¶ NEW Collie Visitor Centre manager Kerrin Michalak was recently described by visitors as a "walking encyclopedia" of local knowledge.
Ms Michalak was born and raised in Collie, and has also spent periods of time living out of town, providing her perspective on what it is like to be a local and visitor.
This perspective has come in handy settling into her role, which she took on after receiving a “gentle nudge” to apply.
“The staff have been really accommodating and very friendly, and I’ve had a lot of support from the committee,” Ms Michalak said.
“I’ve enjoyed getting back into the workplace and meeting people.
“I love building relationships with the people who walk through the door, finding out where they have been and what the highlights of their travels have been.”
Ms Michalak also enjoys discovering all that Collie has to offer, and has put her firsthand knowledge to good use in providing guidance for visitors to town.
She said one of her focus areas will be introducing more local produce and arts to the centre’s retail space, showcasing the region and the people in it.
Collie residents are also encouraged to find out what the centre has to offer, Ms Michalak added.
“I would encourage locals to come in and do the replica mine tour,” she said.
“It’s really interesting. Kids young and old love it.”