Three cheers for our volunteers
06 December 2016
Helping hand from Ross serves community and his wellbeing
The benefits of volunteering can flow both ways, according to Tweed Regional Museum volunteer Ross Johnson.
Ross is part of a global network of volunteers who give their time to a diversity of organisations and projects. International Volunteer Day, held on 5 December each year, acknowledges the contributions made by community champions like Ross, often in largely anonymous roles.
While the efforts of volunteers contribute enormously to the Tweed Shire community, Ross says volunteering is also valuable for his personal wellbeing.
“I volunteer to keep my interest up in things and to keep me mentally fit,” according to Ross, who has been helping with the Tweed Regional Museum, Tweed Heads Historical Society branch for 15 years.
Ross contributes to the Front-of-House roster at the Museum and is a great source of local knowledge. He has donated many items to the collection and provided content for exhibitions. He is hugely supportive of the Museum and educating the community about Tweed history.
"I certainly have no plans to stop volunteering,” he said.
“Both my family and my wife’s family have always done a lot to assist the community and that is how I was brought up.”
Ross also volunteers for other organisations in Tweed Shire, including playing music at the Murwillumbah and Tweed Heads Anglican churches, Murwillumbah Festival of Performing Arts and Kingscliff Returned Services League.
Museum Director Judy Kean said without its volunteers the Museum “really could not have opened the doors and done as well as we have”.
“The Museum has 100 volunteers who assist staff at the Museum in Murwillumbah and at the Tweed Heads and Uki branches,” she said.
“Tweed Regional Museum is deeply grateful for the contribution of our volunteers and we invite the community to help us applaud their wonderful efforts.”
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Caption: Front-of-House volunteer Ross Johnson at the Tweed Regional Museum Murwillumbah