By JOLENE OGLE
FOR Tourism Noosa volunteer Annita Webber, 19 years of volunteering is time well spent and last week she was honoured for her dedication to local tourism.
Last Wednesday, the Governor of Queensland Paul De Jersey made a special visit to the Tourism Noosa Information building on Hastings Street to present awards to five volunteers who had volunteered for more than 15 years.
Along with Annita Webber, Pauline Evans, Anne Stead, Nancy Bos and Carole Malony were all honoured for their contribution to the local tourism industry.
Annita, who is originally from Melbourne, said she had always holidayed in Noosa and decided to give volunteering a go after a little encouragement from her friend.
“My friend said to just come along and help, see if I liked it,” she said.
“Then, I took one of every brochure home and set them into categories. That’s how I studied.”
Pauline Evans, who was also thanked for her 19 years of service, said she joined the Tourism Noosa team because she was bored.
“I saw there was an ad in the local paper, looking for volunteers,” she said.
Pauline said she still got the same kick out of helping people today as she did all those years ago.
“I love when people come from different parts of the world,” she said.
Visitor Information Centre manager Cathy Mitchell said the Tourism Noosa volunteer team were like a family, enjoying their time together on and off duty.
“We will often have a night out together,” she said.
“We are so lucky to have such a great team of volunteers.”
