IN JUST two years, Izelle Barnard has swapped the role of tourist to that of Destination Southern Downs marketing co-ordinator.

Mrs Barnard brings more than 20 years experience in the tourism and social media field to her position.

She said she was grateful to find a job in which she could draw on her professional experience.

"I'm fortunate to have found a tourism office that could utilise my skills and background," she said.

"The big highlight for me has been the way the volunteers have embraced me and shared their wealth of stories."

Since moving from South Africa Mrs Barnard said her family had embraced the Southern Downs lifestyle with open arms.

"I love the people. I love the area and I love the people. It's an easy place to embrace," she said.

"We had the graziers, the sunflowers and the crop fields but we didn't have cowboys.

"Now when it's rodeo time there are six pairs of boots sitting on the porch."

To help promote the region, Mrs Barnard is building a portfolio of stock images, drawing from professional and local photographers.

She and her husband, Cecil, have also set up the Barnard Family Art Encouragement Award to support aspiring young artists and said she hopes to see more Southern Downs photographers contribute their images.

"A good image is so important in engaging an audience," she said. "Our strength is the variety of the region and we need to show just how spectacular and unique we are."