Past and present Bendigo Art Gallery Guides are marking the 30th anniversary since tours began at the gallery with a special afternoon tea.
During the past three decades, volunteer guides have been conducting twice-daily tours of permanent collections at Bendigo Art Gallery.
They also host introductory talks for special exhibitions, provide tours for visitors with accessibility needs and assist the gallery's Education Officers.
Acting Director Bendigo Art Gallery Gaye Harrington said the gallery guides have played an integral role at the gallery over the past 30 years.
"The City would like to thank past and present guides who have volunteered their time and contributed greatly to the smooth running of the gallery," Ms Harrington said.
"We are so grateful for the guides' enthusiasm and commitment and their strong desire to share their understanding of the gallery's permanent collection and temporary exhibitions.
"It's a remarkable achievement that we're now celebrating 30 years since the tours began."
The guides undertake an initial 12 month training course and are involved in regular ongoing education sessions to keep up to date when works are added to the gallery's permanent collection and for when they are hosting tours for the gallery's major exhibitions.
The volunteer guides also pay regular visits to exhibitions at the National Gallery of Victoria, as well as regional and interstate galleries to enhance their knowledge.
Invited past and present gallery guides will celebrate the 30th anniversary with a special afternoon tea this Friday.
The gallery guides recently hosted the Association of Australian Gallery Guiding Organisations four-day conference in Bendigo, which attracted 250 guides from across the country. It was the first time that the event was held here.
