National Volunteer Week will be observed from 20-26 May but Bundaberg Tourism has dived in a week early to thank its many volunteers.
Sheona Webster-Gorrie has recently returned to volunteering with Bundaberg Tourism and has collectively donated her time to the organisation over five years.
“It’s a happy place because people are on holiday,” Ms Webster-Gorrie said.
“I like telling them about the area. We’ve got such a great region here with lots of things to see and do and it’s nice to be able to point them in the right direction.”
Providing her time one afternoon each week Ms Webster Gorrie said she would continue volunteering with Bundaberg Tourism for as long as she was able.
Volunteers essential for Bundaberg Tourism
Visitor Information Centre (VIC) manager Emily Cleaver said the positivity and passion of the volunteers provided visitors with a good first impression of the region.
She said volunteers were essential to the operation of the three VICs in Bundaberg, Childers and Gin Gin.
“We wouldn’t be able to do what we do, particularly at Mon Repos with 30,000 people ticketed a year, without volunteers,” Ms Cleaver said.
Mayor Jack Dempsey yesterday called in to meet the volunteers. He said it's a pleasure to meet and congratulate so many people who are taking an active role in promoting our community.
“On behalf of the community I want to say a big thank you to the entire team at Bundaberg Tourism,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“We have an incredible resource in our people and the wealth of talent and spirit of community they bring is reflected in the number of volunteers we have.
“We live in an age of innovation and technology but it makes all the difference to have someone make you feel welcome. That’s the value that these volunteers offer our visitors.”
Looking for a volunteer role?
Anyone with some spare time and a passion for promoting the Bundaberg Region can apply to volunteer with Bundaberg Tourism. Apply on the website or simply pop in to one of the VICs for a chat.
Wide Bay Volunteers will also host the 2019 Volunteer Expo on Saturday 25 May from 8.30 am to 1 pm in Alexandra Park. The expo helps anyone interested in volunteering to find an organisation to donate time to and is an opportunity for those organisations to recruit new volunteers.
