Childers Visitor Services Transition

CHILDERS EMBRACES A NEW ERA OF VISITOR WELCOME THROUGH A PROUDLY COMMUNITY-LED MODEL

Childers is stepping confidently into a new chapter, with the Visitor Information Centre transitioning to an exciting community-led model in 2026 that invites locals to take centre stage in sharing the stories, spirit and experiences that make the town unforgettable.

Bundaberg Tourism and the Childers Chamber of Commerce have partnered to evolve the VIC into a volunteer-powered service that reflects how today’s travellers plan and experience their journeys. The VIC will continue operating from its existing location within the Palace Building, thanks to Bundaberg Regional Council, its purpose now strengthened by deeper local ownership and participation.

Bundaberg Tourism CEO, Katherine Reid, said the transition represents an exciting opportunity for the community to shape how visitors experience Childers.

“Visitors are looking for genuine, local connection, and nobody delivers that better than the people who live, work and breathe Childers every day,” Ms Reid said. “This is a positive, forward-looking step that empowers the community and positions Childers to shine even brighter as a destination for our region.”

“This transition amplifies our support for Childers,” Ms Reid said. “With our digital platforms reaching broader audiences each year, re-investing into targeted destination marketing for Childers and the broader region will help bring fresh Childers stories, new imagery and stronger online visibility to the forefront, and ensuring we are opening up new possibilities for local businesses and the wider community.”

Childers Chamber of Commerce President, Margaret Smith, said the community is energised by the opportunity to welcome visitors in their own unique way.

“Our town has always taken pride in its warmth and hospitality. This model allows us to embrace that fully. The Chamber is thrilled to lead a new era of visitor welcome, one powered by authentic local voices and supported by the expertise and partnership of Bundaberg Tourism.”

The Chamber has 10 local volunteers already registered, with Expressions of Interest for Volunteer Visitor Ambassadors open, with the first training session already delivered at the Neighborhood Centre in Childers on the 16th December.  Volunteers will receive support through Bundaberg Tourism’s Ambassador Program, access to industry famils, and opportunities to help shape how Childers is experienced by visitors from across Australia and the world.

“This is more than a transition, it’s an invitation,” Mrs Smith said. “An invitation to be part of something special, to tell the Childers story with pride, and to help create a visitor welcome that is truly unforgettable.  We're excited what 2026 will bring for Childers with this new opportunity.”

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.