeace who was
a long-term loyal employee of the Island’s former owner at
the turn of the last century.
The existing main Queenslander house will be where all
entertainment and meals will be shared. Camping facilities,
training facilities and tree-house accommodation will be built to
cater for all Virgin staff who can share the pleasures of the
Sunshine Coast, one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Other new developments to the island will include
nature walks, tennis courts and island activities such as fishing,
sailing, water-skiing and other water sports.
The total investment cost is $5 million (Australian), including
development.
Richard Branson said, "What makes Virgin so special is our
people. This will be a wonderful retreat for them and it will also
be a great way for our team to spend time together and to get to
know each other outside of a work environment. It will be a lot of
fun and I am looking forward to spending more time in Australia and
sharing this delightful island with our wonderful team."
It’s hoped the island will be ready for its first Virgin
visitors within twelve months.