Volunteers aim to be neighbourly

FROM lawns mowed to roofs fixed, a community program in Golden Plains’ north is taking neighbourly help to a new level.

So far the Help a Neighbour project is being conducted across Piggoreet, Pitfield, Springdallah, Rokewood Junction, Illabarook and Cape Clear.

The program, which began in 2025, connected eligible residents to services they might need.

Evelyn Cannon, from program organisers the Cape Clear, Illabrook and Rokewood Junction Community Committee, said the service started from community feedback.

“Every four years Golden Plains Shire gives the community seed funding, we spend time getting as much input as possible from the locals,” she said.

One of the things Mrs Cannon said residents asked for was this project.

Aside from being unable to purchase materials, program volunteers can work with residents to identify and fulfil requests.

“We don’t offer anything specific, we find people who can help those who have a need,” Mrs Cannon said.

“One person had roof damage after a storm, another person needed help around the garden edges due to snake danger and so someone whipper snipped for him, another dislocated his shoulder and so some people were able to cook for him, do some fire and snake maintenance around the property.

“If people have a need we will work with them to meet the need. It might be small or large, but we will work it out.”

Nine-dollar meals are offered at the Cape Clear hall on Thursday nights, and a community garden is run as part of the program.

Mrs Cannon said the program was important because it built relationships and community.

More than 18 residents volunteer and make up the program’s committee.

“It makes people feel seen, important and needed, and that goes both ways, the people getting helped and the people able to help,” Mrs Cannon said.

“It’s still growing, not everyone knows they can ask for help, and not everyone feels comfortable yet asking. There is nothing formal, and it all just fits into people’s schedules.

“Seeing any smiling face is plenty to say it’s at full success.”

More volunteers are needed. The program is open to anyone volunteers can help. For more information, phone Mrs Cannon on 0405 411 132.