BENDIGO Venue and Events\u2019 volunteer ushers have been acknowledged at a recent event.<\/p>\n
The annual breakfast, held on stage at the Ulumbarra Theatre is the City of Bendigo\u2019s way of thanking a group of people who make a significant contribution to town\u2019s live performance venues.<\/p>\n
Of the many volunteers in attendance, two stood out for special mention.<\/p>\n
Grace Cox has been a volunteer for over 32 years and as a life member of the Bendigo Theatre Company her journey to volunteering began in 1973 when she encouraged her young son to audition for a part in Oliver Twist.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy son said to me, I will if you will mum,\u201d she said. \u201cI auditioned, got a part and loved the experience so much.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was hooked and became a volunteer. I was made to feel so welcome and that\u2019s what I love doing, to make people feel welcome when they come to one of our shows.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Cox said that all the volunteers get on well together.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are so pleased to see new volunteers and appreciate their commitment. After training they fit in well and are ready to sign up for the roster for the following month,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
There was a special surprise waiting for Ms Cox as she was presented with a large bouquet of yellow roses as part of the recognition of her effort.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis was so unexpected,\u201d she said. \u201cI had no idea I was going to receive this award. We don\u2019t volunteer to be recognised, but I must say to be acknowledged like this is pretty special.\u201d<\/p>\n
At the other end of the volunteer spectrum is 16-year-old Samuel Maloney.<\/p>\n
He had just celebrated his 14th birthday and having completed drama in year 7 he became a volunteer usher after volunteering backstage for the Bendigo Theatre Company.<\/p>\n
He said he was grateful for the opportunity to help out behind the curtain and front of house.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a volunteer I know that I am building lifelong skills that will hold me in good stead for future experiences,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am learning from people who have so much knowledge and are willing to share with me. This is the most amazing opportunity. I know how lucky I am,\u201d Samuel said.<\/p>\n
Mr Maloney has been introduced to a variety theatrical genre through volunteering at different productions and this has broadened his knowledge of theatre.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope to go on to study theatrical production and performance theatre when I leave school and I am building up my skills base in so many areas of theatre management,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Both Ms Cox and Mr Maloney said they would encourage people to consider volunteering at Bendigo Venue and Events.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe enjoy different shows, greet and assist patrons. But for me the most important aspect of volunteering is giving back to a community,\u201d Ms Cox said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you do, you get so much back yourself. Volunteering over the years has been the best thing I could do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Maloney is so thankful that he has been accepted as a volunteer and said he\u2019s going to take every opportunity to learn from the professionals and other volunteers.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope to make volunteering a lifelong commitment, and I encourage others to do the same,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
BENDIGO Venue and Events\u2019 volunteer ushers have been acknowledged at a recent event. The annual breakfast, held on stage at the Ulumbarra Theatre is the City of Bendigo\u2019s way of thanking a group of people who make a significant contribution to town\u2019s live performance venues. Of the many volunteers in attendance, two stood out for […]<\/p>\n