Helen Copeland has finished up at the Yarrawonga Mulwala Visitor Information Centre after 18 years. Helen has always put her hand up to assist the local community to get back on their feet in anyway she could such as during covid times.
Locals and visitors to the Yarrawonga Mulwala Visitor Information Centre will no longer be greeted with the beaming smiles of Helen Copeland and Tegan Rhodes as both ladies have finished their roles at Yarrawonga Mulwala Tourism and Business.
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Helen first joined the centre in 2006, four years after she, husband and YMTB Executive Officer Noel Wright and sons Lloyd and Liam moved to Mulwala.
At that time Barb Macdermid was managing the centre and under Barb’s watchful eye, Helen learned the ropes before later being appointed Team Leader by Moira Shire in 2010.
As Helen developed in this role, her vibrant personality and amazing ability to see future development opportunities for tourism enabled her to build on existing and facilitate future services and events which bring much needed finances to businesses in Yarrawonga and Mulwala.
“I believe my best accomplishments were where I was not seen,” Helen said. “From the contacts and knowledge that I gained and the relationships I’d created, these have enabled me to provide and support other entities conferences, gatherings and events of all varieties.
“My biggest advocation has been to utilise tourism members and support local businesses.
“I’m proud of all that the team and board achieved during my 18 years of service.
Tegan Rhodes has also finished up at the Yarrawonga Mulwala Visitor Information Centre.
“The team culture within the staff and volunteers made for a happy, co-operative, caring and achieving work environment.
“The addition of the fair to the annual E.C. Griffiths Cup, the financial facilitation of the annual Seniors Tennis week, the development of the Virtual Reality Experience, experiences of Lake Mulwala from P.S. Cumberoona, some of the Farm Gate Trail as well as the golfing opportunities at the Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort and a new development nearing completion with audio visual presentations providing visitors and locals with the stories of Yarrawonga and Mulwala are all projects that I am very proud to have been a part of.”
Helen attributes the ongoing development of the services and projects to the visitor information team.
“Noel, who joined the staff as Finance Officer in 2011, has worked tirelessly researching, planning and developing many of the board-approved projects and services,” Helen said.
“These achievements were undertaken with the support of other staff especially Tegan Rhodes, along with volunteers who assist daily with visitor inquiries and those who help out with special events.”
Being the first port of call in a tourist town and situated on the lake, Helen has seen everything, but has been proud to be able to provide a safe space.
“Funny, weird and wacky may not be that to the funny, weird and wacky, but we have saved lives,” Helen said.
“Some people feeling in a vulnerable state have sought us out for compassion and help. I’m thankful that my team of staff and volunteers have been able to recognise a situation to offer the right support when it counted.
Another of the events Helen always supported was the AIM breakfast, where she was a speaker in 2020.
“We’ve provided a safe space, and up to date info and support during crises situations.
“During covid, we were the only not for profit entity that was able to remain open and available to provide border crossing permits to our local community. “Many locals required repeat permits for medical treatment. We would have done well over a thousand permits during the NSW border closure.”
While Helen has been a pillar for the local community over nearly 20 years she said that there are many people who have been an integral part to this community and her love of her working life.
“The local community of Yarrawonga and Mulwala has changed and developed a lot since I first moved here permanently in 2002,” Helen said.
“There are more people from all corners of the globe who are involved in the subtle changes that take place. Thanks to those that have mentored and encouraged me over the years.
“Many community groups have shown me kindness, support and friendship and were part of my network and I appreciated that.”
