A SMALL group of volunteers has asked for the community’s help to keep the Kew Visitor Information Centre open.
“We hope we may once again be recognised as a good stopping-off point,” volunteer Annette Jepp said.
“It has been a hard journey for the last six months with no cash flow except local products being sold on commission.
“Our aim is to let the greater Port Macquarie know of our presence and have them realise what a pleasant environment Kew is, pick up a locally made gift for Christmas or come see our gallery, just a short drive from Port Macquarie.”
The centre first closed three years ago, when the highway bypassed Kew and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council decided it was no longer viable. Unhappy with the decision, the local community rallied together and six months ago got permission to re-open the centre on a rent-free trial basis for two years. Since then 48 volunteers have manned a seven-day-a-week roster to keep the doors open.
Annette said when they stepped in the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council had been about to demolish the centre and its trademark big axe and sell the land for housing.
“One of the reasons we want to keep it open is because we feel the centre is ideally placed to provide information for people heading for Port Macquarie,” Annette said.
“It is only a five-minute detour off the highway, and unlike the Glasshouse in Port Macquarie there is heaps of room for parking caravans.
“Another plus for RVers soon is that council is installing a dump point in the car park.”
She said Kew itself was a lovely little township to visit, with a pub, café, service station, motel and display of old cars.
“Most of us volunteers also have an intimate knowledge of attractions in Kew and the surrounding region and are happy to share our knowledge with visitors,” she said.
To generate an income the volunteers are selling locally made goods and craft and already have a good collection of local artworks, scarves and jewellery and locally produced honey, jam and relishes. Later this month a book called ‘Camden Haven Cameo’ written by a volunteer, a delightful collection of local photography, will be launched at the centre, further boosting stock.
However, they would like even more product to sell on a commission basis to boost income and make the centre an even more interesting place to browse.
“But it must be local. We only want local goods and artworks,” Annette said.
So, next time you’re nearby, drop in and say g’day so you can see first-hand what’s there and spread the word. Coffee and tea are available, and you’ll receive a warm welcome from the volunteers.
The address is 33 Nancy Bird Walton Drive. Kew is just west of Laurieton off the Pacific Highway, an easy drive from Port Macquarie. Just look for the big axe.
