VOLUNTEERING

How Can You Help? 

Since 1998 our gallery has been open and run entirely by volunteers. It is a rewarding experience that allows you to help others, give back to the community, and connect with like-minded people.  They are a highly valued part of the Great Alpine Gallery’s day-to-day operation and we are always on the lookout for more help!


Volunteer Stories

We have a great bunch of volunteers at the gallery. Here are a few of their stories.  


Lynn Lochrie’s family had been visiting the Swifts Creek area for decades, and she would often call into the gallery when passing through, when one time she asked if the Gallery would like some Basketry to sell, and that was it!  The gallery committee asked her to do a workshop, the Great Alpine Basketmakers group evolved, and she couldn’t stay away!  “I love it so much, every time I have to go back to Melbourne, I can’t wait to get back here!”
After buying an old cottage, Lynn is now a permanent resident of Swifts Creek, and on the Gallery committee.

“If it wasn’t for the Great Alpine Gallery, I wouldn’t be here.”

 


Tracey Johnson seemed like a breath of fresh air and vitality when she approached the Gallery 15 years ago. Having based her career in the arts she came to us with a professional but very personable approach which we love. Past President and now Secretary she involves herself in many ways.

 “The best thing about that gallery is the fabulous artists and makers that I’ve met and the many creative adventures we embark upon!”

 


Leanne Dyson has been in the Bairnsdale area all her life. She is a poet and photographer among other things! A few years ago she was looking for avenues to sell her book and approached the gallery. After a visit up the Great Alpine Road to help us with a working bee she said

“Damn it. I need to join this great bunch of people”!

Since then we have been lucky enough to have her on our volunteer roster once a month and enjoyed her company.

 


Ann Bingham was born and bred in Swifts Creek and has a great love for the area. Having lived overseas she brought back many artistic influences which are reflected in her work today She is definitely part of the woodwork of the Gallery taking on numerous roles. She is always there if we need her and she is lots of fun!!

 “ Volunteering helps make the Gallery function… it is enjoyable and you meet people from all over the place.”

 


Annie moved to Swifts Creek many moons ago and soon began pursuing photography. Her love for nature is reflected in her work. She has been involved in the Gallery for over 25 years with a lot of behind the scenes jobs and is currently President.

“There is just something about the Gallery that makes me happy. It’s the people involved. I love their enthusiasm and the variety of projects and exhibitions that we have. As a volunteer I have learned so much and gained confidence as an artist”.

 


Sally Anne Doyle’s art is varied and includes painting, drawing, basketry, and weaving. She is also our volunteer treasurer( and a retired accountant). Her versatility, knowledge as well as her enthusiasm keeps us all going and we couldn’t do without her book work skills!!!

“What I love about our Gallery is that for a small enterprise, we have a big effect in our rural community”.

 


FAQs

What do Volunteers do?

You can work behind the scenes preparing exhibitions, maintain the small garden or do a day on the roster to keep the gallery open.

How often do I need to volunteer?

As little or as much as you like but a roster is done monthly for Gallery duty.

Who do I contact?

If you are able to help in any way then drop by the Gallery during opening hours for a chat, use Volunteer Form on this website to contact us, or call Anne Richardson on 0408 523 498 or Lynn Lochrie on 0437 759 610. We would love to hear from you!

 

Interested in becoming a volunteer? 

The Gallery is only able to remain open during advertised hours due to the generous support of our volunteers. You don’t have to be an artist or even a Gallery Member in order to volunteer to help.

As the Gallery is entirely run by volunteers, we rely completely on the generous support of our members. Our volunteers can offer support in the following ways:

  • Staffing the Gallery on a rostered day each month or when help is needed
  • Assistance in setting up/taking down exhibitions
  • Gallery maintenance and upgrade projects
  • Participating in exhibitions and other arts and cultural projects.