The special contribution of 14 Toowoomba City Library volunteers has been recognised as they prepare to retire after a collective 131 years of service and over 740 volunteer hours.
Last Friday, Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) bid farewell to a special group of volunteers and honoured them for their ongoing service and dedication.
TRC Environment and Community Portfolio Leader, Councillor Tim McMahon said the volunteers had played a huge part in Toowoomba City Library’s English Conversation Group and Home Library Service.
“The Home Library Service volunteers have together contributed 105 years of service and 408 hours of their time,” Cr McMahon said.
“While the English Conversation Group volunteers have contributed a collective 26 years of service and 337 hours.
“These numbers are incredible and a true testament to their dedication and service to the community.”
“The Home Library Service and English Conversation Group have both played a vital role in keeping our community connected.”
The Home Library Service provides resources to people within the Toowoomba City and Highfields boundary who are unable to visit the library in person.
The service was started in 1986 by Rotary Toowoomba East and Toowoomba City Council, with the first delivery made by Rotarians and the then Reference Librarian, Carmel Stuart.
Currently on hiatus, the English Conversation Group consisted of volunteer tutors who ran small, free group sessions at Millmerran Library and Toowoomba City Library every week for adults with English as a second language. It provided people a relaxed and supported environment to practise their English skills.
These classes began in 2010 when then Librarians Jenny Curtis and Jane Hobbs responded to growing community need for learning English and the group was formed. The class is on hold while new and different ways of delivering volunteer services are considered.
“Today’s [Friday’s] celebration was a wonderful opportunity to stop and reflect on just how significant these milestones really are. Volunteer, Irene Gregg has given 30 years of service to her volunteer role which is truly extraordinary,” Cr McMahon added.
“Across our Region our volunteers give back to the community year after year, for the common good and without financial gain – volunteers have the best interests of the community at heart and are an indispensable part of our operations.”
Toowoomba Region Mayor, Paul Antonio said the retiring volunteers had made an invaluable contribution.
“Council is very grateful for the ongoing service of every volunteer and thrilled to recognise their contribution and special milestone,” Mayor Antonio said.
“Volunteers are the backbone of our community. Without the support and generosity of our volunteers, Council would not be able to provide the same level of service to our community.”
Toowoomba Regional Council acknowledged the following volunteers for their service:
Maureen Fensom – Home Library Service, 15 years.
Irene Gregg – Home Library Service, 30 years.
Bob Hegarty – Home Library Service, 15 years.
Mike Leca – English Conversation Group, 6 years.
Marnie Rixon – English Conversation Group, 3 years.
Joy Stone – Home Library Service, 15 years.
Gloria Thorpe – Home Library Service, 26 years.
Val Jones – Home Library Service, 2 years.
Janelle Powers – English Conversation Group, 2 years.
Michael Rees – English Conversation Group, 5 years.
Geni Russ – English Conversation Group, 4 years.
Gary Stephens – Home Library Service, 3 years.
Summer Wan – English Conversation Group, 3 years.
Malcolm Woodside – English Conversation Group, 3 years.
