Volunteers Celebrate 10th Anniversary of Community Information Centre

The celebrations recognise the efforts of the volunteers who have staffed the centre since 1997, providing information to the public on all aspects of life and community involvement in the City of Melville.

During the week, community members are invited to drop by between 12.30pm and 1.30pm to meet the fantastic team of morning and afternoon volunteers as well as Community Development staff from the City of Melville.

Supported by the City of Melville and Garden City, the Community Information Centre is set up as a place where community members can seek advice or obtain information on a wide range of subjects, including Neighbourhood Watch, Council services and volunteering, or make use of the excellent volunteer Justice of the Peace service.

Mayor Katherine Jackson said more than 100,000 people had taken advantage of the services offered by the centre since its doors opened. “The volunteers are as dedicated as ever in helping to answer the community’s enquiries or to point them in the right direction,” she said. “They are happy to provide information on what's happening in the community, including the latest news and events, and hand out bus timetables and community newspapers. The City of Melville would like to extend a big thanks to the volunteers at the centre. Their time, energy and commitment are such an asset to our community.”

Centre Coordinator Brian Anstey said the centre dealt with an average of 14,500 enquiries each year. “Queries range from the trivial such as rubbish collection days to the very interesting and curly ones,” he said. “If we don’t know an answer, we will always find out or point them in the right direction. We will never just guess.”

Mr Anstey said the free JP service was the main drawcard at the centre. “All of the JPs are volunteers, providing their valuable service free of charge,” he said. “Melville Volunteer Resource Centre staff are also on site each week to provide information on volunteering opportunities and people can make a referral appointment for Tuesday afternoons by phoning 9364 0153.”

The Community Information Centre, situated next to the Post Office, is open Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 4.00pm. Justices of Peace operate 10.00am to 1.00pm, Monday to Thursday, and 10.00am to 3.00pm on Fridays. No appointment is necessary.

For more information about the Community Information Centre or volunteering in general, phone Nicola Schuman on 9364 0794 or email volunteering@melville.wa.gov.au.