Louise and Bob Plowman are retiring from the Lakes Entrance Visitor Information Centre after a combined 29 years of service.

Louise has spent the past 19 years in the role of Information Officer, including seven years as a volunteer before becoming a casual team member and then moving intoa part-time capacity for the past 12 years. Bob has also volunteered his time for the past 10 years.

Over the years Louise has met many interesting people from all over the world and local travellers.

“I have loved being able to promote East Gippsland. My favourite part of the region is Lake Tyers Beach because of the openness, and quietness of the area,”Louise said.

“We initially came to Lakes Entrance to operate a B&B, and now 20 years later, we are finally leaving to be closer to family,” she said.

Bob is also a fan of Lakes Entrance because of the scenery and its uniqueness. The Esplanade, the waterways, the fishing industry and trawlers, and beautiful streetscapes.

Mayor Cr John White has acknowledged Louise and Bob’s valued membership within the Visitor Information Centre team.

“I want to thank Louise and Bob Plowman for their dedication to assisting visitors to Lakes Entrance during the past 29 years and wish the mall the best in retirement, they will be sadly missed,” Cr White said.

More than 60 volunteers work across VICs in Bairnsdale, Lakes Entrance, Bruthen, Orbost, Cann River and Mallacoota and are an integral part of this service.

“This volunteering role can include weekends and public holidays, and we recognise and acknowledge our dedicated volunteers and staff members,” Cr White said.

“These welcoming and very knowledgeable locals have a bit impact on the visitor experience. It has been shown people who attend a visitor information centre spend more money and time in a region.”

East Gippsland has a similar rate of volunteerism compared to the regional Victorian average, with almost 25 per cent of people aged over 15 years performing voluntary work.

“We have an active community of retirees and when COVID-19 doesn’t restrictactivities there are many opportunities for active ageing through volunteering,but also via community courses, fine art and discussion groups, choirs, theatre groups and men’s and women’s sheds,” Cr White said.

Our Visitor Information Centres are currently closed due to the COVID-19 Stage 3 restrictions. Phone and email enquiries continue to be serviced remotely. Contact 1800 637 060 or (03) 5152 3444 or visit visiteastgippsland.com.au/