After a lifetime of living in Werribee and 20 years of volunteering at the Visitor Information Centre in Werribee South, you can’t go past Margaret Tiatto for reliable local advice.
Ms Tiatto is being recognised as an exemplar volunteer by Wyndham council ahead of International Volunteer Day on 5 December.
Her extensive knowledge of Werribee attractions led her to become of the most trusted advisors when it comes to tourism in the region.
Two decades has only increased her love for the place and her role.
“It gives me a sense of accomplishment, and I love the chats I have with different people, learning about their travels,” Ms Tiatto said.
“We even have interstate and international visitors who come here just to bird watch at the water treatment plant which is renowned for its incredible diversity of birdlife!
“They are always so pleased they visited Werribee.”
For Ms Tiatto, the best thing is feeling useful to other people.
“I love saying hello to a stranger and putting a smile on their face,” she said.
Born to Italian parents who migrated to Australia, she has always been keen to keep a connection with her Italian heritage.
To keep her love of Italy alive, she also volunteered for 10 years with the council-run volunteer program Lunch with the Bunch.
She was selected as an Italian-speaking volunteer to converse with community members who were from Italy, and despite being able to speak English, they would meet up and talk in Italian.
To volunteer: https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/services/volunteering-grants/volunteeringinwyndham
