After almost half a decade without a dedicated Visitor Information Centre, Tenterfield is once again welcoming travellers with a friendly face and a wealth of local knowledge.
The reopening marks a turning point for the district’s tourism industry, which has long called for the service to return. The centre, which will now be run by the Tenterfield Chamber of Tourism, Industry and Business (TCTIB), has a new home, conveniently located in the foyer of the Sir Henry Parkes Memorial School of Arts.
The original Information Centre, located at 157 Rouse Street, had been permanently closed for some years, as Council and local stakeholders reconsidered the best model for delivering visitor services in Tenterfield Shire. In 2023, the building was listed for sale by Tenterfield Shire Council; the property’s sale was part of wider efforts to restore financial stability and manage ongoing operating costs.
Now, under the stewardship of the TCTIB, the new Visitor Information Centre has been established, operating under a social enterprise model designed for sustainability, local connection, and long-term community benefit. The Chamber has taken over responsibility for all tourism-related services from Council, backed by a three-year Council funding commitment: $100,000 in the first year, followed by $50,000 in each of the second and third years.
Kathryn Davis, President of TCTIB, said the reopening has been a long time coming, but is well worth the wait.
“We know what a big deal this is for everyone in town, so we really wanted to make sure we did things right,” she said.
“When we started looking for an appropriate location two years ago, the rent kept being our biggest sticking point.”
“We had grant funding for the set up but not for ongoing rental costs. Then we proposed to Council that we could use the foyer area of the Henry Parkes Memorial building, and it all fell into place from there.”
The new centre is being staffed entirely by local volunteers and will operate with opening hours designed to meet visitor demand.
“We’ve spent the last two months getting the final touches organised, from giving the foyer a bit of life, through to intensive training for our volunteers – taking them on bus tours, getting them up to date with all the history and attractions, CPR training – the works!” said Ms Davis.
“We’re starting small with just the three days – Thursday, Friday and Saturday – for now, but we anticipate that it will grow organically as we get more volunteers and can expand.”
The Information Centre’s reopening comes alongside upgrades to the Destination Management Plan, new branding for “Experience Tenterfield”, and an upgraded digital presence. The hope is that these enhancements, paired with the physical reopening, will help Tenterfield further reinforce its place as a sought-after destination for travellers drawn to heritage, nature, history, and the relaxed country pace.
The Information Centre will also stock a range of “Experience Tenterfield” merchandise, including T-shirts, coasters, key chains, and children’s items, as well as a range of local soaps and arts and crafts.
“This is all about keeping the Centre self-sustaining,” said Ms Davis.
“Our Centre may be run by volunteers, but we still have ongoing overheads such as insurance that need to be serviced.”
The new Centre has been open since late August, but the official opening event will be held from 8am to 10am on Thursday, 2 October.
“We’ve made the centre opening an early morning event so that our wonderful business community can come and join in the festivities before they start work for the day,” said Ms Davis.
If you’re planning on attending the opening, please be sure to RSVP to Michele on 0421 434 201 or email president@tenterfieldchamber.com.au prior to 1 October for catering purposes and the cutting of the cake.
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