Call for volunteers as gallery program grows

THE Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre is seeking volunteers as demand for its programs grows.

The gallery’s volunteer base includes retirees, career changers and new residents bringing a wide range of professional experience into community roles.

Current volunteers say the program offers both purpose and connection, with many finding it a rewarding way to stay active and engaged.

Tony, a former general practitioner, said volunteering has provided a welcome change of pace after a high-pressure career.

“It’s really different to being a GP,” Tony said.

“That was intense, high responsibility. This is balance. This is feeding different passions.”

Vivienne, who previously worked in education and industrial relations, said the role allows people to continue contributing in new ways.

“It’s not about who or what you used to be,” Vivienne said.

“Your interaction is about life now. There’s something special about saying: this is me, and this is what I can give.”

Lynne, a long-time visitor to the gallery before becoming a volunteer, said the experience brings a strong sense of fulfilment.

“When you leave at the end of the day, you actually feel you’ve done something worthwhile,” Lynne said.

 

“You feel enlivened. It’s made your day.”

operations and business officer Kree Harrison said volunteers play a vital role within the gallery and across the wider community.

“They are ambassadors,” Harrison said.

“They’re here for the gallery, but visitors ask them where to get a good coffee, where to go for lunch. It spills out into the town, into the community.”

Harrison said the gallery also provides an important space for reflection and calm, particularly after events such as the 2022 floods.

“It creates a space to contemplate. A space for respite. A space to breathe,” Harrison said.

“Volunteers help hold that space open.”

gallery director Ingrid Hedgcock said volunteers are central to the gallery’s identity.

“The volunteers who give their time to this gallery bring with them extraordinary life experience. They enrich every visit for our community, and for themselves,” she said.

The gallery is encouraging anyone interested to apply, with a simple online process and no specific background required beyond a willingness to engage with visitors.