The Albury office has 175 registered volunteers in total. These dedicated and committed people are making sure that our clients receive many services from Vision Australia daily.
Many volunteers are broadcasting local news in our radio station, 101.7FM.
They don't rest during public holidays. Some arrive at 5.30am, winter and summer, frost or rain.
Our recreation volunteers regularly support walking groups, tandem bike rides, client holidays, ski trips, ten pin bowling, fishing, arts and craft sessions and many more activities. Thus enabling our clients to participate and socialise regularly, being able to live the life they choose.
A very committed group of Audio Description volunteers make it possible for people who are blind or have low vision to enjoy theatre productions and exhibitions. Again, these highly trained volunteers give up many hours during the weekends and evenings.
Our staff benefit from the support of many Administration and Reception volunteers. When clients come into our centre they are welcomed by these friendly and supportive volunteers.
In December it always gets very busy with the Myer and Myer Centrepoint Gift Wrap fundraisers. It is amazing that so many Volunteers give us so many hours during this busy time before Christmas.
The "Talking Newspaper" team brings the local news to clients who are unable to receive our radio programs. The Border Mail and Pulse are read onto cassette tapes by skilled readers twice weekly. Another team of volunteers copy and dispatch these cassettes every week. Our clients look forward receiving news from the local newspapers. Many would otherwise be isolated, not knowing what is happening in their community.
As an example I would like to introduce Jean Wheeler:
Jean is celebrating 15 years of volunteering with the Talking Newspaper Service. This program was initiated by the RVIB and since the merger in 2006 has continued with Vision Australia Albury.
She has managed this service on a voluntary capacity, rostering other volunteers, reading, duplicating, trouble shooting and in general coordinating the smooth running in getting the cassette tapes to our grateful clients on a weekly basis.
If any rostered volunteers are sick or on holidays, Jean makes herself available, filling empty spaces in the reading or copying roster.
Six months ago, Jean also joined our volunteering team in administration/ reception. She often gives extra time helping a staff with low vision in administration tasks, saving valuable time for this staff member to fulfill other non-administrative duties in her job role.
We especially thank Jean for her ongoing support.
The Albury office has many other services provided by volunteers - too many to mention.
One thing I would like to point out: without these beautiful giving people our clients would be missing out on some of life's pleasures. Our volunteers are making a big difference in our community. Many friendships have been formed.
I wish to express my personal "thank you "and appreciation to all our volunteers who are delivering vital services to our clients who are blind or have low vision.
Ilonka Trost
Coordinator of Volunteers
Vision Australia Albury
