news, local-news, Ulladulla and districts community resources centre, volunteer, margaret allan, hidden treasures honour roll, ulladulla
Declaring she's 'part of the furniture', there wouldn't be many people who haven't been greeted by Margaret Allen's smile at the Ulladulla and Districts Community Resources Centre. The Mollymook resident has been volunteering at the centre for almost 20 years but was surprised to learn she'd been included on the 2020 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll, an annual initiative of Department of Primary Industries' Rural Women's Network. "I got my book this morning with my name in it and I'm first on the list. It's just because my name starts with A though," Margaret laughed. Hidden Treasures recognises the outstanding efforts of women volunteers in NSW and promotes the valuable role of volunteering to the community. After spending many years on the management committee, Margaret now works on reception at the community centre's front desk, assisting people with everything from photocopying, grant information, drug and alcohol rehabilitation support, literacy skills, housing information and a range of interest groups. "A lot of people don't realise how much we have going on here," Margaret said. "We only have about two or three paid staff and around 30 volunteers so we like to say that you need your volunteers." Lending her time, support and care is what Margaret loves about her role. "Just helping people, that's what it's all about," she said. "We have people from so many walks of life here." Read more: Over the past 20 years Margaret said she's seen an increase in homelessness in the local area, particularly in recent months with a shortage of rental properties. Her passion for crocheting blankets and babies clothes has seen many a person and family in need receive a welcome boost. "In a small town you don't realise how many people find themselves homeless at some point so it's a small thing, but just to be able to give some a blanket is nice," she said. Declaring her loungeroom 'a wool shop', Margaret's beautiful baby clothes also find their way to Westmead Hospital regularly. When she's not volunteering Margaret is busy playing bridge, standing on the committee for the Mollymook Bowling Club, completing puzzles, lunching with friends and catching up with her children in Canberra, Wollongong and Sydney. A girl's vineyard trip for Melbourne Cup is next on her social agenda. She's a busy woman but Margaret plans to make time for her regular shift at the Ulladulla and Districts Community Resources Centre for a long to come. "Compared to some people I'm not doing much but if I can help someone it's worth it," she said.
Margaret Allen has been honoured for her volunteering efforts at Ulladulla and Districts Community Resources Centre.
Declaring she's 'part of the furniture', there wouldn't be many people who haven't been greeted by Margaret Allen's smile at the Ulladulla and Districts Community Resources Centre.
The Mollymook resident has been volunteering at the centre for almost 20 years but was surprised to learn she'd been included on the 2020 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll, an annual initiative of Department of Primary Industries' Rural Women's Network.
"I got my book this morning with my name in it and I'm first on the list. It's just because my name starts with A though," Margaret laughed.
Hidden Treasures recognises the outstanding efforts of women volunteers in NSW and promotes the valuable role of volunteering to the community.
After spending many years on the management committee, Margaret now works on reception at the community centre's front desk, assisting people with everything from photocopying, grant information, drug and alcohol rehabilitation support, literacy skills, housing information and a range of interest groups.
"A lot of people don't realise how much we have going on here," Margaret said.
"We only have about two or three paid staff and around 30 volunteers so we like to say that you need your volunteers."
Lending her time, support and care is what Margaret loves about her role.
"Just helping people, that's what it's all about," she said.
Over the past 20 years Margaret said she's seen an increase in homelessness in the local area, particularly in recent months with a shortage of rental properties.
Her passion for crocheting blankets and babies clothes has seen many a person and family in need receive a welcome boost.
"In a small town you don't realise how many people find themselves homeless at some point so it's a small thing, but just to be able to give some a blanket is nice," she said.
Declaring her loungeroom 'a wool shop', Margaret's beautiful baby clothes also find their way to Westmead Hospital regularly.
When she's not volunteering Margaret is busy playing bridge, standing on the committee for the Mollymook Bowling Club, completing puzzles, lunching with friends and catching up with her children in Canberra, Wollongong and Sydney. A girl's vineyard trip for Melbourne Cup is next on her social agenda.
She's a busy woman but Margaret plans to make time for her regular shift at the Ulladulla and Districts Community Resources Centre for a long to come.
"Compared to some people I'm not doing much but if I can help someone it's worth it," she said.
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