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Childers VIC Changes
Childers Visitor Services Transition FAQs
A CLEAR GUIDE FOR THE COMMUNITY, LOCAL BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY
Why is the Childers Visitor Information Centre transitioning to a new model?
Travel has changed. Most visitors now plan and book online, but once they arrive, they still seek authentic, local connection - the kind of insights, stories and warm hospitality that only community members can provide. Traditional Visitor Information Centres (VICs) across Australia have seen declining visitation for more than a decade. Modern visitor servicing is shifting to community-led models, supported by strong digital tools, volunteer ambassadors and regional partnerships.
This transition positions Childers to deliver exactly what today’s travellers want: real stories, real people, and a warm local welcome.
Is the Childers VIC closing?
No. The Visitor Information Centre will continue operating from the same location in Childers.
What’s changing is who operates it day-to-day:
• It will now be coordinated by the Childers Chamber of Commerce.
• Visitor servicing will be delivered by trained local volunteers.
Bundaberg Tourism will continue providing strong support behind the scenes.
Why a community-led model?
Because Childers’ biggest asset is its people. Locals know the stories, the history, the hidden gems, the characters and the charm that make Childers special. Community-led models deliver:
• More authentic visitor experiences
• Stronger local ownership and pride
• Sustainable staffing through volunteers
• Closer connections between visitors and the community
• Encouraging increasing length of stay and greater visitor spend for Childers
And most importantly, they reflect what visitors now prefer - genuine, local, human connection.
Who made this decision?
The transition is a collaborative approach between:
• Bundaberg Tourism
• Childers Chamber of Commerce
• Bundaberg Regional Council
All partners share a commitment to ensuring Childers remains a welcoming, must-stop destination for the Bundaberg Region.
WHAT BENEFITS DOES THIS MODEL BRING TO THE REGION?
Community Benefits
• More locals involved in sharing the stories of their town
• A visitor welcome that reflects the true spirit of Childers
• Stronger community pride and participation
Tourism & Economic Benefits
Transitioning to a community-led model allows Bundaberg Tourism to reinvest into targeted destination marketing, digital content and campaigns and support for the industry. These activities have significantly higher ROI for the region and help grow visitation, length of stay and local spend.
Visitor experience benefits
• Warm, locally driven welcome
• Up-to-date regional information
• Creation of dedicated collateral such as the Childers Heritage Trail
ABOUT THE CHANGES
What exactly is changing?
Changing
• Day-to-day operations will shift from BT to the Childers Chamber.
• Volunteers will deliver face-to-face visitor information.
• The VIC will operate under a community-led model.
• Formalised partnership between BT and Childers Chamber set up to drive outcomes for the Childers community.
Staying the same
• The location remains unchanged.
• Visitor services will continue.
• Bundaberg Tourism remains actively involved.
• Childers will still be promoted as a hero stop for the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
What support will Bundaberg Tourism continue to provide?
Bundaberg Tourism remains a major partner and will deliver:
• Brochure supply and seasonal updates
• Ambassador training + induction
• Development of dedicated Childers collateral (including Heritage Trail Map)
• Digital promotion across destination website and social channels
• Industry connections + ambassador famils
• Ongoing tools, resources and check-ins with Chamber volunteers
• Official recognition and signage for the VIC as part of the BT network
What will Childers Chamber of Commerce provide?
• Opening and operating the Childers VIC at least five (5) days per week for a minimum of five (5) hours per day (any 5 days of 7 days/week).
• Recruiting, rostering, and managing volunteers to staff the Childers VIC.
• Maintaining a tidy, welcoming and safe visitor environment.
• Displaying and distributing approved brochures, maps, and regional visitor materials provided by BT.
• Collecting and reporting monthly visitor statistics, volunteer hours, and visitor feedback.
• Ensuring all volunteers are registered with BT and have completed or commit to complete the Bundaberg Region Welcomes You Program.
• Maintaining regular communication with BT, including participating in quarterly check-ins and training sessions as part of the Visitor Services Network for the Bundaberg region.
• Upholding Bundaberg Tourism’s brand values and Code of Conduct in all operations.
How can locals get involved?
• Volunteer as a Visitor Ambassador - Expressions of Interest are now open.
• Share your stories, photos and local knowledge - Help us expand and refresh the online content for Childers, Woodgate and surrounds.
• Support the Chamber + Volunteers - A friendly smile, a good news story, or a local tip goes a long way.