Every year Deep Cove Hostel holds a series of working bees with the aim of improving facilities and assisting with the upkeep.

This year, Shanell Jarvie, Kaye McNeill - Deep Cove Trust Trustee and I (along with our partners and about 30 others) spent Queens Birthday Weekend getting stuck into any odd jobs that needed to be tended to.

From helping with the gardening and varying building jobs to cleaning the reliever’s hut and cooking; there was a job for everyone. It was fantastic to see people of all ages from around Southland and Otago, working together to support and be of service to such a worthwhile organisation.

Of course, it wasn’t all work and no play. During our downtime we were free to check out some of the natural waterfalls, take a walk through the varying bush walks, attempt to master the act of Kiwi calling and walk to see the glow worms. Deep Cove features some truly breath-taking scenery that should be experienced by everyone.

Special thanks to Kaye, Bob, Mike and Billy for filling us in on the history of Deep Cove. It’s fair to say we learnt a lot and it was a great weekend had by all. As a first-timer to the area, spending the long weekend working among nature at Deep Cove exceeded my expectations and I will certainly visit again.

Volunteering and helping out in our local communities and non-profit charities is so meaningful. It is a positive way of contributing to society by giving up your time and assisting with whatever skills one may have. I found it so rewarding and a great way to meet new people and push myself out of my comfort zone.