The euroa gazette
Persistence pays - Services Australia in Euroa

Two hard-working and community-minded locals have seen their efforts come to fruition last week with a lot of help from GV Libraries.

Wendy Greenwood and Barb Watters have been scouting Euroa all year to find a location to start a pop-up centre for Services Australia.

The duo's biggest challenge has been finding a suitable and affordable location.

That challenge was answered when GV Libraries offered some space at the Euroa Library for two days per week to open an 'office' to allow locals to access Services Australia.

Ms Greenwood said the journey had many challenges.

"We have been working hard on this project for seven months with a lot of setbacks, often almost giving up hope," Ms Greenwood said.

"But then we knew something new would pop up.

"It has taken a lot of persistence and enthusiasm."

GV Libraries CEO Felicity Macchion got behind the proposal when she first heard of it.

"She came in and said 'hold on a minute, we want to support you with that'.

"And that they did, with a peppercorn rent as well."

The new setup will allow the community to access Services Australia self-service equipment during normal library hours, but the real investment will be the two five-hour days each week for face-to-face help.

Who better to man those services than Ms Watters and Ms Greenwood.

Both women come with extensive credentials and experience to run the office.

Ms Greenwood said that the pair had always had a 'very, very strong desire' to serve the community.

Both women are heavily involved in Women 4 Community which in turn sees service to other community groups, and Ms Watters runs the library's Chatty Cafe every Wednesday.

"We are constantly trying to do things for the community.

"We're not sure why; perhaps that's the way we were both brought up

"We are just so pleased to offer this greatly-needed service."