LEONGATHA Art & Craft Society celebrated three long-term volunteers with a morning tea at the town’s community house, South Gippsland Shire Mayor John Schelling on hand to present Life Membership certificates to Coral Gray, Marg Turra and Liz Dunlop.
The new life members have each contributed over 30 years’ service, boosting the area’s art scene, enjoying creating their own artistic output and helping run the Leongatha Gallery & Gift Shop that offers a wide range of locally made, handcrafted items.
The gallery sells original art and craft works created by its members.
“I’m very happy to say that we are presenting life membership to three of our wonderful ladies who have worked so hard for the Leongatha Gallery,” LACS president Linda Dunlop said, praising their contributions as “phenomenal”.
Linda also had a positive message for John that he looked forward to sharing with his council colleagues.
“The fact is our gallery could not exist and run the way it is without the generosity of the South Gippsland Shire Council supporting us and providing us with the venue we have,” she said, explaining it wouldn’t be practical for the gallery to operate in commercial premises with the group having to pay rent.
“We are a not-for-profit organisation and any money that is made is kept to help grow it,” Linda explained.
The mayor responded that one of the best things about becoming a councillor is learning about groups such as LACS, having previously focused much of his energy on involvement in local sport.
“I didn’t know much about what happens in the arts world and I’ve really come to appreciate what does go on behind the scenes,” John said, congratulating all the LACS members present.
Beyond council’s involvement with the gallery, he was the perfect person to present the life memberships, knowing all three recipients.
One of those, Marg, has worked with South Gippsland Shire Council for 17 years, holding various roles.
“She’s well respected for what she does,” John said, adding it’s great to see she has other outlets in life beyond her council responsibilities.
Like John, Marg was heavily involved in sport but became a part of the scene at the gallery after her move from Mirboo North to Leongatha 15 years ago.
She’s loved helping at the shop and the friendships she has made.
“I look forward to continuing to do my duty and meeting new members,” Marg said.
John came to know Liz through Stony Creek Football Club where she was part of the ladies committee, recognising her hard work.
Liz thanked those responsible for her life membership, saying the gallery is a credit to all those involved.
John spoke of Coral’s other contributions outside the gallery, noting she is committed to landcare.
“I’ve enjoyed my time with the gallery,” she said, believing she originally joined in 1980, having taken up pottery in 1974.
