However as that chapter ends another seems to be beginning with an announcement earlier in the day by the Campaspe Shire and the Murray River Council of an interim visitor centre in partnership with the Campaspe Port Enterprises (CPE).
“CPE chair Joanne Butterworth-Gray is pleased to be able to partner on the interim visitor services solution to support visitors and local business,” a joint media release between the two councils and CPE said.
It was a decision that surprised the current volunteers who were told the news as they watched the door shut.
The Riv understands that two of the current employees at the centre will work at the new Shackell’s Bond Store location, starting from mid-September until April 2024.
Unlike the current set-up, the new location will be more akin to a kiosk stand where there will be some pamphlets made available to people.
It will operate from 10am to 4pm seven days a week.
Ambassador Mike Jelly said that he wouldn’t rule out volunteering at the new in-person help desk.
“I’d consider it but I’d have to know more information about it,” he said.
“I haven’t heard about this new decision but I’m a volunteer and it’s important to me that our visitors get a service - the caravanners and the grey nomads, and everyone else that passes through.
He said that more information should have been provided to people earlier.
“We should have been told properly instead of there being just no consultation,” he said.
In their announcement, Campaspe and Murray River councils “reiterated their support for visitor services for the regions and commitment to working collaboratively and individually on tourism and economic growth”.
“The councils emphasised the aim of ensuring visitors to the region feel supported and safe during their visit, which includes traditional in-person services as well as online and emerging technologies,” it said.
Campaspe and Murray River Council will fund the short-term plan as they look towards a longer term solution.
“Both Campaspe Shire and Murray River Councils will provide $60,000 each to Campaspe Port Enterprise for the interim solution and during that period, CPE will collect and analyse relevant data and metrics,” it said.
