Saturday market needs your help

VOLUNTEERS are being sought to help supervise events at Smythesdale Country Market.

The market, which is held the third week of every month from 9am until 1pm, is run by local volunteers, including members of the Woady Yaloak Historical Society.

Volunteers are particularly needed to supervise children’s activities such as arts, craft, and biscuit decorating.

“We run a small cafe, we run a sausage sizzle and we have a book stall and are now running children’s activities so basically we need people to help out with any one of those sorts of tasks,” said volunteer market manager Bill MacNeill.

“We are also looking for volunteers who could at some point take over these more sort of administrative roles as I’m happy to do this for a couple more years, but it is the sort of job that needs to be passed on.”

Mr MacNeill said although the market currently has a great team of volunteers, having more would mean everyone feels less pressure and could take time off.

“We do have quite a number of volunteers but the last thing you want to do is make people feel like that have to do things,” he said.

“It’s wonderful when there’s enough volunteers that you’re not completely dependent and you can enjoy the time without feeling the pressure.”

“It’s really important to have a good team of volunteers.”

Mr MacNeill acknowledged that finding volunteers is proving difficult currently but urged the community to contribute to a beneficial cause.

“The issue of volunteers is really tricky,” he said. “There’s just so much that could be done or needs to be done and I think a lot of people believe that the Golden Plains Shire should be doing more than they are.

“They obviously have their own restrictions in terms of budget.

“It’s really up to the community to step in and try and make a difference.”

Mr MacNeill said the regular nature of the market sets it apart from other events as people can catch up on a monthly basis.

“The market serves an economic purpose but it’s also an extraordinary event that brings people together on a regular basis.”

If you’re interested in volunteering send an email to [email protected].