Volunteers at the Merimbula Visitor Information Centre will receive free accredited training providing a formal qualification or which can be used in support of further education and a higher qualification.
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Merimbula Tourism manager Chris Nicholls said it was the ideal time as the centre was not as busy as usual, to take the time to get some formal training for volunteers.
"This is about recognising the value that volunteers bring, they have a lot of skills and this is something we can do for them," Mr Nicholls said.
The training will be carried out by Fusion Walan Miya, a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) accredited with the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and whose head office is in Merimbula.
Simon Schweitzer of Fusion Walan Miya said the focus was on delivering flexible training options.
"We are NSW Smart and Skilled approved providers, the training we are developing with Merimbula VIC is to provide formal qualifications and recognition of the skills of their new and existing volunteers. The training will provide nationally recognised units of competency targeted at the visitor information/tourism sector," Mr Schweitzer said.
Mr Nicholls said he was keen to see younger people volunteer at the centre and hoped the prospect of free training which would be advantageous for those pursuing tourism and hospitality careers, might be an incentive.
"We currently have 28 volunteers of whom only about 12 to 15 are currently available due to the pandemic. Many of our volunteers are in the age bracket of most concern - and some of the MVIC long time volunteers have retired or are just about to. This has left quite a few gaps in our rosters."
"Volunteering at the MVIC is a wonderful experience for those who love to share their knowledge of the area with our visitors and tourists. It's a happy place to be with happy visitors on holiday," Mr Nicholls said.
It also has some other less expected benefit and value for the volunteers themselves.
"Companionship and friendship - we all get on amazingly well and enjoy each other's company - like a very extended family."
The minimum shift is currently three hours duration, but this can be in any week, month or whenever someone is available. When a shift needs filling, we have a roster list available for volunteers to nominate their time slot, and also a regular email is sent around with shifts to be filled.
There's also plenty of opportunity for other volunteer work within Merimbula Tourism too, in festival and event support, tour guiding, fundraising - in addition to office and administration support.
"Visitor Centres are dynamic components of a community, driving a lot of activity," he said.
"If you are proud of Merimbula, and the Sapphire Coast, and love helping people, volunteering at the Merimbula Visitor Information Centre could be for you.
If you have an interest in volunteering at the MVIC, please contact Chris at the MVIC on 6495 1129
