Travelling volunteers

Travelling volunteers

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Volunteers work on the Heritage Uniting Church in Mundijong during National Volunteer Week. Photograph – Aaron Van Rongen.

A group of local and interstate volunteers painted and restored the exterior and entry of the Heritage Uniting Church in Mundijong earlier this month as part of National Volunteer Week from May 8 to May 14.

The interstate volunteers, from Victoria and New South Wales, came to WA as part of a volunteer organisation called Mobile Mission Maintenance.

Byford resident and Heritage Uniting Church treasurer Marilyn Marsden said the volunteers replaced the weatherboard cladding, which had withstood about 20 seasons.

She also said they repainted a new board, scraped and recoated the old timbers and added a window.

“MMM have been a competent leader making operating of their team of volunteers efficient so work progresses quickly,” she said.

“We are all excited by the work achieved.

“Not only do volunteers benefit by being part of a team where socialising can be enjoyed, the community benefits and such activity provides ongoing interest and vitality.”

Ms Marsden said volunteering was important for staying physically and mentally active into retirement while for younger people it created an opportunity for self-esteem, recognition and a sense of being a worthy contributor.

MMM state manager Trevor Beard said the organisation was in WA for five months working on eight projects.

“We started in Esperance and then we through to Geraldton,” he said.

Mr Beard said the volunteers travelled in caravans around the country and it provided an opportunity for them to meet people and visit parts of Australia, which they would otherwise not see.