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Bairnsdale Visitor Information Centre relocates, expands mobile services for flexible, cost-effective visitor support model

The Bairnsdale Visitor Information Centre will move to the council's Corporate Centre, with an expanded mobile service and new tourism website providing flexible, cost-effective visitor support while highlighting East Gippsland's local businesses.

By news@gippsland - 7th July 2025 - Back to News

The Bairnsdale Visitor Information Centre (VIC) is set to relocate later this year as part of East Gippsland Shire Council's plan to deliver a more cost-effective and flexible visitor servicing model. The VIC will move from its current location at 240 Main Street (next door to St Mary's Catholic Church) to the council's Corporate Centre at 273 Main Street.

The Bairnsdale Visitor Information Centre will relocate to council's Corporate Centre, offering flexible, cost-effective services with new weekday hours and improved targeted visitor support

Adapting visitor services

New operating hours will align with standard business times - Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm - but will be better supported by targeted visitor services. The VIC is currently open 9.30am to 4pm seven days. To ensure a smooth changeover ahead of the September school holidays and to maintain services for visitors and the community, a new mobile visitor information service will be rolled out.

It will have a strong presence in the Bairnsdale CBD during the transition period, with clear signage to guide visitors. This mobile service will then be expanded to provide flexible, on-the-ground support at key events and popular destinations across the region, particularly during weekends and peak tourism periods.

While the Bairnsdale VIC will no longer retain its yellow 'I' accredited status (due to opening hours changes), services will be supplemented by the mobile offering and supported by the Lakes Entrance VIC. The Lakes VIC will continue to operate seven days a week as the region's flagship accredited centre under the Victorian Tourism Industry council's criteria.

Efficiency flexibility reach

General Manager Business Excellence Sarah Johnston said the changes aim to improve efficiency, offer more responsive services, and better meet the needs of today's visitors. "By relocating the Bairnsdale centre and boosting our mobile service, we can increase our reach and offer a more flexible, responsive visitor experience. This model also ensures we're making the best use of ratepayer funds while supporting the tourism economy in new and effective ways."

While some final details are still being confirmed for the new space, the community can be assured that local goods and products will continue to be showcased and sold at the relocated centre. In addition, council is preparing to launch a new Visit East Gippsland tourism website, providing visitors with up-to-date, self-service information. VIC staff will support and maintain the platform to ensure content remains relevant and accurate for trip planning and to complement the broader visitor servicing model.

Flexible tourism services

Sarah said, "It's not about reducing services - it's about delivering them smarter. This move makes good economic sense while still delivering a high level of service. The way people access information has changed, and we're ensuring we keep pace while still offering the warm, personal welcome East Gippslanders are known for."

The move to the Corporate Centre will offer a more modern and accessible environment for visitors and staff. "We look forward to welcoming visitors to the new location and continuing to deliver high-quality, adaptable tourism services that support local businesses and showcase the best of East Gippsland," Sarah said. Details on the exact move timeframe will be communicated closer to the date.

Pictures from Visit East Gippsland website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Federal Member Darren Chester urges Gippsland not-for-profits to submit EOIs for 2025-26 Volunteer Grants, offering $1,000-$5,000 to support volunteers, strengthen community connections, and remove barriers to participation.
• East Gippsland drivers urged to follow parking limits this festive season to support local businesses
  East Gippsland Shire Council reminds drivers to follow festive season parking limits, ensuring accessibility, supporting local businesses, and avoiding fines, while respecting loading zones and disabled parking bays.
• Baw Baw Council extends Acting CEO Sally Jones’ term until June 2026 supporting leadership continuity
  Baw Baw Shire Council has extended Acting CEO Sally Jones’ term until June 2026, ensuring strong leadership and continuity while CEO Tilla Buden focuses on health and recovery.
• Danny O’Brien condemns sudden AKD Yarram timber mill closure, 73 jobs lost, pledges support for affected community
  Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien says sudden AKD Yarram timber mill closure, costing 73 jobs, devastates the community, pledging support for affected families, workers, and local businesses during this crisis.
• Tracey Ah Sam named East Gippsland 2026 Citizen of the Year for exceptional service to Omeo community
  Tracey Ah Sam has been named East Gippsland’s 2026 Citizen of the Year for over 30 years’ dedicated service, leadership, and lasting impact on the Omeo community.
• Darren Chester joins East Gippsland community to honour fallen Victoria police officers on Remembrance Day
  Darren Chester joined the East Gippsland community for National Police Remembrance Day in Bairnsdale, honouring Victoria Police officers who lost their lives and recognising those who continue to serve.
• Nationals pledge to restore Parentline funding, criticise Labor's decision to axe vital family counselling service for Gippslanders
  The Nationals vow to reinstate Parentline funding if elected, condemning Labor's cut to the vital family counselling service that supports Victorian parents, particularly in regional communities facing limited access to services.
• Melina Bath criticises politicised VEAC, failing land management, while $1.4M could fund bushfire prevention, environmental services
  Melina Bath warns Victorian hunters and anglers against reduced services as Labor pushes VFA-GMA merger, urging proper funding, training, and enforcement to protect compliance, sustainability, and regional outdoor traditions.
• East Gippsland Shire Mayor, Cr Jodie Ashworth's Christmas message
  A Christmas message celebrating East Gippsland’s community spirit, kindness and connection, encouraging care for one another, support for local businesses, warm hospitality for visitors, gratitude for workers this season together.
• Michelle Garvan of Lakes Entrance honoured with national medals for outstanding dedication and service to community safety
  Six Victorian lifesavers have been awarded National Medals, recognising 15-25 years of dedicated volunteer service protecting the community and ensuring public safety in Australian waterways.
• East Gippsland Council seeks feedback for the UOMO draft legislation, submit feedback by 19 October 2025
  East Gippsland Council welcomes Federal UOMO draft legislation, aiming to expand reliable mobile coverage, improve emergency services, and ensure equitable access for rural and remote communities. Feedback is open until 19 October 2025.
• Danny O'Brien warns Bayside Health merger threatens Gippsland communities, confirming hidden health service consolidation
  Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's Bayside Health merger, warning it will reduce local hospital autonomy, limit community input, and risk services for Gippsland residents, prioritising bureaucratic cost-saving over patient care.
• Bass Coast Council trials new multilingual coastal safety signage at high-risk beaches to reduce drowning incidents
  Bass Coast Council is trialling new multilingual coastal safety signage at high-risk beaches, providing hazard warnings, QR codes, and educational resources to improve visitor safety and reduce drowning incidents.