VOLUNTEERS are being sought to help supervise events at Smythesdale Country Market.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Volunteers are particularly needed to supervise children\u2019s activities such as arts, craft, and biscuit decorating.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe run a small cafe, we run a sausage sizzle and we have a book stall and are now running children\u2019s activities so basically we need people to help out with any one of those sorts of tasks,\u201d said volunteer market manager Bill MacNeill.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are also looking for volunteers who could at some point take over these more sort of administrative roles as I\u2019m happy to do this for a couple more years, but it is the sort of job that needs to be passed on.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s wonderful when there\u2019s enough volunteers that you\u2019re not completely dependent and you can enjoy the time without feeling the pressure.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s really important to have a good team of volunteers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr MacNeill acknowledged that finding volunteers is proving difficult currently but urged the community to contribute to a beneficial cause.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe issue of volunteers is really tricky,\u201d he said. \u201cThere\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey obviously have their own restrictions in terms of budget.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s really up to the community to step in and try and make a difference.”<\/p>\n
Mr MacNeill said the regular nature of the market sets it apart from other events as people can catch up on a monthly basis.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe market serves an economic purpose but it\u2019s also an extraordinary event that brings people together on a regular basis.\u201d<\/p>\n