Interview with Mandy - Chair of the New Zealand Community Association

By Mandy Coons | Category: Centre News

Published on Tuesday 3rd March 2020 at 19:10

Interviews with the New Zealand Community Association

Many people volunteer at the Lonny Wilsoncroft Community Centre. I’m sure those who use the centre frequently have come across these helpers at various events, but have you ever wondered why they volunteer, or how they started?
Over the next few months, I will be interviewing members of the NZCA, as well as other volunteers at the centre, to ask why they first got involved, how they help and what they would like to see for the centre in the future.
This month’s interview is with Mandy.
1) What is your position within the organisation?
Mandy – I am the Chair of the New Zealand Community Association.
2) What responsibilities does that entail?
Mandy – I chair the management committee which runs the community centre and the two charity shops we have. We also come up with fundraising ideas and arrange annual events, such as the children’s Christmas party, Easter egg hunt and the Gala day.
Some specific jobs I do is leading the business part of the association. I liaise with the council, as well as meet up with other people from different organisations to discuss community matters. I also write bids for any grants we might need and take bookings for the hall.
3) How long have you been with the NZCA and how long have you been Chair?
Mandy – I started back in 2004 when the first meeting about having a community centre in the area took place. I have been Chair since about 2007.
4) Why did you join?
Mandy- I saw there was going to be a meeting about getting a community centre in the area. I brought my children up on the estate and whenever we wanted to have a day out, we had to go out of the area. I thought to have a facility in the area, where families can come and enjoy themselves was a very good idea.
5) What do you enjoy about the job?
Mandy- Like Hannibal Smith used to say in the A-Team “I love it when a plan comes together”. It’s fulfilling when a project is accomplished. It’s also nice to see how we are helping those who use the centre.
6) What would you like to see happen to the NZCA over the next 5 years?
Mandy – I would like to see the centre grow. I hope more people will use it and take advantage of what’s on offer at the centre, such as our luncheon club, the minibus and the various classes people put on.
7) What do you feel has been your greatest achievement while volunteering at the centre?
Mandy – There have been many things that have been accomplished over the last eleven years. But I am particularly proud of the summer meals we have provided for the past couple of years. We have managed to help many young families in the area and hope to continue to do so.