Friday June 27

Tourism visitation has increased from approximately 11,000 visitors to more than 30,000 pa since year 2000, and the Corryong Visitor Information Centre volunteers have witnessed that tourism growth and the positive impact it provides to the local community and economy.

"It's been a very exciting journey to see what can be achieved when everyone works together. The volunteers come from very diverse backgrounds and many have such an intimate knowledge of the area. Every one of them is a great asset to the centre and to the visiting public." said Faith Damm, Visitor Information Centre Coordinator.

The Corryong Visitors Centre is located in the heart of Man from Snowy River country, in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains, where the brumbies still run free. Here you will discover the legend; experience lush bushland, fantastic camping, four wheel driving, great bush walks, unique flora and fauna and the pure waterways of the Upper Murray; part of the Snowy Valleys Way touring phenomenon.

"It's not hard to sell the touring experience to our visitors, we all love Corryong and everything the shire has to offer. We have the largest monolith in the Southern Hemisphere and some terrific bushwalks and don't forget the bush festival either, it's a huge draw card." said Mitzi Paton, Volunteer for the Centre.

Retired teachers, Nurses, farmers, Liberians, Transport Operators, Accountants and Tourism operators are amongst the many volunteers that dedicate their time and knowledge to enhance the visitor experience and answer some of the curliest questions about the region.

"We get all sorts of questions about Jack Riley, people searching their family heritage, the Snowy Hydro, where to stay along the Snowy Valleys Way, right down to where visitors can wash their four wheel drives." said Peter Sullivan, Volunteer for the Centre.

"Volunteer Appreciation Day at the Corryong Visitor Information Centre is a great way to highlight how these wonderful people contribute to the growth of tourism. Towong Shire Council is taking the opportunity to say thank you and to keep up the great work. We have more people visiting Towong than ever and it's great to have the volunteers on the tourism team." said John Mitchell, Mayor for Towong Shire Council.

Every contributing volunteer will receive a Certificate of Appreciation from Towong Shire Council Mayor, John Mitchell to recognise the efforts of the Tourism Volunteers.