The Arty Duck is on the lookout for a new Treasurer. What started out approximately nine years ago by the Circular Head arts community, has developed into a much-loved corporation, run by the people, for the people. The centre is described as a ‘social enterprise’, staffed with volunteers, the very people that create the items that are sold in store. The Arty Duck stocks a wide range of art and craft pieces made by members of the community, including photography, clothing, jewellery, homeware and painted artworks. The small entity has hit a major speed bump recently, with their current Treasurer set to step aside at the end of the financial year. This leaves a massive void for the cherished store and is a position that must be filled if the duck is to remain calm on the surface.

Former Arty Duck President, Courtney McIntyre, said, “We’ve got a lot of people that want to keep selling their art and craft, but getting the volunteers to run the shop and also someone to take care of the bookkeeping side of it could mean the shop may fold.

“We’ve got a reasonable number of stall holders, but we are always on the lookout for new people to continue bringing a variety of options. We also offer tourist information which is a free service, a book exchange and different craft supplies so it is an asset to the community for people that like that sort of thing. We do get a lot of tourists but it’s the community that provide support for each other.

McIntyre admits that the Treasurers job is a big one that is time consuming, but it is just reward seeing the opportunity it allows stall holders.

“It’s a pretty big job considering sales for up to 20 stall holders each day. There is a bit that goes on behind the scenes, but it means so much to the people to be able to sell what they have made. A lot of them have never had that opportunity before.”

This reporter was fortunate enough to meet Arty Duck volunteer, Maureen Dunning, who shared what the shop means to her.

“I’ve been here for about five or six years, and it means the world to me,” Mrs Dunning said.

“Two years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, so I went through chemo, radiation, whatever, but thinking positive, Arty Duck kept me going because I used to get out of bed and think why bother? Arty Duck, get in your sewing room and sew some aprons, sew a bag or sew something. That’s what kept me going and I always say that.

“A lot of the ladies here now have said to me what am I going to do if I don’t have Arty Duck. Some of our volunteers suffer with depression and Arty Duck keeps them going.

“The thing is, we need a Treasurer and because we don’t have a lot of money, we are not going to be able to pay big prices for a bookkeeper. So, we’re hoping there is somebody out there that will help us.

“Our Treasurer Tara is such a darl. She works her butt off but it’s getting too much. Her husband has two factories running now, she has a hobby farm, two young children, plus she does beautiful work here in the shop. You must come over here and have a look at her work.”

Mrs Dunning proceeded to show me every corner of the Arty Duck and spoke with such enthusiasm about the crafts and the quilts and the instruments and the artwork, handmade locally by all of her volunteering friends. It would also be remiss of me not to mention the incredible children’s aprons and bags that she makes herself.

“To me it’s a lifeline and I love it,” she continued.

“I know one girl who refused to come out of her house, now she’s in Arty Duck. She gets behind this counter and serves customers. That’s why we need Arty Duck.

“We love our tourists, but we also love our community. The community help Arty Duck and Arty Duck helps the community. So, it would be wonderful if we could get a Treasurer because if we don’t, then we’ll have to close, and what do all these ladies do? Even me, what do I do?

“The girls are such a lovely bunch who need each other, and they support each other so yes, it’s more than just a shop. It is a lifeline. Sorry, I’m known for yattering on, but I feel so strongly because I love it so much that I have to tell you how I feel, and I would do my utmost to keep it going.”

If you would like to volunteer at the Arty Duck, become a stallholder, or are interested in assisting in the treasury position, call in and say hi at 30 Smith Street, Smithton.