Riv on the Record Marie-Claire Trotter (Q Train CEO)

THIS week I had the great pleasure of being joined by Bellarine local and The Q Train CEO Marie-Claire Trotter. Spin it!

Tell us about how you got into the hospitality/tourism industry.

Chance and opportunity, really – I never had a hospo job growing up, I was always in retail. Then, after I completed my MBA in 2013, I was in office management.

Starting The Q Train was my introduction to the industry, and I relied on the expertise of my husband Daniel and our team.

 

When did the Q Train come along and what was that experience like getting into it all?

The Q Train started as an idea around the dinner table, led by my stepdad, Andrew Bridger. He’d managed railways for most of his career, and Daniel had managed dining venues for most of his. Andrew saw that a restaurant train would be the ideal combination of all our expertise.

In 2016 we saw that Queensland Rail was selling their old Sunlander carriages, so we joined forces with a business partner, the late Michael Barclay, whose trucking company brought the carriages from Cairns to Queenscliff. Then the hard work started!

What do you think The Q Train offers that other ventures don’t?

We have a unique opportunity to show our guests the best of the Bellarine, both on their plate and through their window. I think when we pair the nostalgia of rail travel with delicious local produce and friendly staff, we create more than just a meal, but an experience.

You have been a very successful business with plenty of awards to your name. How does that make you feel?

Grateful – to our family, our team, our suppliers, and our wonderful, loyal and joyful customers. Our team works hard for us, so in turn we work hard for them. Awards are always lovely, and I believe they reflect the sum of our parts.

Where do you see the future of the Bellarine going? How can it continue to be a force for local tourism and entertainment?

I have the great privilege of selling the Bellarine to the national and international visitor market.

Over the past eight years, I’ve watched as we’ve become a “must-visit” Victorian destination. Partnerships and accessibility – that’s the path to success. We’re not in competition with each other, we can only succeed as a region if we bring everyone along on the journey.

 

What do you like to get up to outside of work?

Snorkelling is my favourite thing to do in the whole world, and the Bellarine has so many great spots to do it. Forcing my poor children to love the beach as much as I do!

And our family loves seeing theatre – community, professional, children’s – anything, we love it all!

What’s good about where we live?

The food and wine; fantastic growers and makers surround us, and we have some of the best restaurants and cellar door experiences. Also, nothing cures a bad day like a walk on the beach with my dog.

RAPID RIV:

I’m coming over for dinner, what are you cooking? I’m not, unless you want burnt toast! My husband will cook; I’ll talk.

Favourite movie? I’m always up for a rewatch of Air Force One.

Pump up morning song? I’m a mum, I listen to ABC Kids in the morning – once the Bluey theme song plays, I know we’re running late.

Proudest business moment? The first service back after COVID.

Bellarine or the Surf Coast? 100 per cent the Bellarine.