Volunteering Wingecarribee launches the Golden Guru program in the Southern Highlands

Volunteering Wingecarribee launched the Golden Gurus program in the Southern Highlands of NSW at a Volunteer Information morning on 23 April. The program offers volunteers aged 50 years and over the opportunity to continue to use their skills and life experience to mentor local community organisations.

Clr. Graham McLaughlin, Deputy Mayor of Wingecarribee spoke at the launch about the value of volunteers to the community. He was joined by Gurus, Margaret Rochford and Eric Brown, who are currently mentoring community groups in the area. Margaret has marketing expertise and has already assisted two groups. She spoke about the importance of being able to share skills in the community.

Seven local community organisations joined Volunteering Wingecarribee at the Volunteer Information Morning where the program was launched. Anyone interested in volunteering was welcome to come along, enjoy the delicious morning tea and learn about volunteering and the Golden Guru program.  Eleven people expressed an interest in the program and most have since registered as volunteers.

Golden Gurus in the Highlands have been mentoring in the areas of finance, marketing, interior design and landscaping.

John Weatherly, a Golden Guru Ambassador for Volunteering Wingecarribee, recently spoke at an Interagency meeting attended by representatives from 50 community organisations. This has generated a good deal of interest from community groups. More Gurus are now needed to assist.

Through Golden Gurus, mature age Australians will have the opportunity to meet new people, develop social networks and access free training.

Anyone in the Southern Highlands who is interested in becoming a Golden Guru can contact Volunteering Wingecarribee on 02 4869 4617 for further information.

From Left to Right: Golden Gurus Eric Brown and Margaret Rochford with Deputy Mayor Clr. Graham McLaughlin.