Violet Town abuzz with community action

Anne Quaine was heartened to find herself in a vibrant and inclusive community when she made the treechange to Violet Town from Mentone five years ago.

As a retiree, aged in her mid-60s, Anne soon immersed herself in the community and formed friendships through volunteer activities run by Violet Town Action Group (VTAG).

“My husband passed away soon after we moved here, and I had more time on my hands,” Mrs Quaine said.

“VTAG was instrumental in helping me meet other people and getting involved in the community.”

First joining working bees and volunteering at Violet Town Market, Mrs Quaine eventually joined the VTAG committee for which she has been secretary and is currently treasurer.

She encouraged people of all ages to become a member of the VTAG movement, which has varied activities and sub-groups relying on volunteers of all abilities and time availability.

VTAG has 100 members who involve themselves in one or more of the activities run by its nine auspiced groups and has supportive connections with other local community groups.

“It’s just amazing, it’s why I love Violet Town,” Mrs Quaine said of the community’s can-do attitude.

“I have made lovely friends because I have been involved in VTAG.”

Mrs Quaine said the VTAG committee always welcomed new volunteers.

“While we have a vibrant community, there is always a need for more people who can do things,” she said.

“VTAG has a great relationship with Council which supported our renewal of the market when we had to implement COVID rules.”

Mrs Quaine also acknowledged the ongoing support of Strathbogie Shire Council’s financial contribution to many VTAG activities and initiatives for new community amenities.

VTAG’s auspiced groups include:

“¢ Violet Town Community Market sub-committee – The 42-year-old monthly market is the town’s major fundraiser and was the catalyst for the formation of VTAG.

“¢ Village Voice editorial committee – Publishes the town’s monthly newsletter, working with a paid coordinator.

“¢ Violet Town Seed Savers – Vegetable and flower growers who have created a diverse and viable seedbank for members and Violet Town Community Market.

“¢ Honeysuckle Recreation Environment Project (HERP) sub-committee – An active volunteer group which created a 3km walking trail alongside Honeysuckle Creek within the town boundaries. The group carries out revegetation of the creek and plantings for wildlife between Honeysuckle Creek and Shadforth Reserve.

“¢ Violet Town Hall sub-committee – Responsible for the management and minor repairs of the Violet Town Community Complex.

“¢ St Dunstan’s Hall Film Society – A not-for-profit film society which provides the community a social gathering and opportunity to view films often lesser known, yet critically acclaimed.

“¢ Southern Aurora Memorial group – Responsible for the 2019 opening and ongoing development of a memorial garden space which respectfully acknowledges the 1969 Southern Aurora railway tragedy.

“¢ Events on Cowslip – Organisers of the Halloween St party which ran for three years. The committee is currently looking at new Cowslip St events.

“¢ Violet Town History Group – records, documents and preserves the town’s history.

“¢ Shadforth Reserve Committee – Currently working towards the refurbishment of the former golf club rooms at the reserve for community activities.

“¢ Friends of the Pool – the group recently raised funds for new umbrellas, seating, and barbecue, supported by a $5000 contribution from Strathbogie Shire Council.

“¢ Honeysuckle Art Community (HAC) – Organises an annual art exhibition.

For more information about VTAG, visit www.violettown.org.au/local/violet-town-action-group