Our Community Centre champions

Margaret River Community Centre’s annual Winter Warmers drive has wrapped up and the Tax Help program has also come to an end for another year.

Sandra Borland was just one of the wonderful locals who donated winter warmth via beautiful rugs that she crocheted.

Not liking to see materials going to waste, Sandra collected donations of wool over time from friends, Margaret River Lions and the Baptist Church then set to work to craft the warm and soft blankets to donate to those that needed them over winter.

“Sandra’s colourful rugs were a gift of warmth and compassion,” the Community Centre’s Leanne Sutton said.

“Her generosity combined with her creative talent made a real difference to the Margaret River residents who received her rugs.

“She’s a regular at the Baptist Craft Group and shares her crochet skills there each Thursday.”

Sunni Haynes and Ken Hunt also made a real difference to locals this year.

The returning volunteers were trained under the Australian Tax Office’s Tax Help program and then assisted people to complete their tax returns.

“We had over 60 people access the Tax Help program, some completing their first return, others needing to catch up and submit multiple returns,” Ms Sutton said.

“Some people find the stress of tax time overwhelming, so to have someone with experience to guide them through made a huge difference and brought much relief to these people.

“Ken and Sunni helped a number of international travellers who worked on holiday visas here to finalise their tax obligations.

“And there was one case where an ATO-error was identified and remedied, saving that person a large and erroneous tax bill.

“We extend a very big thank you to our Tax Help volunteers, Sunni and Ken and to all the crafty and generous locals who donated to our Winter Warmers drive.”

To find out more about the Centre’s services and programs (and how you could help), visit mrcc.com.au