PASSIONATE Somerset resident, Sue White, has been recognised by Somerset Regional Council for almost twenty years of volunteer service.

Mrs White recently retired from her role as tourism ambassador at the Fernvale Visitor Information Centre.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt took the opportunity during council’s meeting on Wednesday, 24 April to recognise the efforts of Mrs White and call for more volunteers to take up the rewarding role.

“At the start of April I had the absolute honour of joining other Somerset Council volunteers and team members in saying thank you to Sue for her dedicated contribution to the region,” Cr Wendt said.

“Sue began volunteering at the centre in Fernvale before it opened as an accredited visitor centre in 2006.

“Her experiences as a retail travel agent in Brisbane combined with her passion for local history and the Somerset community made her an ideal volunteer and tourism ambassador for our region.

“We will forever be grateful and appreciative of the many hours Sue dedicated and gave to helping Somerset residents and visitors to our beautiful region.

“Her achievements and involvement over the years has been too many to detail but her efforts and dedication have been invaluable.”

Somerset Councillor Michael Bishop encouraged residents to look at current opportunities to follow in Mrs White’s footsteps.

“Passionate Somerset residents are encouraged to join Council’s volunteering team as tourism ambassadors,” Cr Bishop said.

“Tourism is a growth industry for Somerset and volunteering offers plenty of rewards.

“With visitor information centres at Esk, Kilcoy and Fernvale and an art gallery at Toogoolawah, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer.

“There are incentives offered to volunteers and training is provided and above all else, it is a rewarding experience where friendships are made.”

Volunteer application packages are available from any of the four facilities, Council offices or Council’s website: www.somerset.qld.gov.au/employment