Liam McNally
After 20 years of operation, the Melton Baptist Church said goodbye to its community op-shop at the end of June, and hosted a luncheon to honour its long-serving volunteers on Saturday, July 1.
The op-shop was created in 2003 to help support the Karinya Melton Counselling Centre and was run by Church and Local volunteers.
The decision to close the community op-shop came about due to multiple factors, including the age of volunteers, Covid related closures, as well as repeated break-ins causing stress and financial hardships for the operators.
The luncheon hosted about 70 guests in the Baptist Church Building on Coburns Road from 11am to 2pm.
At the luncheon Linda Kinnen and Diane Becket were recognised with special awards for 16 years of volunteer service.
During this time the pair oversaw about 34 dedicated volunteers and contributed to raising more than $160,000 to support the Karinya Melton Counselling Centre and Church.
Melton Baptist Church member Rick Dickson said the Melton Community is blessed to have Volunteers of this calibre.
“Volunteering is time willingly given for the common good and without financial gain,” he said.
“[The luncheon] was a gathering of volunteers over 18 years, and it was a fantastic get-together and celebration.”
