National Volunteers Week is from May 20 to 26 this year, so the Free Press spoke with some of Kyabram’s dedicated volunteers to shine a light on the hard work that they put into the community.
The art gallery, situated in the Kyabram Town Hall, hosts a wide range of exhibits that feature prominent local artists and visiting artists from across the state.
The building is almost entirely staffed by a group of dedicated volunteers who give up their time to welcome visitors from near and far.
One such curious international visitor is Finland-born Mirkku Tunkkyn, who settled in Kyabram and has volunteered at the art gallery for five years.
Mrs Tunkkyn moved to Australia when she was 11 years old and served in the Women’s Royal Australian Army Corps when she was 18.
Following her time in the army, she volunteered for Meals on Wheels in Townsville before following her friend to live in Kyabram.
“When I came to Kyabram, I thought I should volunteer for Meals on Wheels again, and I looked and saw that there’s already so many people there.
“So I came here [town hall] and asked if they wanted me here, and they said ‘Yes, thank you,’ and I’ve been here ever since,” Mrs Tunkkyn said.
Kyabram-born volunteer Sheryle Dickson remembers attending the talent show in the back exhibition hall when she was seven.
She said volunteering at the art gallery has flipped her life around.
“Centrelink asked me to get a job because I was on a pension, and they told me to look into volunteering at the town hall – and I never looked back,” Mrs Dickson said.
“I’ve been here for about two years, and I love it — it’s made me want to dress better, be good with the people who come in, and now I can’t stop smiling.
“It’s also brought out my appreciation for artwork — because I can’t draw to save myself — but now, whenever I look at a picture, I can actually see into the painting and the work that the artist has done and appreciate it.”
Rob Burns has been volunteering in the art gallery since it reopened following renovations in 2016.
Mr Burns said his love for artwork drew him towards volunteering at the gallery.
In his free time, he perfects his own artwork, drawing inspiration from the exhibitions that come and go in the hall.
“They have all sorts that come through the gallery — that’s the joy of being here all the time,” Mr Burns said.
“It’s been great to see how this place has changed since the renovations, and I think it just looks great.”
A rotation of these three friendly volunteers, along with the other helpful crew at the town hall's front desk, will always be ready to guide visitors through the art gallery, point lost souls in the right direction or engage you in friendly conversation.
The art gallery is open from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday, showcasing three exhibitions: Side by Side: Past and Present Artists, Before & After: Works by Splinter Contemporary Artists, and Lynette Weekes: Retrospective.
On behalf of the Free Press, thank you to all the volunteers in our community.