A man who leads tours of a popular Bendigo tourist attraction is being recognised as one of the state’s best.
Michael “Baz” Besley earned a Silver prize at the Victorian Tourism Conference Awards earlier this week in the “Top Tour Guide” category.
He’s been a fixture of the Central Deborah Gold Mine since 2019, and currently bears the responsibilities the Education Officer and Tour Guide Coordinator.
The venue’s operator, Bendigo Heritage, is welcoming the recognition.
“Baz has a real gift for making history come alive,” Bendigo Heritage CEO James Reade says.
“He reads his audience, brings plenty of personality to every tour and makes people feel connected to Bendigo.
“The feedback we get about him is remarkably consistent, [and] visitors surface still talking about Baz.
“This award is a nugget of recognition he has thoroughly earned and we couldn’t be prouder to have him on our crew.”
Besley was one of nine people nominated for the prize, and two from Central Victoria – the other being Jamie Roberts of Bendigo Guided Tours.
Are there any other local heroes that deserve recognition? Share their story with us by using our official e-mail address: BendigoNews@ARN.com.au
