Minister to open new look ‘Southern Highlands Welcome Centre’
NSW Minister for Sport, Trade, Tourism and Major Events, Stuart Ayres MP will join Wingecarribee Shire Mayor Councillor Duncan Gair on Thursday 3 September to officially open the Southern Highlands Welcome Centre.
Located on Main Street in Mittagong, the ‘Welcome Centre’ is the re-branded name given to the former Visitor Information Centre.
Council’s Manager of Tourism and Events, Steve Rosa explained the make-over and name change.
“Considering the recent refurbishments we’ve undertaken and the addition of new services and facilities, we thought it only appropriate that it receive a new name too,” Mr Rosa said.
These additions include a new ‘Concierge’ service for residents and visitors wishing to relocate or do business in the Highlands, installation of digital information tools including touchscreens, video walls and interactive window map. Other services include free Wi-Fi, smart phone and tablet recharge station, Meeting Room and Hot Desk facilities which are available for business group hire.
Outside the Centre receives new picnic tables and seating, improved access for the elderly and disabled, better car parking access and new signage.
“The change of name reflects our new business model and all the new services that our Welcome Centre now offers visitors, residents and businesses,” Mr Rosa said.
“It’s a one-stop shop and Destination Hub for everything there is to know about events, services, products and experiences there are to be had in the Southern Highlands.”
Also included in the upgrade is the inclusion of an electric car recharge station and hire of electric bicycles.
“The inclusion of the recharge station effectively makes our Welcome Centre the first public recharge station south of Sydney,” Mr Rosa said. “And the introduction of an e-bike hire service reinforces our commitment to environmentally sustainable tourism initiatives.”
The day will also serve as the launch of the new ‘Live-Local – Buy Local’ and ‘VIP Ambassador Rewards Program’ that encourages residents to shop within the Shire.
The re-branding and launch coincides with the 20th anniversary of the original centre.
“Twenty years ago the original Visitor Information Centre was launched in a bid to entice and greet visitors to the Southern Highlands,” Mr Rosa said.
“Today we’re expanding our services and look forward to also welcoming residents and big business and reminding them of all the opportunities the Southern Highlands has to offer.”
The Minister will officially open the new-look Southern Highlands Welcome Centre at 10am on Thursday 3 September 2015 at 62-70 Main Street, Mittagong.