Gala lunch for volunteers

A team of hospitality students from Ourimbah Campus TAFE prepared and served a gala luncheon for Mary Mac's Place volunteers to celebrate National Volunteers Week on May 15.

Students were guided under the direction of traineeship coordinator Ms Robyn Brewster to create a gourmet meal to the deserving volunteers.

Gosford Council cosponsored the event with a donation of $1000 through its Community and Cultural Grants Program.

Project coordinator Ms Robyn Schacht said the gala luncheon was a great way for the community to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of Mary Mac's Place volunteers.

"The Mary Mac's Place volunteers are truly exceptional women and men who each devote one day a week to the service of providing nutritious meals and support for those who are homeless or disadvantaged and struggling with multiple difficulties in their lives," Ms Schacht said.

"Our volunteers assist up to 95 people each weekday between 11am and 1pm.

"Their wonderful work makes a truly invaluable contribution to the wellbeing of our community."

Ms Schacht said St John the Baptist Catholic Parish kindly provided the venue in Blackwall Rd, Woy Woy, for the event, while The Event Decorators donated their services to transforming the hall with beautiful decorations and elegant place settings.

Special guests included Member for Gosford Ms Marie Andrews, Gosford mayor Cr Chris Holstein and president of the St Vincent de Paul Society Broken Bay Diocesan Council Mr John Donnelly.

Press release, 7 May 2009 Robyn Schacht, Mary Mac's Place