By Tanya Steele
Australia celebrates its volunteers for National Volunteer Week and quietly working away at the Men’s Shed in Badger Creek are three volunteers who President Mario Herodotus said he couldn’t do without.
Roy Bennet is a long time volunteer in the Healesville and Mr Herodotus describes him as his “ace in the hole” in his role as Vice-President of the Men’s Shed.
Mr Bennet is humble about his many contributions to the community over time, he has done extensive volunteering for events with the Men’s Shed and also drove for HICCI at one point.
“The sense of community which sort of it makes you get involved, because you’re interested in what happens within the community, not political or for any of the reasons other than it gives you a sense of well being inside,” he said.
Mr Bennet is often found behind the barbeque at events in the community and said he enjoys representing the association and doesn’t anticipate slowing down anytime soon.
“When people say, ’Can you do this, can you do that?’ I say yes, I don’t know the word no,” he said.
“You just get in and do it, it’s not for the pats on the back.”
Graeme Chester is the Men’s Shed Secretary said he enjoys giving back to the community and the sense of camaraderie it brings.
“ I think you’ve got to be prepared to put up your hand,” he said.
Mr Chester brings vital health information specific to the attendees of the Men’s Shed, bringing subjects like dementia awareness to the group.
Mr Chester said he enjoys how volunteering immerses him in the community.
“You can get out there and contribute, you can walk through the streets and know every second person,” he said.
Barend Van de Hoek runs the photography branch of the Men’s Shed and puts in a lot of time networking photography events, running the curriculum and delivering a quality program to the class that the Men’s Shed offers.
“You can share some of your skills with other members, we’ve got everybody from absolute beginners to some very good photographers,” he said.
Mr Herodotus said that the three men are incredible and he said he really wanted to give them a moment to shine.
“I’m saying thanks, guys. You know, it’s like it is incredible the amount of time that most volunteers have to put in,” he said.
