Community
21 May, 2026
Finding connection in volunteering
SEEING the impact a small group of volunteers can make in their community has been a driving motivation behind Terang Community Op Shop volunteer Sandra Adams giving her time.
Mrs Adams is among the volunteers being celebrated this week as part of National Volunteer Week.
She stepped through the doors to the Terang Community Op Shop around five years ago and struck up a conversation with project manager Andrea Balcombe.
“I was a single mum and for so many years I just never got out and did anything,” Mrs Adams said.
“They’d all gotten older and have their own families now, so I was thinking what I could do with my life.
“I popped into the op shop for a look around and struck up a conversation with Andrea.
“That’s when I asked if I could volunteer – she said absolutely, and I’ve been here ever since.”
The past five years have given Mrs Adams the opportunity to be part of the incredible work the Terang Community Op Shop undertakes – from being part of the team to reach the $1 million donation milestone through to quietly bundling up supplies for those who have fallen on hard times.
“I enjoy it – getting around and getting to know the people in the community – it’s good,” she said.
“What we have at this op shop is very unique because everything goes back to the community, which is what I enjoy because it’s actually making a difference to people out there who need that helping hand.
“We get to support so many different people and organisations, from schools to the Terang Returned and Services League sub-branch.
“It’s good because we see the impact – we know the money is going directly back to the community.
“We know if we didn’t do it then so many people would go without, and some of the causes we’ve supported may have even had to close.”
Mrs Adams said she would encourage anyone interested in volunteering to raise their hand, knowing they would get far more than they give.
“It would be wonderful if more people could come along and help,” she said.
“We have such a great environment with friendly staff and the customers are absolutely brilliant.
“We have so many regulars who come in non-stop and have a chat, which is great.
“The social aspect is such a big part of it, for me.”
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