Meet Marg Greenwood

Volunteer Coordinator, Burdekin Visitor Information Centre, Ayr

What inspired you to volunteer?

“My husband and I moved up from Victoria after we retired, and I was volunteering and participating in a few local groups. I met this lady there, and she talked me into trying the information centre. I said, 'Look, I wouldn't know anything’, and she said ‘Oh, you'll learn.’ 15 years later, here I am coordinating the place!”

What’s a typical shift like?

“Once we open, clean up, and top everything up, we wait for tourists to come in and show them around. If they need help, we give advice, provide maps, and suggest things to do in the area. It’s important to make visitors feel welcome and show them around without taking over the conversation. We let them talk, listen to what they want, and help them plan where they’re going.”

What do you enjoy most?

“I just really enjoy meeting people and the tourists that come through. We’ve got a lot of knowledge to share along with the brochures, and it’s just nice to see visitors leave thankful and smiling. It makes you feel really good inside, and it helps give the town a great reputation.”

What makes a great volunteer?

“I think volunteers should be outgoing and very welcoming, and able to get on with people. That’s really all you need. It also helps to be honest and tidy—keep things clean and organised—because visitors notice those details.”

Why should someone give volunteering a try?

“Just come and give it a go. Volunteers don’t have to stay if it’s not for them, but it’s worth trying. We usually pair new volunteers with someone they’ll get on with, so everyone feels comfortable. Most people end up loving it!”

For more information or to volunteer, contact Burdekin Shire Council’s Tourism team on (07) 4783 9800 or email tourism@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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