After 14 years of dedicated service, Lenore Grice has officially retired from volunteering at the Ararat and Grampians Visitor Information Centre.
A farewell morning tea was held earlier this week at Ararat Gallery TAMA to celebrate the impressive milestone, and Lenore’s commitment to sharing her knowledge and passion for our community with visitors from all over Australia.
“We got a good gut feeling when we came here,” Lenore says of the day she and her husband Lloyd moved from Queensland to central Ararat a decade-and-a-half ago. “Everybody we dealt with seemed very nice and caring.”
Soon after arriving, Lenore began her role with the Visitor Information Centre. She immediately discovered it was the perfect way to learn about her new home, as her knowledge of Ararat’s landmarks, attractions and hidden treasures grew.
“It helps you become part of the community, because you know what’s happening in town,” she explains of the position. “When I started, people were telling me about the paid attractions. But I tell people about the free attractions as well – One Tree Hill is a great place to drive up and see the whole town, it’s a great starting point: a brilliant 360-degree lookout.
“I have loved promoting the town, meeting people from all over the place, and hearing visitors’ stories,” she adds. “You often have people coming into the Information Centre who are thinking of a ‘tree change’, and it’s such an enjoyable experience, because it’s so easy to share things. The town is just a great place to live.”
Lenore has simple advice for new residents, or for those community members who suspect there are more going on in their community than they’re aware of. Lenore has simple advice for new residents, or for those community members who are interested in discovering more of the municipality.
“For anyone who is thinking of volunteering, the information centre is a great place to start,” she attests. “It’s a good opportunity for new people in town.”
As Lenore embarks on the next chapter of her life in retirement, her absence at the Visitor Information Centre will undoubtedly be felt.
“We have such a magnificent team of volunteers who are valued enormously within the community, and Lenore will be greatly missed,” says Ararat Rural City Council CEO Dr Tim Harrison.
“On behalf of Council and residents of our municipality, I extend sincere congratulations to Lenore, and our best wishes for the future. We are deeply grateful for her hard work, and she remains a true ambassador for our community.”
The Ararat and Grampians Visitor Information Centre is in the foyer of Ararat Gallery TAMA at 82 Vincent Street, Ararat.
For those interested in becoming a volunteer within our community, tonight’s Volunteer Expo is a fantastic opportunity discover what’s available; find all the details here.
