28 August, 2023
Looking for volunteers with heART
SOMERSET Regional Council is on the lookout for community-minded people who have some extra time on their hands and would like to volunteer at Somerset Regional Council Visitor Information Centres, including The Condensery in Toogoolawah.
Economic Development and Tourism Committee member Councillor Cheryl Gaedtke said volunteers were at the heart of many visitor experiences, providing information and answering questions with patience and good humour.
“Volunteers perform an extremely important function in our community and are often the first point of contact for visitors to our region, offering a friendly and knowledgeable response to questions about what to see and do in Somerset,” Cr Gaedtke said.
“They are essential to the operations of our Visitor Information Centres (VIC), promoting our region and sharing up to date tourism information. While VICs rely on volunteers who have a solid knowledge of the Somerset region, we offer training and support, including regular familiarisation tours to attractions across the region, and a supportive and inclusive environment.”
There are numerous benefits to volunteering at Council VICs. It’s a great way to meet new people, enjoy free tourism tours and behind the scenes opportunities, to learn about art, history, and local activities and be the first to know about community happenings.
Volunteers with a good knowledge of the region are needed in Kilcoy and Esk information centres. Kilcoy VIC is open seven days and offers options for full or half days across the week, while Esk VIC is open 9am to 4pm Tuesday to Friday and 10am to 2pm on weekends.
The Condensery, Somerset Regional Council’s Regional Art Gallery, needs volunteers who have a strong interest in the region, love a chat, and are willing to regularly spend time in a beautiful and unique gallery space in Toogoolawah.
Sue Cawcutt is among the current volunteers at The Condensery and said it was a pleasure spending time in the historic building.
“The Condensery is a wonderful art gallery. I enjoy having time to absorb the changing program of exhibitions, and the conversations with visitors, the gallery curator, and other volunteers about the art on display.”
Having previous knowledge of art isn’t a prerequisite as full training is offered, and volunteers will learn about current and upcoming exhibitions, artists, and workshops as they change throughout the year. The Condensery also operates as an information centre and is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Currently there is a particular need for weekend volunteers.
For more information go to experiencesomerset.com.au/volunteer/ or phone Council on 5424 4000.
