“It ran under the same model for 20 years, and then people heard it was closing,” said David Stamel, the husband of the new manager, Emma Zhang.  “But all the services that were here before continue to be offered, plus there’s a cafe here as well.”

The large three-dimensional diorama of Bellingen Shire that once graced the centre of the floor is one noticeable absence. It has gone to live at the Urunga Museum.

In its place are tables and chairs to accommodate hungry or thirsty information-seekers, and a wider variety of Urunga-focused souvenir stock and gifts for them to browse.

Emma said each day was different, but there would ‘easily be more than 20’ people dropping in daily.

She’d like people to realise the centre is still operating, still supplying tourist information and advice, and selling tickets for the train service that goes up and down the coast from Urunga railway station.

“We’re the only agency that sells train tickets. You can get them on the computer yourself through a complicated process, but if you want someone to do it for you, we can.”

Once the approval process to sell coach tickets is completed, they will be available too.

There’s also a new website, www.urungavisitor.info

The Rosella Info Café that is now part of the centre sells pies, cakes, wraps, sandwiches, hot and cold drinks – and a speciality – Kung Fu tea.

Emma Zhang is a well-known local identity, having moved to Urunga 28 years ago to run the Oriental Kitchen restaurant and subsequently working at the Golf Club and also as an aged care nursing assistant.