Braidwood and Villages Tourism Inc, held its Annual General meeting at the Braidwood Serviceman's Club last Monday week, to elect its Executive Committee under its new status as an Incorporated Organisation separated from Palerang Council.
A very large representation of the organisations membership was present to elect the new executive of Braidwood and Villages Tourism, which under its Incorporation now required 3 general committee members, be elected as well as the four Office Bearers.
Cheryl Raper was re-elected as President, Tracey Lamont as Vice President, Debbie Stuart as Treasurer and Andrew Gow as Secretary. Elected as Committee members were Helen Roberts, Andrew Taylor and Denver Shoemark. Cheryl Raper congratulated the new members, saying it was excellent to see new 'young blood' taking up the positions offered. "Young people running businesses in the town who saw the significant role 'Tourism' plays in a small town would provide a valuable
tool for tourism", said Cheryl Raper in welcoming them to the committee.
The evening started with the 'Tastings' supplied from the newest business in town, the Organic Shop and DoJo Bakery, run by Kerry Rowley and Matt Hulse.. Both gave a talk on their aspirations for the businesses, which had got of to a very brisk start.
The Presidents (Cheryl's) report touched on the highlights of a very active year, with over 8,000 people calling into the Visitor Information Centre(VIC) over the year, and the Easter holiday period following the Heritage Listing recording several days with over 100 per day and over 500 requests for Town Brochures to be mailed out to individual contacts from our new Web Site and phone inquires.
Tourism funded the new entry signage to the east and north of the town in August of last year, our new web site was established, the front window of the Visitor Information Centre was sign written by Michael Gill, and 2 training day and 1 field trip were held for our 25 volunteers who man the VIC 7days a week from 10am to 4pm. Tracy Lamont as Vice president had organised Barista training and RSA training as well as establishing links with the Australian Butler School for Hospitality members to access. She had also run the first of a series of articles in the 'Domain' supplement.
Treasurer Debbie Stuart reported on the 'health' of our Organisation and Andrew Gow reported on the Incorporation process.
A highlight of the evening was to welcome to the meeting our previous VIC Office Manager, Ms June McKenzie, nearly 100% recovered from a sever stroke in early January this year. June had been the 'heart' of the VIC and volunteers, and her work in running the Office left some very big shoes to fill. In recognition of her many years of excellent work as a member of Tourism, the organisation bestowed on her a Life Membership of Braidwood and Villages Tourism, in appreciation of her work and dedication to the tourism product.
Looking to the future, the worthwhile use of the proposed Heritage Funding, under the auspices of the Palerang Council was needed. It was proposed to put forward to apply for a $100,000 Australian Tourism Development Grant to develop the King's Highway as a Touring (Heritage) Route, collaborating with groups in Queanbeyan, Bungendore, Captains Flat, Araluen and Eurobodalla. Cheryl had already received enthusiast responses to such a venture. The very successful Braidwood brochure would need to be reprinted.
Our organisation would welcome new members, apply on line at www.visitbraidwood.com.au or come to our next meeting at the Pizzeria on Monday 14th of August at 6pm and enjoy a positive exchange of ideas and networking.
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