National Volunteer Week: Bendigo celebrates at Ulumbarra Theatre

The City of Greater Bendigo has celebrated the region’s huge volunteer workforce in style. See if you can spot a familiar face.

Bendigo’s volunteers were celebrated with a special morning tea at Ulumbarra Theatre to mark National Volunteer Week.

Dozens of volunteer theatre ushers, gallery guides, visitor centre attendants and community ambassadors were among those thanked for their service.

Bendigo volunteer ushers Pam Schepers, Colleen Rowe, Jenny Holborn, Christine Clifford, with Bendigo events manager Julie Amos, and ushers Grace Fox, Teresa Smart, Larisa Wasiljew, Christina Vickers and Judi Monti. Picture: Julieanne Strachan

Volunteer ushers were in their element at the morning tea, as it was held inside the theatre where they regularly help patrons find their way to their seats.

Larisa Wasiljew, pictured, said the volunteer group was spread across multiple venues including the Capital Theatre, the Engine Room at the old fire station, Town Hall and Bendigo Bank Theatre.

“We get to see the shows and it can be quite amazing,” she said.

“I love the theatre and I trained as a stage manager and I like being able to support art and culture in our community.”

 

Volunteer guides from the Bendigo Art Gallery shared morning tea: Leonie Stead, Pauline Dowker and group secretary Janet Chisholm: Julieanne Strachan

Bendigo Art Gallery volunteers Leonie Stead, Pauline Dowker and Janet Chisholm formed a firm friendship when they started together as guides three years ago.

The lure of seeing blockbuster exhibitions was part of what drove them to become volunteers, but it has often been the smaller exhibitions that have left the greatest memories.

“The training we were given was very good,” Ms Dowker said.

“None of us had art backgrounds and it’s given us a new appreciation for it and has been a welcome education.”

Ms Chisholm said she had signed on as a volunteer to make new friends.

“I had just moved up here at the time and it’s allowed me to learn more about Bendigo and meet new people,” she said.

Bendigo Visitor Centre volunteers Pam Martin, Nola Dolman, Cathy Hatters, Maggie Williams, Jenny, Marion Carter, Jenny Wilson, Jenny James and Ann Lorenz. Picture: Julieanne Strachan

The Bendigo Visitor Centre volunteers work at the historic post office.

They look after a retail space filled with items from local artisans and help people with advice about events and accommodation.

“We spend our time showing people how beautiful Bendigo is,” said Marion Carter (pictured).

Members of the Bendigo Youth Council: Ben Reid, Lilly Correll, Abby Patton, Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf, youth mayor Ryan Peterson and Max McKellar. Picture: Julieanne Strachan

A council of young people from Bendigo provide feedback to the local council on policies and the impact they will likely have on the next generation.

Youth mayor Ryan Peterson said it was made up of people aged 14 – 24.

Volunteer intercultural ambassador Shilin Joseph. Picture: Julieanne Strachan

The calendar of events for Harmony week is a major focus for Bendigo’s intercultural volunteer ambassadors.

They arrange activities to bring together all of the communities in Bendigo.

Shilin Joseph, pictured, was born in India and moved to Australia in 2007.

She has organised multiple local dance shows, helped prepare food for community functions and facilitates local women’s groups.

Bendigo volunteers Sjaan Stoove, John Cooper and Jake Hyde. Picture: Julieanne Strachan

Volunteer usher Sjaan Stoove was seated with, John Cooper who works with several groups including Rotary, and support worker Jake Hyde.

They said they enjoyed meeting each other at the morning tea and learning about their varying roles in the community.