Volunteers declare love for Brisbane on Valentine’s Day
13 February, 2012
Twelve of Brisbane’s most passionate residents will today be introduced to the world as members of the Brisbane Greeters program.
Suitably decked-out in red, the program is made up of volunteers who will reveal the heart and soul of Brisbane and share their personal perspectives of the city.
Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the Brisbane Greeters Program was part of his blueprint to encourage economic development and better sell the city to visitors.
“I’m pleased to introduce the first members of the Brisbane Greeters Program who will welcome and take visitors on short walking tours specific for visitors to the city,” Cr Quirk said.
“We already know the Spirit of Brisbane is alive and well, and through our wonderful volunteers we will show this to the world.
“Our Brissie Greeters will provide visitors with a better and more rewarding understanding of Brisbane, providing them with local knowledge and showing them the hidden secrets and lesser known areas they might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience.”
The walking tours provided will be across four categories: Arts and Culture; History and Heritage; Family Fun; Architecture.
The Lord Mayor said program itineraries include Churches Shrines and Sculpture, Contemporary Design, Historic Pubs, Wartime Brisbane, Government Heritage, A River Runs Through, The Great Outdoors, Family Fresh Food and a Feast of Public Art.
“I’m inviting Brisbane residents call on their friends and family who love this city to come forward and volunteer to show visitors the best bits of Brisbane,” Cr Quirk said.
“Visitors to Brisbane can book their tours online, or through the Brisbane Visitor Information and Booking Centre in the Queen Street Mall – which is the starting point for all tours.
Tours will take between two to four hours via a combination of guided walks and public transport with a maximum of six guests. Visitors can select from a number of suggested tour itineraries or customise their own tour from the most interesting precincts.
The program is part of Brisbane’s Economic Development Plan 2012 -31, which is Brisbane City Council’s economic development blueprint to create jobs and boost confidence, hope and opportunity for the businesses and residents of Brisbane, launched today.
The Global Greeters Network began in New York in 1992 and has since been successfully adopted by 27 cities around the world including Toronto, Paris and Berlin as well as Adelaide and Melbourne.
For further information visit www.brisbanegreeeters.com.au
