By Kath Gannaway
WHEN Healesville B&B operator Margaret Baker signed on as a volunteer more than 12 and a half years ago, the Yarra Valley Regional Tourism Association’s information centre was very much a fledgling operation.
Twelve years after taking on the job of coordinator of the centre Ms Baker has been awarded the association’s highest award, the Maureen McKenzie Memorial Award.
YVRTA president Gary Turner presented the award at the association’s AGM in August and said Ms Baker had worked above and beyond the call of duty for members of the association.
Ms Baker said the centre had made amazing advances over the years.
From humble beginnings in the cramped former lands office the centre moved 10 years ago into the historic old courthouse. A more recent change has been the move from a manual to an on-line service.
“The best thing we have done is moving to the on-line booking service which has increased our bookings by 80 per cent. I would rate that as the major achievement over the years,” Ms Baker said.
She said another achievement, which should not be under-rated, was just opening the doors each day.
“Having a continuous, accessible presence in the valley, being able to assist visitors and even exceed their expectations has been very rewarding,” she said.
“Without our volunteers we would not be able to do it. They are fantastic,” Ms Baker said, keen to share the recognition.
“Two of our volunteers, Jean Raymond and Helen Sterry, have just reached their 10 year mark and that’s a terrific effort,” she said … also keen to get a plug in for more!
“We are always looking for more volunteers to join the team,” she added.
Ms Baker said she was very honoured to receive the award, which was named in honour of association member Maureen McKenzie, who died in 1995.
She said Ms McKenzie was instrumental in bringing together the accommodation providers in the valley to produce their own brochure.
“It is an honour to get this particular award, and to get it for doing something I love, is fantastic.”