Making green spaces more manageable for volunteers

2 June, 2023Posted in: Community
 

2 ladies at the market stall selling vegestables

We know Wingecarribee values the many local volunteers who dedicate their days to making life better for others in their communities. With the support of Council’s Community Assistance Scheme, Church Connect Christian Church have let helpers know their time is respected, by making grounds maintenance they undertake, a little easier.

“Being right in the heart of townint Moss Vale, Church Connect is deeply connected to the local community who use our grounds for soccer training, a farmers market, carolling and dog walking among other things,” says church coordinator Debbie Smith. “It takes an army of local volunteers, who are very generous with their time, to keep the former bowling greens well maintained for community members of all ages and walks of life, to enjoy.” 

Grant funding of $7,000 through Wingecarribee Shire Council’s Community Assistance Scheme has made it possible for the church to provide a sit-on-mower to make it manageable for volunteers to keep the green spaces safe to use and looking fantastic. “Not all of our volunteers are as able-bodied as they might like to be and they’re happy to feel they can contribute, using this new equipment”. Debbie explains. “It really will be life changing for so many who so kindly support us in a volunteer capacity. What used to take all day can be done in a matter of hours now.”

Tihs local, independent church, and its team are very community minded, and must generate their own funding to support local families in need. “Our Op Shop are all volunteer run and we see how important that is for so many community members when the weather turns cold, or Christmas comes around.” Debbie says. “We run hamper distribution out of the church, we’ve done school breakfasts, and offer a lot of outreach, here in the Highlands and overseas, wherever it’s most needed.”

Known to locals as the former bowlo, this is a fantastic facility for all the community functions served, and a very large space for a small number of volunteers to take care of. “People feel good to get involved in something that does good for their community, and we can use all the help we can get to make it all work, so it means a lot to be able to give something back with the help of Council.”