Despite the rain and wind at 7.30am on Friday 2 October, a group of senior volunteers gathered at the Strathbogie Shire Community Services office in Euroa to embark on an excursion to Government House in Melbourne.

The group of past and present volunteers, together with their volunteer driver Mal Booth, were on their way to Government House where morning tea and celebrations had been organised to thank them and many other Victorian volunteers for service to their communities.

They were all there at the invitation of Victorian Governor of Victoria, Professor David de Kretser, who presided over the gathering. He welcomed everyone by thanking them for their attendance and commenting that many humanitarian services rely heavily upon volunteers to carry out their vital work and that we could not do without the generosity of people such as those present.

Seniors' Week ran from 4 to 11 October and the annual garden party at Government House is one of the highlights for those invited to attend.

Those who boarded the Strathbogie Shire bus this year were: Mrs June Barker (Euroa), who for years has been involved in carers’ groups amongst other things; Mrs Pam Brown (Benalla), who volunteers monthly to help with the Violet Town Seniors’ luncheons; Mr Jevan and Mrs Jean Dartnall (Violet Town), who have contributed to their community tirelessly over the years; Mrs Jean Duff (Euroa), a well known identity due to her generosity of time to community groups; Mrs Isabella Harvey (Euroa), who has delivered thousands of Meals on Wheels to residents; Mrs Rae Wight (Euroa), who has been involved in carers’ groups and volunteers at the Over 60s’ luncheons; Mrs Mary Vearing (Avenel), who is involved with Seniors in Avenel as well as other community activities; and last but not least, the person who drove these folk to and from Government house, Mr Mal Booth, who never fails to give of his available time to take people to and from appointments.

Volunteers from all over Victoria attended the function, which began at 10am on the lawns of Government House. The food was described as “lovely, especially the little cakes” and Government House as “quite impressive”. People said that they even enjoyed the speeches and heard a great three-piece band and singer.

Strathbogie Shire Council is pleased that everyone enjoyed an outing they certainly deserved.