Animal Welfare League op shop may close

Animal Welfare League's Woy Woy op shop may become the latest victim of declining resident involvement in voluntary community organisations.

The local branch is facing closure unless it is finds a secretary and treasurer to serve on its committee.

The branch provides a subsidised dog desexing service as well as operating the opportunity shop in Woy Woy.

"Our Central Coast branch has been in Woy Woy since 1980, meaning we have been working with the community for 37 years," said branch president Ms Bev Houston.

The branch has been operating without a secretary for 18 months and has also been without a treasurer going on two months, she said.

"These positions are vitally important to our branch.

"The secretary is important to keep records, take minutes and generally ensure that our meetings run smoothly, while a treasurer is needed to keep track of our finances," Ms Houston said.

"We are looking for new members to fill these positions, and the ideal candidates would be animal lovers who are eager to make a difference in their local community, have enough time to attend monthly meetings, and will show dedication to their roles.

"It has been difficult to run our local branch with so many positions empty.

"However, we have continued onwards as it is our passion to help animals and pet owners on the Central Coast."

The branch has been able to keep its op shop and discount de-sexing drives running, but this has stretched the current volunteers.

Without new members, it was only a matter of time before services would be lost, Ms Houston said.

"Although we have been coping without a secretary or treasurer over the past few months, we urgently need some fresh faces in our branch to help us reach our full potential," Ms Houston said.

"We truly believe we will be able to achieve so much more than we have this year with new branch members.

"If we fail to attract new members, we will be unable to function and unable to assist pet owners and animals in the Central Coast.

"We believe this would be a great loss to the community, so we are hoping that some animal lovers in the area will be keen to help us out," Ms Houston said.

"Animal Welfare League NSW is a registered charity that has been operating for almost 60 years, providing expert care to surrendered and neglected companion animals across NSW," Ms Houston said.

"We have two shelters (one open to the public), 15 branches throughout the state, and a fully-licensed Inspectorate that has the power to investigate animal cruelty claims.

"We offer a range of services to residents including our op shop, subsidised de-sexing for dogs, and supporting local pet owners with vet consults when possible," Ms Houston said.

Potential volunteers can contact the Central Coast Branch on centralcoast@awlnsw.com.au or visit their Woy Woy op shop for more information.

SOURCE:

Interview, 1 Nov 2017

Shannon Cochrane, Central Coast Branch AWL

Reporter: Dilon Luke