Show Off The Beautiful Burdekin

“There’s just a real sense of satisfaction that comes from promoting your district, promoting the Burdekin as a tourism destination,” says Burdekin Visitor Information Centre volunteer Barry Hewson. Photo supplied

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The Burdekin really is beautiful, and if you’re anything like local Barry Hewson, you just want to scream it from the rooftops.

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That’s why Barry spends his Mondays volunteering at the Burdekin Visitor Information Centre in Ayr.

“I was born and brought up here in Ayr, so I know the place quite well,” he said.

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“There’s just a real sense of satisfaction that comes from promoting your district, promoting the Burdekin as a tourism destination. A sense of pride.”

Barry, a volunteer at the centre for seven years, said each day comes with something different. His most popular query?

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“Where are all the crocodiles?” he said with a laugh.

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“I had a fella from Denmark who wanted to pat one in the wild! I said, ‘Oh, you'll get eaten if you pat a crocodile.’ He said, ‘Oh no, I watch Crocodile Dundee. I'm right.’”

Barry enjoys sending tourists to different local pubs and cafes, local favourites like the Butterfly Centre, and the Burdekin’s underrated beaches.

For Barry, volunteering at the Visitor Information Centre helps keep him on the go.

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“It keeps you busy, keeps your mind active. For anyone who wants to be a volunteer, I say go for it,” Barry said.

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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