Friends of Coal Creek continues to foster improvement

FRIENDS of Coal Creek (FOCC) continues to work closely with park management and South Gippsland Shire Council, the organisation’s members helping improve the facilities and events on offer at Coal Creek Community Park and Museum through financial contributions and by volunteering their time.

FOCC has 60 plus members, all paying subscriptions that enable the organisation to run by covering essential costs such as insurance, with surplus funds going back into improvements to Coal Creek.

Those members volunteering at the park tackle a wide range of tasks including painting and restoration of buildings, working in the grounds clearing undergrowth and replanting, and cataloguing of Coal Creek’s extensive collection of historical items.

“There are thousands of items within Coal Creek that need to be photographed and categorised and that is a huge amount of work,” FOCC president Roger Powell said, highlighting the crucial role volunteers play.

To be part of the cataloguing process, FOCC members undertake a course run by the team at Coal Creek.

Roger encourages people to join FOCC.

Those not wishing to join but wanting to help can contribute by donating, with contributions over $5 being tax deductible.

Roger noted that electronic payments are now available for donations, subscriptions, activities and goods.

“There are two pieces of equipment bringing Friends of Coal Creek into the 21st century,” he said.

One of those is a ‘Square’ terminal that enables FOCC to accept cashless payments.

FOCC funds contribute to activities and equipment at Coal Creek, recently purchasing a second-hand coffee machine that will be used in the park’s restored ‘Pig & Whistle’.

The organisation also provided funds towards the booked out All Hallows’ Eve event that entertained children at Coal Creek on Halloween.

As well as the ‘Square’, another terminal to be located at the park will be used to accept donations towards specific projects at Coal Creek.

Projects could include repairing the park’s tramway or work required on a particular building.

Roger explained such project donations will go into a special bank account overseen by FOCC, which will work with council and park management to spend the money on specified projects.

FOCC has a new enthusiastic committee with a positive outlook.

The committee meets monthly, with members receiving a monthly newsletter providing an update of the organisation’s activities.

General meetings for all members are scheduled for December, March, June and September.