Thank a volunteer, welcome new residents and get involved at the inaugural Narrogin community expo in February

Narrogin residents old and new are invited to come along to celebrate the community and the volunteers who make it strong at the Narrogin Thank a Volunteer Event and Expo.

The inaugural event set for February 22 will give people a chance to meet, greet and find out more about the town’s volunteering opportunities.

Shire of Narrogin community development officers Anna Prysiazhna and Regina Razumovskaya are hoping to see a good turn out.

“This is a small community and sometimes it is difficult to bring everyone together,” Ms Razumovskaya said.

“We thought why not synergise to bring volunteers and new residents together.”

New residents will receive community welcome packs and an official ceremony will kick the evening off at 5.30pm.

“There will be local organisations with stalls, primarily volunteer-based groups that are searching for volunteers or new members as in the case of the repertory club,” Ms Razumovskaya said.

“It will help connect old and new residents with the community.”

Ms Prysiazhna said volunteering was a great way for people to get involved and the event helped match skills and interests with opportunities.

“Volunteering is big in country towns and having these events is a great opportunity for people to come and see what organisations we have,” she said.

“It’s a very effective way to socialise and we believe that having this kind of two-in-one event will be very effective.”

The plan is for the community expo to become an annual event.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re a newcomer or you’ve been here all your life,” Ms Prysiazhna said.

“If you want to make friends and thank our volunteers, please come along.”

Live entertainment will be provided by local band Ma Baker and light refreshments will be available throughout the evening.

The free event will take place at the John Higgins Centre from 5.30pm to 7.30pm and volunteer organisations that would like to participate should call the Shire of Narrogin community development team on 9890 0923.