DOZENS of residents from Myrtleford and surrounds gathered at the Piazza last Tuesday morning to celebrate the Crackpots' beautiful, newly installed mosaic, designed to recognise the incredible contributions of volunteers in the community.
“When I first saw this quilt, I just wanted to pick it up and put it on," Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas said.
"I think it’s absolutely gorgeous; well done, Crackpots.
“Not only have the Crackpots produced this beautiful work based on suggestions from other organisations, but as you all know, they’ve done some fantastic stuff around Myrtleford.
“This is one of the first stages of a magnificent idea [which aims] to be a permanent symbol to recognise the importance of volunteers within the Myrtleford community and the rest of the Alpine Shire."
Mayor Nicholas said the new mosaic will be a treasure into the future, with the piece making an important statement about how much local community members give and care about each other.
Council's recovery team, in consultation with the community recovery group came up with the project, and then coordinated with the Crackpots to seek idea contributions from local community groups so they could be a part of it.
Design submissions for 55 tiles to represent local community groups and clubs have already been received, but not all of them are in place yet.
"The Crackpots will be busy creating a second mosaic later in the year," Mayor Nicholas said.
"We’ll see another wonderful piece of artwork to commemorate the volunteers of our strong community."
Clive Walker OAM, who was also invited to speak, updated the address he gave to Myrtleford during his Australia Day speech earlier this year.
“On Australia Day I said it was disturbing to see volunteerism waning across the country," Mr Walker said.
“However, today does not indicate a lack of volunteerism, with over 50 groups, as Sarah said, being recognised in the Crackpots’ work.
“At this address, I cannot single-out any group or person, as they are all volunteers worthy of recognition.
“It is the dedication by you, which has made Myrtleford shine.
“To conclude I would like to personally thank each and every one of you."
Mr Walker then led the morning's attendees in giving the Crackpots a round of applause.
"Seeing the new mosaic makes me feel very proud to be part of a number of volunteer groups in our community," Noelene Surch said.
"The quilt highlights the impact different groups have had within Myrtleford.
"Volunteers volunteer for a purpose."
Following the proceedings, attendees warmed themselves on the cold autumn morning at the tea and coffee station set up near Bastoni's and at the barbecue in the Piazza, run by St Paul's volunteers.
