Brisbane Greeters Welcome the World
14/02/2012
Brisbane is about to start extending the welcoming hand of friendship to the world with the launch of the Brisbane Greeters program.
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.
Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said Council was working hand-in-hand with industry to continue growing Brisbane’s $114 billion economy.
“The Brisbane Greeters Program is one of the recommendations developed by my Economic Development Steering Committee after consulting with over 200 Brisbane businesses,” he said.
“We’ve committed $595,000 over three years for the introduction of the Brisbane Greeters Program, which will encourage volunteers to welcome and take visitors on short walking tours specific for visitors to the city.”
Staffed by passionate volunteers, the Brisbane Greeters Program will provide visitors with a personal perspective of the city and reveal the heart and soul of Brisbane across four categories: Arts and Culture; History and Heritage; Family Fun; Architecture.
“We already know the Spirit of Brisbane is alive and well, and through our wonderful volunteers we will show this to the world,” Cr Quirk said.
“Our Brisbane 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.
“Our volunteers will help us spread the word about why Brisbane is such an exciting place to visit.”
The Brisbane Greeters Program is part of the Global Greeters Network, which 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 in Australia.
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.
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.
“I’m inviting Brisbane residents call on their friends and family with enthusiasm, commitment and pride in their city to come forward and volunteer to show visitors what they love most about Brisbane,” Cr Quirk said.
For further information visit
www.brisbanegreeeters.com.au