Well, COVID-19 has certainly presented some challenges for the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre! We’re still providing Emergency Relief between 9.00 am and 1.00 pm Monday to
Friday, thanks to the efforts of some of our key people.

First up, I’d like to thank Marg McKenzie for her invaluable work while acting in the role of Centre Coordinator. Although Marg has had to step down from the position now, her leadership was essential in keeping the MNC team functioning well. Even though Marg is not able to be at the Centre she’s still been busy reviewing our policies and procedures. The current downtime presents a great opportunity to ensure that all our documentation is up-
to-date and fit for purpose.

With Marg stepping down, Nancy McMahon, our Volunteer Support Worker, has taken on the role of Team Leader at the Centre. Having people like Nancy on staff makes my job as President so much easier. Nancy does an excellent job coordinating our team of volunteers, who have helped keep us functioning during the shutdown.

I’d like to thank Paul and Chelsea, who have been staffing our front desk for the last month or so. Chelsea and Paul are Skilling Queensland students, and they have stepped in to run our Emergency Relief and answer the phones. Every time I’ve been into the Centre in recent weeks, they have been unfailingly helpful and cheerful.
    I’d also like to thank Chris and Jenny, who keep our gardens looking so green. They’ve kept coming to the Centre and volunteering their time – the staff and Committee really value the work Jenny and Chris are doing for us. It makes a real difference to the presentation of the
Centre.

Finally, I’d like to acknowledge two of our most loyal volunteers. Meryl has been coming in on the weekends to check on our supplies, and while she’s here she tends to our plants as well. Meryl is a gifted flower arranger, and she likes to leave a floral display when she leaves. As Nancy says, it’s her calling card. It certainly brightens up the Monday mornings for our staff and volunteers.
    Yvonne loves cooking, and she still comes in and looks after the kitchen. I can certainly attest to the delicious meals she makes. Sitting down and bonding over a meal is one of the great social pleasures, and we’re all looking forward to the day when we can re-establish our community lunches, break bread together, and share the meals that Yvonne and her team creates.

So, remember—while our front doors are closed for the safety of all, if you ring 5499 9345 or 0499 937 118, we can provide Emergency Relief and other assistance between 9.00 am and 1.00 pm, Monday to Friday. Wishing you and your families good health and safety during the weeks ahead.