After a remarkable quarter-century of welcoming visitors to Australia's democratic heart, a beloved Parliament House guide has received one of the capital's highest tourism honours.
Rosie Bruce, a senior guide trainer and mentor, has been awarded the prestigious Natasha Watson Women in Tourism award at the Canberra Region Tourism Awards, capping off a week that also marked her 25th anniversary at the landmark building.
A Heart-Warming Presentation
In a deeply moving ceremony, the award was presented by Garry Watson, whose late wife Natasha Watson – a celebrated figure in Canberra tourism – was the inspiration behind the honour. Natasha, who passed away in 2022, served as marketing manager for the National Capital Educational Tourism Project, where she and her husband worked tirelessly to facilitate school visits for thousands of Australian children.
"For him to be there on that evening and to present it to me, was really heart-warming," Rosie said of the touching moment Garry presented her with the award.
The Life of a 'Can-bassador'
Since beginning her role in 2000, Rosie has become a familiar and friendly face for countless visitors to Parliament House. What began as a guiding position has evolved into her current role as a senior guide trainer and mentor, shaping the next generation of parliamentary interpreters.
She describes her work not as a job, but as a privilege. "It's a great privilege really. I like to say I'm a 'Can-bassador'. I love Canberra and the region, so it's not really work," she shared.
Her typical day showcases the diversity of visitors drawn to Parliament House. "An average day might be a school group in the morning, which is fantastic. A group of 11 and 12-year-olds. You know, these could be a group of country kids who have never left home and you've got one hour to share the importance of a building like this but, importantly, how they're connected to the building," she explained.
"And then I might have a lovely delegation from, say, Indonesia, and those overseas delegations are delightful, just so interested. I love it when people come and are so interested and ask questions and want to know all about our system. It's fabulous."
A Global Perspective Serving Local Visitors
Rosie's international background – born in Costa Rica to a Costa Rican mother and English father, with stints living in the Middle East, UK, and multiple Australian states – provides her with a unique ability to connect with visitors from all walks of life.
"I've actually lived in multiple states around the nation and I've lived in the Middle East and the UK and I've travelled extensively and I can't tell you how great that is, just to relate to people," she said. "So, if they walk through the door, I've got a story that connects me to them and that really helps the visitor experience, I feel."
Despite her global experiences, Rosie considers herself a true Canberran, having grown up in the emerging suburbs of Belconnen during the city's frontier days. "I'm a proud northsider!" she declared.
The mother-of-two, who is soon to become a grandmother, takes great joy in watching Canberra evolve into a must-visit destination. "People will say to me, 'We're only in Canberra for two days, but I think we need a week here'," she noted with pride.
Every Visitor is a VIP
While she had the memorable experience of leading a school group during US President Barack Obama's 2011 visit to Parliament House, Rosie maintains that every visitor receives the VIP treatment.
"It's Mr and Mrs Aussie who comes through that door who are special," she emphasised. "You know, at the end of a tour, they might say, 'Thanks for the tour, love. I never, ever knew I voted for the Senate'. And that just makes your day. You've given them some information about how they are participating in this democratic process."
She particularly enjoys winning over sceptical Australians. "I actually love the jaded Aussie visitor, they're great. It's like turning around the Titanic. By the time they leave, they get it and like it and love it."
When asked if she has a favourite politician after 25 years in the building, Rosie laughed and revealed her secret to longevity: "I've survived here 25 years because I'm apolitical. It's really about this building and this city that we are so lucky to live in."
Her award and milestone anniversary stand as testament to the power of passionate individuals in shaping how Australians and international visitors experience their capital city and understand their democracy.
