For many years, Caloundra’s Visitor Information Centre has been powered by the steady dedication of passionate local volunteers, donating around 3500 hours of their time to the Caloundra community every year. But now this service is under threat of closure.
People like Sue and Geoff Walls began volunteering in 2018, while others such as Gwen, Loraine, Rodger, Barb, Mary and Rod have been giving their time for around 20 years or more, welcoming visitors with a smile and a map in hand. New helpers continue to join the ranks.
The human touch is what makes the Centre special. “The very first thing we do is offer a friendly greeting,” says Sue. “Hopefully people think—this is a great place. Let’s come back here.”
While Google can rattle off broad lists of ‘Things to do in Caloundra,’ a volunteer can ask: How long are you staying? What are your interests? Are you walking or driving? and tailor advice to suit. Many of the visitors to the Centre are in the 65+ age bracket who have the time and resources to support our business community. They appreciate chatting with a knowledgeable local.
The Centre provides far more than directions. Volunteers distribute maps, timetables, tourism brochures and local guides—all free of charge to visitors and at no cost to businesses. The team also promotes and assists at community events such as Winter Wunderland, the Christmas Street Party, and Picnic on Kings (featuring Bluey).
Their efforts aren’t just appreciated, they’re measured. By recording visitor details and requests, the volunteers provide vital data that has directly shaped Caloundra. “Originally, we had many requests for directions to public toilets,” Sue recalls. “That evidence led council to install the toilets in Felicity Park, which were much needed down this end of town.”
In 2019, Visit Sunshine Coast undertook a major restructure of its visitor services, closing four long-standing centres — Coolum, Mooloolaba and both Caloundra sites. The strategy, based on an external review, shifted the focus towards digital resources, mobile kiosks and roving ambassadors rather than fixed shopfronts. For older helpers, walking the foreshore in summer heat was simply not viable.
While centres in Montville, Glass House Mountains and the Sunshine Coast Airport remained, many locals felt the closures left a gap in personal, face-to-face service that online searches simply couldn’t replace. The existing Caloundra Centre was reopened in 2021 with the support of then newly elected councillor Terry Landsberg.
But this spirit of service now faces a challenge. With the current building scheduled for demolition in early 2026, the volunteers may soon be left without a home. Despite Caloundra being named Queensland’s Top Tourism Town two years ago, there’s no formal council policy supporting visitor information centres.
The team remains solutions-focused, reaching out to anyone who might offer a vacant shopfront or even a converted shipping container as a temporary home. “Once we find a suitable location, ongoing costs are minimal. The important thing is to be where visitors can easily find us.”
The volunteer team has been proactive in spreading the word about the potential closure. In order to gain Council’s further assistance, a petition seeking support from Caloundra business owners and managers resulted in more than 150 signatures. “Most businesses were very surprised that a new venue for the Information Office has yet to be found.” Geoff explained, “It is not just tourist-based businesses that will suffer if the Centre closes. Many store managers reported that during the years the Info Office was closed, their staff was often expected to provide this service to visitors.”
Local councillor Terry Landsberg has also voiced his support. “The Caloundra Community Information Centre is a great example of what happens when passionate locals come together to support their town. The centre is a hub of connection along with local pride and economic support for our town. The volunteers are capitalising on everything Caloundra has to offer and I’m proud to stand behind the team who make it all possible.”
The truth is, the Information Centre is not just for visitors. Locals rely on it as well, particularly those new to our rapidly growing area. “Sometimes it’s as simple as handing over a bus timetable or pointing out clubs and activities in the local community,” says Sue. “Most importantly, it’s about being the friendly face of Caloundra, and with the community’s support, we hope to continue welcoming visitors and locals for years to come.”
If you’d like to support the Information Centre, please contact or email your local members to highlight the importance of this service. Alternatively, if you know of a potential premises, call 0421 456 547.
