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Regional Visitor Information Centres are a hub of local knowledge, making significant economic contribution to tourism by providing information to visitors that encourages them to stay longer, spend more money, experience more attractions and revisit.
The volunteers sharing that local knowledge play a vital role and were recently offered the unique opportunity to network, share knowledge and learn from one another right here in the Burdekin.
Burdekin Shire Council proudly hosted the 2024 North Queensland Regional Visitor Information Centre Volunteers Conference, running at the Burdekin Theatre from Wednesday April 17 to Thursday April 18.
Bringing together 65 dedicated volunteers from across the Burdekin, Townsville, Charters Towers, and Hinchinbrook regions, the conference allowed volunteers to network and explore the diverse experiences and products North Queensland has to offer.
The conference kicked off with a series of presentations from local tourism luminaries such as Fran Rudischhauser from Yongala Dive and Greg Miller from Burdekin Farmstay, followed by a gala dinner at the Burdekin Theatre.
Themed 'Black Snow and Liquid Gold', the evening celebrated the region's status as the Sugarcane Capital of Australia, complete with a performance by Riley Nosworthy and Piper Grogan from Perform Studios and insights from Marni Hine of ProjectRAW.
The second day started in an engaging manner at the Burdekin Aquatic Centre before volunteers set out to explore key local attractions, showcasing the best of what the Burdekin region has to offer.
These attractions included Burdekin Machinery Preservationists, Iron Works Brewery, Burdekin Art Trail, Ayr Nature Display, Ashworths Home Hill, Burdekin Artisans, Home Hill Comfort Stop, Groper Creek Caravan Park, Juru Walk, Stardust Drive-In Theatre and Burdekin Gateway Visitor Information Centre.
The conference was not only a boon for volunteer engagement but also delivered significant economic benefits to the community, with over 45 out-of-town volunteers contributing to the vibrancy of the local accommodation, food and retail sectors.
Burdekin Shire Council thanked sponsors Paronella Park, Wilmar Sugar and Ayr Backpackers who generously supported the event.
Volunteers from across north Queensland visited the Burdekin for the 2024 North Queensland Regional Visitor Information Centre Volunteers Conference. Photo supplied
