MARCH 2017 | Joanne Eisemann

THE MULTI-AWARD winning Great Western Tiers Visitor Information Centre has added a couple more strings to its bow with one of their volunteers being named a ‘Champion of Tourism’ and the launching of a new ‘roving ambassador’ program.

Tourism Northern Tasmania recognised Roger Nutting as a Champion of Tourism, for his many hours volunteering for groups associated with the industry. Roger has spent over 25 years volunteering for the Mountain Huts Preservation Society and more recently joined the team at the Deloraine and Districts Folk Museum located in the Visitor Centre.

Centre manager Vicki Pryer made the nomination, prompted by Roger’s crucial role in putting together the ‘Jimmy Possum exhibition’. “It’s a new thing at the museum. We are hoping that it will grow and become more of a town thing rather than just the museum,” explained Vicki.

Roving Ambassadors is a new program that takes the visitor centre to the tourists rather than the other way around.

“It’s a worldwide trend that visitor centres are going mobile where they can. Some are on pushbikes, some are on segways, some are in vans and buses,” says Vicki.

“So volunteers who want to can put on a little yellow vest, a cap and they carry a satchel that’s got basic information in it. Then they walk up and down Emu Bay Road, the Caravan Park, the Train Park and anywhere they might see groups of people,” she adds.

Roving Ambassadors are available to answer the questions of travellers. If they don’t know the answer they direct them to the Visitor Centre where further information can be found.

“They are fairly visible with their vest on, so people will come up and talk to them and ask them questions about things to do, where to go, where the toilets are, where can I get a decent beer,” shares Vicki.

Photo | Mike Moores