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    AT WORK: Willaura Healthcare Auxiliary president Ruth Gellert, left, with Judy Paterson from the auxiliary and Willaura and District Quilters, displaying some of the masks delivered to Ararat Rural City Community Relief Centre.

Willaura mask-making efforts

East Grampians Health Service Willaura Healthcare Auxiliary and Willaura and District Quilters have been busy at their sewing machines producing masks for vulnerable people.

The groups have donated the reusable masks to the Ararat Rural City Community Relief Centre, which has been operating since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The centre is available for people needing help accessing food, medical supplies and other essential items, as well as providing support.

Mandatory mask-wearing rules have led the region’s craftspeople to put their skills to good use. However, many of the most vulnerable and elderly people have been unable to access either disposable masks or reusable-washable masks, and the Willaura community was keen to help.



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Auxiliary president Ruth Gellert said the group was happy to assist Ararat Rural City Community Relief Centre by producing masks for vulnerable members of the community.

“Auxiliary members have been unable to volunteer at Willaura Healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic, so we were pleased to be able to do something to help others, and members of the Willaura quilters were also keen to get on board for this project,” she said.

The relief centre has been able to distribute the masks in packs of two, with the addition of some disposable masks provided by the government.

Masks have gone to elderly residents as well as families struggling to afford to buy masks. Masks have also gone out with emergency-relief food vouchers.

Ararat Rural City Council chief executive Tim Harrison thanked Willaura Healthcare Auxiliary and Willaura and District Quilters for their gesture.

“We appreciate the work of all the wonderful volunteers who have contributed reusable masks to the centre,” he said.  

“I know the people who have received them really appreciate now having masks for when they venture outside their homes.”

Auxiliary member Jane Millear has also used her time during the COVID-19 lock- down knitting beanies for Parkland House Hostel in Willaura.

The entire September 23, 2020 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!