"There's no monetary satisfaction," Bruce Robinson said, "but you get to meet visitors who are exceptionally nice, and being able to pass on correct information is a pleasure."

Like many organisations that rely on a volunteer workforce, the VIC and SOA have seen their volunteer numbers shrink due to age or illness, with replacements hard to come by due to busy lives.

Mr Robinson said his VIC shifts are rewarding in other ways, in the satisfaction he gets from being to advise people on what to do during their stays.

"I tell them where to go, nicely."

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Given his extensive history as a driver Mr Robinson knows every road around Australia, according to council's tourism manager Caitlin Reid.

"If you want to know the condition of some road eight hours away, Bruce is the one to ask," she said.

Each volunteer brings their own unique mix of skills, experience and talents to the role, Ms Reid said, and often welcome the opportunity to share their hobby or passion with the clients they assist. Mr Robinson is also a keen birdwatcher, for instance, and whenever Clare Pieper is volunteering you're sure to hear her conversing in German with some visitor, Ms Reid said.

The VIC currently has around 20 volunteers on roster, but bumping that number to 30 would be good. More volunteers are also needed at the SOA, which caters to museum visitors and moviegoers.

In addition to being a great opportunity to meet new people, Ms Reid said the volunteers get to go on 'famils' (familiarity tours) throughout the district, meeting business owners and getting to know corners of our exceptional shire.

In return the volunteers are much-appreciated by visitors, with seasoned travellers often reporting that the Tenterfield VIC is the best they've encountered.

"The volunteers are really appreciated by the tourists, who enjoy the interaction," Ms Reid said.

"The volunteers help to make these visits to the shire more memorable and special."

Those born-and-bred or new-to-town each have much to contribute. It's certainly a good way to get to know your new community if you are a recent arrival, and newbies are always rostered on with old hands.

Ms Reid said the roster is very flexible, with volunteers committing to as little as a half-day a month to two days a week, as they prefer, and other commitments can be catered for.

It's a good opportunity for high school students to get some experience to put on their resume, particularly if they're interested in the tourism industry. Those who can work on weekend shifts would be particularly welcomed.

Anyone wishing to take up the role can call the volunteer coordinator Charlie Mains at the VIC on (02) 6736 1082, or drop in for a chat. Ms Reid said a diverse range of visitors come into the centre, and finding a connection with a volunteer on duty can make the day for both parties.

Despite the shire's struggles with drought and fires, Ms Reid said Tenterfield is still a beautiful place to visit and the VIC is often the first port of call.

"It's good to be one of those people who are the face of the town," she said.