The people who make the council’s cultural facilities shine were thanked at a special morning tea held at the Oamaru Opera House this week.

Waitaki District Council has around 100 volunteers across libraries, galleries, museums and other facilities – each helping to ensure visitors are welcomed, looked after and well-informed.

Waitaki District Libraries manager Jenny Bean says volunteers are “the heart of our cultural facilities”. 

“[They] give their time to our community and ensure that we can offer wonderful experiences to visitors.”

Waitaki District Council deputy chief executive Lisa Baillie said time is a person’s most precious resource. 

“And we cannot thank the people who give theirs to our museums, libraries and galleries enough for all that they do.”

Oamaru Opera House director Frances McElhinney says volunteers are vital to keep things running smoothly during events and performances. 

“Volunteers are a conduit to our community, and we appreciate and value every single one.”