In an unprecedented move, and in response to COVID-19, Council has decided to suspend all volunteering activities throughout its libraries and at the Gympie Regional Gallery, as well as to close its visitor information centre.

This will take effect from Monday, 23 March 2020.

Council CEO, Bernard Smith, said that protecting Council staff and volunteers while continuing to provide services to our community is a difficult balance.

“We want to continue to serve our community, but if that puts our volunteers and staff at risk, we must take action,” he said.

While the Visitor Information Centre will be closing its doors until further notice, Council will introduce a new ‘call and collect’ service so it can continue to support the community.

The ‘call and collect’ service will give people the opportunity to call through with their questions and queries about a location, accommodation or an activity. The staff member will then gather information, flyers and brochures and have them ready for collection through one of the centre’s windows.

The service will be available from 10am-3pm Monday to Friday, and 10am -2pm Saturday and Sunday and will operate until further notice. To take advantage of this service, call the Visitor Information Centre on 1800 444 222.

The Visitor Information Centre will also leave copies of their most popular brochures and flyers outside the centre so information can be accessible outside these hours.

The Council libraries and the Gympie Regional Gallery will continue with their usual opening hours; however, all programs, events and activities have been cancelled.

To find out more about the action that Council is taking as part of its response to COVID-19, visit www.gympie.qld.gov.au/covid19.