Conservatorium needs volunteers

THE Northern Rivers Conservatorium is searching for passionate performing arts enthusiasts among the declining number of local volunteers.

Northern Rivers Conservatorium chairman Rhys Daniell (left) and director Janis Balodis are on the search for arts-loving volunteers. Picture: Jay Cronan

THE Northern Rivers Conservatorium is searching for passionate performing arts enthusiasts among the declining number of local volunteers.

Four vacancies on the board for the conservatorium are available and potential volunteers are encouraged to recognise their skills and enquire.

Northern Rivers Conservatorium board chairman Rhys Daniell believes most people don’t realise their potential to lend a hand.

“Most people don’t realise the opportunity to get involved and a lot of people have something to contribute,” Mr Daniell said.

“We invite people to bring their experience to the conservatorium.

“Practically anyone with a passion for the arts is encouraged to volunteer.”

Board members help in the ‘guidance, governance and guardianship’ of the conservatorium and attend a meeting each month, equating the volunteering time to around an hour per week.

The biggest devotees to volunteering are part time workers who make up 44 per cent of all volunteers according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

However, Football Far North Coast general manager Steve Mackney has noticed a vast decline in the number of willing volunteers while trying to recruit members for the football club’s board.

“Society is too busy and is not as interested as they used to be,” he said.

“People cannot afford to be out of pocket and very (few) people are putting their hand up.

“There are wonderful rewards that come from being a volunteer that people do not see.”

People interested in a conservatorium board position can contact the organisation on 6621 2266.

Originally published as Conservatorium needs volunteers