Above: Student rock group Yet To BeBy Kath Gannaway
VOLUNTEER organisations from around the Yarra Valley were well represented at the inaugural Shire of Yarra Ranges Volunteer Expo held at Lillydale Lake on Sunday 11 November.
Gulf Station’s Frogs (Friends of Gulf Station), Coldstream Animal Aid, CFA and SES units and Help For Wildlife and were just a few of the more than 80 groups that set up displays with the aim of raising awareness and attracting new volunteers.
Yarra Ranges Mayor Tim Heenan said feedback from groups taking part in the expo had been positive.
“A lot said they felt fairly proud and honoured that the shire had brought them together and I certainly felt proud and honoured to have them there,” he said.
Cr Heenan said while there was a bit of tweeking to be done, he saw the expo as an annual event which would become an important date on the calendar of not only volunteer groups, but the wider community.
Deb Hattan from Gulf Station said the opportunity to promote the National Trust Property and to network with other volunteer groups had been fantastic.
She said some people didn’t know of Gulf Station, others said they hadn’t been there for many years.
“It was great to be able to remind people we are there, to tell them about our Australia Day weekend festival and about new initiatives such as the farm experience trail we are about to launch.”
The expo also gave members of a new band Yet To Be Confirmed a chance to perform to an audience.
The Upper Yarra Secondary School students have been together for less than a month but have their sights set on making a name for themselves – when their name has been confirmed, that is!
The group who describe their music as heavy rock are in the process of writing their own material.
The group consensus is that they are hoping for a record deal and aiming for a gig at the Rod Laver arena.
Cr Heenan said early feedback had indicated 20 new volunteers had signed on the day, and many more had indicated an interest.
