On Saturday July 27, Dorrigo Tourist Association Inc will celebrate 25 years in residence at 36 Hickory Street, Dorrigo.
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The association manages the accredited Dorrigo Visitor Information Centre, which was officially opened as a tourist centre by the late councillor Sue Dethridge on 27 July 1994 in front of 50 guests. The premises were the former Dorrigo Library.
The inaugural concept of a facility for tourist information and promotion was formed by a small group of interested Dorrigo residents in May 1984. From humble beginnings and initial planning, an Information Centre was first established in the Silversmith Arcade before moving to the Dorrigo Heritage Hotel where it remained for seven years, and then to 36 Hickory Street. Today, the centre is open every day of the year, other than Christmas Day, and is staffed entirely by a dedicated band of volunteers.
Being in the main street of Dorrigo, the Visitor Information Centre is well placed and easily accessed by locals and tourists. Since 1984 it is estimated that in excess of 300,000 visitors have dropped into the Centre for directions, information and general advice on many aspects of the Plateau.
Waterfall Way and the myriad of attractions along its entire route attracts a wide range of local and overseas visitors including families, grey nomads, coach tourists, and other travellers. In turn, Dorrigo provides a warm welcome with magnificent scenery and many hospitality options.
The Dorrigo Visitor Information Centre is operated with the support of the Bellingen Shire Council. However, all overheads are the responsibility of the volunteers who manage the centre. The centre maintains a small 'gift shop' selling souvenirs to assist in defraying its overheads and provides a 'drop-off point' for U3A and other community associations.
A special 'thank you' is extended to all the current and past volunteers for your dedication and hard work over 25 years. This anniversary is an opportunity to recognise your contribution and to express how much the many visitors who have come into the centre appreciate your welcoming smile and helpful local knowledge. Apps, Q-Readers, and other new multi-media tools will need to continue to compete with local knowledge and friendly service at the Dorrigo Visitor Information Centre!
As Dorrigo and the entire Bellingen Shire continues to grow as a tourist destination, the Dorrigo Visitor Information Centre looks forward to another busy 25 years.