Those featured include Rochester stalwart Bob Knight whose volunteering journey spans more than 65 years; Kyabram couple Barry and Anne Churches; Murray River Tea Rooms volunteer Barbara Sands; and Tongala artist Murray Ross.
Mr Knight said he was incredibly pleased with the exhibition, which highlighted the work he had done for the Rochester community, including volunteering at the Rochester Sports Museum and with the Rochester Lions, winning a Rochester Citizen of the Year Award and being nominated for the Order of Australia.
“I’ve been overwhelmed and humbled. You don’t volunteer for awards or recognition. I do it because I’m passionate about the clubs and the organisations that I belong to,” he said.
Mr Knight explained that volunteering had enabled him to connect with the community and make positive change.
“I learnt from my parents that if you want to truly belong to a community then you need to offer your services,” he said.
“It’s something that I’ve instilled in my own family too — my wife and I volunteer together for meals on wheels and my children all volunteer in their own communities as well.”
The My Volunteering Story exhibition also includes stories on Vision Australia volunteer Margaret Russell; youngster Nate Schubach; and Margaret Smerdon, who co-ordinates the popular Isobel Harvie vintage fashion exhibits in Kyabram.
Campaspe Shire Deputy Mayor Colleen Gates formally unveiled the project on May 24, while council volunteer and training co-ordinator Suzanna Gorman outlined the history of Campaspe Murray Vibrant Volunteers Network and some of its most significant achievements.
The My Volunteering Story banners will remain on display at Kyabram Town Hall for a month before moving to Echuca.
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