Visitor Information Centre Turns 21

The Te Awamutu Visitor Information Centre celebrated 21 years of service today with a gathering at the Burchell Pavilion. Past and present volunteers, Public Relations Committee members, District Councillors and other supporters all paid tribute to the centre's outstanding contribution to the community.

Te Awamutu Public Relations Organisation (the body which oversees the Information Centre's activities) has been around for almost 40 years. Initially the Infomation Centre service was conducted from a caravan, until 1981 when the Lions Club constructed the new building opposite the Rose Gardens. Some years later the function room was added, and renamed in 2001 to the Burchell Pavilion.

Pictured below:
Two long-serving workers (now retired) cut the birthday cake -- volunteer Vi Tolich (left) and executive committee member Jean Stewart.
Public Relations Committee Chairperson Katherine O'Regan thanks the Lions Club and other supporters.
Tuffy Burchell, after whom the Burchell Pavilion is named, acknowledges the contributions made by the Lions Club and Information Centre volunteers.

One last note from the team here at Te Awamutu Online....
Over the past few years we've had a lot of involvement with Liz McNeill, the staff and volunteers at the Information Centre. We know from experience that they work tirelessly for the benefit of our community, often with very little thanks or recognition. They deal with a huge range of visitors, customers, enquiries and projects and always maintain a professional approach. They are a credit to our town. We would like to add our thanks and appreciation to everyone who helps keep the Information Centre going.