|
Pages1-4VITAL FUNDING SUPPORT FROM THE COMMUNITY TRUST OF SOUTHLAND After two National funding agencies turned us down (because our Centre and projects didn't fit neatly into their categories) we are delighted and relieved to report that our very own Community Trust of Southland has granted us $36,000 each year for the next three years to support our operational costs. This is fantastic, as without this support, we would have most likely closed in 2008, at a time when we are needed the most. Now not only will the Centre stay open, our Southland wide projects and educational programmes can be a reality. A big thank you to the Trust for their appreciation of our work and aims. We have used some of the money to employ a part time project co-ordinator / educator to lead the way…their support is “Making a big difference” towards a sustainable Southland WWOOFING in NZ In November we had author and journalist Philippa Jamieson speaking at the Centre. Her new book 'Wild Green Yonder’ is about her two years as a ‘Willing Worker On Organic Farms’ around NZ. There is even a chapter focusing on Riverton where she ‘WWOOF’ed at the Guyton’s and she uses this chapter to talk about Permaculture and Seed Balls. We are agents for the WWOOF books and also have copies of the “Wild Green Yonder” for sale. Check it out- it could be something you would like to do. Centre NewsLots of new faces in the Centre Since our last coastline we have had some changes in the line up in the Centre. Wendy McIntosh, our part time office manager secured a full time job at the hospital in the spring. While we miss having her around during the week she has stayed on as our voluntary treasurer and this is so much appreciated by us all! The part time day job was taken up by another Wendy! Wendy Lopez had recently shifted from the North Island and has fitted in quickly to our friendly team. It was quite confusing at first with two Wendy’s….but then… …the Debbie’s multiplied! Long time volunteer Debbie McGarry was joined by new volunteers Debbie Warrender and Debbie Goodwillie and… Debbie Monteith supplies us with eggs! Another two new volunteers who fortunately have ‘new’ names have joined our team Shari and Sam. Doetie, Geoff, Barbara and Marijke continue to volunteer regularly. Robyn, Yvonne and Wendy also continue to do extra voluntary hours on top of their small paid positions- what a loyal trio that we are so lucky to have. A big thank you to all our volunteers- the time and energy you put in to the Centre makes a huge difference! We still have only one Robyn, she has now changed her role. She has relinquished her role as Mrs. Music at Aparima high school, leaving the department in Doetie Keizer's colourful hands, and taken up a paid part time position as ‘co-ordinator’ at the Environment Centre. Three cheers for that! Now, the phone is buzzing, letters are flying out of the office, systems are implementing themselves (seemingly) order is becoming the order of the day. Everyone is smiling and Robyn’s the reason. We look forward to new projects starting and old projects blossoming and the reorganisation, streamlining and updating our long gathered resources. Nicky and Mel have both taken a turn as our weekend workers over the last few months. We wish Nicky all the best for her new baby and good luck to Mel as she heads north to warmer places. We appreciated their creative work with displays. Yvonne has extended her part time job to include more weekend work and we would still welcome someone willing to do one or two paid afternoons a month. BE PART OF THE ACTION All ten environmental groups in Riverton always welcome new members or volunteers, they have lots of projects on the go around our local area or 'behind the scenes' in the Centre itself. They all have the ideas and enthusiasm but need more grass roots people with a little spare time to join in activities or to help out in all sorts of ways. Come and see us in the Centre and find out more about what would be fun and worthwhile for you! |