Mr Van Kerk Oerle also intends to continue the operation of a house coffee shop in conjunction with the VIC.

Cootamundra Shire Council was committed to keep the two important services running, conducting extensive advertising to attract someone to take on the management of the facility.

The VIC will open for business under Mr Van Kerk Oerle’s management on Wednesday from the current VIC premises at the railway station.

The centre will be closed on Monday and Tuesday to allow for the change over, however all VIC enquiries on these two days can be made direct to Linda Wiles, Public Relations Coordinator at the Cootamundra Shire Council offices.

Mr Van Kerk Oerle and a number of his current staff will undergo formal training in tourism through TAFE and Aurora, the organisation which monitors accreditation of Visitor Information Centres throughout NSW.

Mr Van Kerk Oerle also runs his own mobile catering business, the Courtyard Coffee within the Primary Health Care Facility and the kiosk at the town pool.

Mr Van Kerk Oerle said he would do all he can to maintain the VIC’s current accreditation level at level two, including meeting the requirement that the centre be open seven days a week and a total of 42 hours.

Mr Van Kerk Oerle has received support from Cootamundra Shire Council and General Manager Ken Trethewey.

“Council is looking forward to a long and fruitful relationship with Mat and his staff and sees this change of personnel as an opportunity for improvement and innovation in the service provided,” general manager Ken Trethewey said.

Mr Van Kerk Oerle will finish his current commitment as head chef at Choices Bistro at the Ex-Services Club on Saturday evening.

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