¶ UPON welcoming her first customer in 2000, Whispering Pines host Wanda Bird could not have imagined she would one day be celebrating the bed and breakfast’s 25th anniversary.
That anniversary is being marked this month and Mrs Bird plans on running the business for a few more years yet.
Mrs Bird was asked to start the bed and breakfast by former Collie Visitor Centre manager Fran Kenneally and said the centre has been of great support.
She said the industry and her customers have changed a lot over the years.
“When we first started, I found it was mostly older people who stayed at bed and breakfasts,” she said.
“With online booking, now it’s everyone.”
During her time running Whispering Pines, Mrs Bird has seen 11 Collie-based bed and breakfasts come and go.
She attributes her longevity, in part, to enjoying what she does and being able to meet the changing needs of customers.
“I also think the situation here is more conducive to people enjoying their stay,” she said. “They’ve got privacy out here.
“It probably wouldn’t be as convenient in town, where you’ve got nearer neighbours.”
Mrs Bird said it has been exciting to see increasing recognition of Collie as a tourist destination.
“It’s wonderful,” she said.
“It’s been one of my highlights to see the tourism industry evolve in Collie over the last 25 years.”