A new look for Information Centre

THE Ballarat Information Centre relaunched this week at the Town Hall with a focus on local artists.

Featuring work by indigenous creatives, the Pitcha Makin Fellas and Deanne Gilson, and graphic artist Ben Sanders, City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Samantha McIntosh was proud to showcase the area’s artistic talent.

“We’re surrounded by significant indigenous art, and indigenous artists from Ballarat that share over 50,000 of history, of story and very important information that we need to share with our visitors, with our locals and friends,” she said.

“Deanne Gilson’s family are famous in Ballarat, they’ve lately travelled the world with their art, voice and indigenous story, and we’re very proud of the Gilson family and Deanne’s work hanging here.

“The piece by Ben Sanders truly indicates some significant features around our beautiful and fine city.”

Cr McIntosh said there will always be staff and volunteers available to continue providing quality customer service and tourist guidance.

Ballarat ambassador, Sandra Riddell is one of those volunteers. She’s been with the Ballarat Information Centre for two years and is proud to share her city with visitors.

“My job is to talk to tourists and locals about what they can do and where they want to go,” she said.

“I like people, and you really meet some nice people. I like meeting people of all cultures and countries.

“Ballarat’s such a beautiful city and it’s got a lovely history. There’s so much to do around Ballarat, we’re very lucky.”

Cr McIntosh celebrated Ms Riddell’s fellow ambassadors.

“We’re here to recognise the work of the volunteers, to recognise what they have done and shared already, and I know there will be much more shared in the future,” she said.

“We have a lot to learn from all of them, and we know that their contributions to our visitors and community is significant. We can’t do this work without them and we’re proud of the work they’ve done.”