Recognition for 119 years service
The Thorpdale community gathered recently to celebrate the volunteers who have given a collective total of 119 years of service to managing the Thorpdale Mechanics Institute Reserve.
DELWP Gippsland acting regional director Mike Timpano attended the event to recognise the dedicated service of the volunteers.
“I’m very proud to thank these volunteers who play an important and often unrecognised role in keeping this community facility operating.”
“They have dedicated many hours to looking after facilities for the benefit of others in Thorpdale and the surrounding areas.”
Secretary Barbara Butterworth said one of the volunteers had been involved with the reserve for an incredible 36 years:
“At the time of joining the committee in 1979, Raelene Millsom agreed to take care of all hall bookings for a year, and kept doing it for 36 years.
“Raelene’s roles with the committee have included secretary, president, food and health safety representative, bookings officer and everything else in between.
“Raelene never hesitates to put up her hand to assist with anything to do with the hall and indeed with the community in general,” she said.
Other past members recognised included Jude Robinson and Christine Gunn, who have both given 18 years of service; Gail Cupples (16 years), Dale Ingleton (12 years), and Lesley Walker.
“The interior of the hall is rather special with its sloping stage, framed by a lovely surround and a ‘boat-shaped’ wooden ceiling.
“There are many photographs on the walls depicting the history of our community and these are a great attraction at all events which take place within its walls,” Ms Butterworth said.
There are about 180 committees across Gippsland that look after Crown land reserves on behalf of the Victorian community.
Members of committees of management are appointed by the responsible state minister. DELWP provides day-to-day advice and support to these committees to enable them to manage community facilities effectively.
The Warragul Salvation Army’s Red Shield appeal conducted throughout last month reached its target of $30,000.
Major Chris Waller thanked people throughout the Baw Baw shire area for their generosity and ongoing support.
She said all of the money would be spent locally providing people and families with food assistance, counselling and help with budgeting.
About 50 volunteers door knocked homes seeking donations during the final weekend of May.
Major Waller said throughout the month volunteers had also assisted by collecting at shopping centres and road intersections.
Several services clubs were also involved in collecting and making direct donations and a number of district schools also staged special fund-raising events.
Across Australia more than $4.7 million was raised on the main appeal days, May 28 and 29, with the Victorian total reaching $1.17 million.
Red Shield Appeal director for Victoria Major Paul Hateley said the Victorian result, although down almost seven per cent on last year would make a real difference to people’s lives.
“We understand there are people experiencing their own hardship but still managed to dig deep to help others”.
The appeal is vital to enable the Salvation Army’s vital work in helping people that are homeless, suffering family and domestic violence, financial hardship and in need of crisis support, Major Hateley said.
The Red Shield Appeal remains open until the end of this month.