THE needs for tourism volunteers in Balingup topped the list of strategic challenges discussed at a tourism workshop held on Tuesday October 6.
Members of the South West Development Commission, Balingup and District Tourism Association, the Chamber of Commerce, tourism business representatives, elected members of Council and Shire officers came together on the day to workshop some of the current challenges affecting tourism in the region.
Top of the list of strategic challenges faced by the Balingup and District Tourism Association (BADTA) at present is the need to grow their pool of volunteers. Volunteers are vital to the day to day operation of the Balingup Visitors Centre, just as they are to all small regional visitor centres.
“Our local volunteers are instrumental in making a difference to the way visitors experience Balingup and the Blackwood River Valley,” Manager Tanya Beechey said.
“Volunteers are able to share their passion for Balingup and the surrounding region by passing on valuable local knowledge to visitors. We have a number of fabulous, regular volunteers, however we’re keen to recruit a new group to assist,” she said.
Balingup Visitors Centre is open seven days a week and aims to have a volunteer on shift at all times. Volunteering is flexible and people can commit to as little as one shift a month.
Ms Beechey said volunteering at the centre has plenty of benefits, including the opportunity to welcome and interact with visitors from around Australia and the world, share your passion for Balingup and the surrounding region, give back to your community and help others, gain further professional experience and knowledge, participate in free training, gain a coffee voucher while on shift from a local café, receive 40 per cent discount off the rrp on all retail stock, annual volunteer appreciation events and more.
For further information about volunteering at Balingup Visitors Centre contact Tanya Beechey on 9764 1818 or drop into the Centre.
