By KATH GANNAWAY
TWO women who have promoted Yarra Valley tourism for more than two decades were given special recognition at the Yarra Valley Regional Tourism Association AGM on 16 October.
The inaugural Margaret Baker Annual Shield was awarded to Anne-Marie Manders from Warratina Lavender Farm in Wandin.
The annual event was a farewell to Ms Baker who has served YVRTA first as a volunteer then co-ordinator of the Tourist Information Centre for 19 years.
Ms Manders started the lavender farm 22 years ago as a hobby farm and has grown it into a hallmark tourist attraction expanding into lavender products and running a cafe and gift shop on the farm.
Warratina attracts thousands of visitors each year, including many international visitors and the farm also hosts numerous local charity events including open gardens and art and quilt shows, most benefiting the local CFA.
Ms Manders said she started initially going to markets and garden shows, including the International Flower and Garden Show in Melbourne which she did for 14 years winning seven bronze medals for the Warratina landscape designs.
Ms Baker said she chose Ms Manders for the inaugural award because of her great passion and innovation in her own businesses and for promoting the region.
“Everywhere she goes to shows, local, throughout Victoria and interstate, she would always call us at the centre and make sure she had lots of tourist guides to promote the region,” she said.
“It’s that enthusiasm and not only thinking of your own business but spreading the word about where you live that makes her such a great ambassador for us all,” she said.
Mrs Manders said she was honoured to be the first to receive the award which she said was also recognition of Ms Baker’s work.
Ms Baker retired from the YVRTA in September when the association’s role as an information centre ceased.
She said she felt it was a good time to retire after 15 years as co-ordinator.
She had Cherry Tree bed and breakfast when she first became a volunteer and was later appointed co-ordinator.
It was a job she said was made for her.
“I have always maintained that if you have to work, you may as well enjoy it, and I have,” she said.
“I’ve met so many wonderful people over the years, pounded the payments looking for new members and signed up so many over those 19 years.”
Ms Baker paid tribute to the hundreds of volunteers and the staff saying they were more like family.
“I have learnt so much over the years and it has been fascinating to help with all sorts of inquiries,” she said.
