Pioneer Park holds not only the history of the Griffith region but also attracts a mighty  volunteer workforce behind the scenes and this dedication and loyalty was recognised at  the annual Christmas celebration held at the museum on Sunday December 14.

The vision of the 1967 committee – to create a museum to house historically significant  items that helped make Griffith a thriving modern community – lives on through this band  of dedicated volunteers, according to Mayor Dal Broi.

“Our volunteers have been, and still are, crucial in keeping Pioneer Park Museum maintained and operational since its foundation over 43 years ago. So it was with great  pleasure and pride that I presented certificates as a small token of our appreciation to these worthy residents,” Councillor Dal Broi said.

“It is remarkable that eight of our volunteers have given over 25-30 years of assistance, a combined 210 years of service. Volunteerism is a strong attribute of residents in our  community as so many of them heed the call to help out where and when they can. This  has been evident at Pioneer Park over the years,” Cr Dal Broi said.

Norm and Kay Corcoran, who have volunteered for 30 years, brought along their children  and grandchildren to the event. The family members also volunteer by helping Norm, who  is nearly 80, maintain the gardens.

Among the recipients of certificates were those who had clocked up 10 years or more as  well as the ‘new kids on the block’ that started volunteering at Pioneer Park in the last  couple of years.

To demonstrate the dedication that has made these volunteers so successful over the  year, they passed around a hat for collections during the event, resulting in $235 to go to  the Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal.