FOR most people mowing is a chore that's not worth celebrating, but for three Wodonga men it is fundamental to their world and happiness.
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Phil Twycross, 57, James Church, 36, and Matt Christie, 31, delight in the task as part of their work for the Murray Valley Centre.
The three are just some of the hundreds who have benefited from the centre's services to help the disabled.
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They will appear in a video that will be played at a dinner on Friday night to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the centre.
It is a long way from 1959, when the organisation was begun to help families with disabled children who had no access to service to stimulate their sons or daughters.
The foundation president ABS Collins in his first annual report declared "all those who have given their support must feel glad to know what happiness they are creating".
In 1976, the centre shifted across Wodonga from Church Street to a property in Pearce Street which was then on the outskirts of town before the nearby Army land was sold off and transformed into White Box Rise.
The opening of Belvoir Special School saw the Murray Valley Centre cater solely to adults, with 70 assisted now under the umbrella of the NDIS.
Chief executive David Martin has been the administrator for 34 years.
"The most important thing is that it's still here after 60 years, it stands as an example of a charitable not-for-profit that has been supported by the community and without the community support it wouldn't be in existence," Mr Martin said.
Much of that backing has come through the Army and the engineers school at Bandiana which has been a benefactor from the outset.
Another money spinner has been the bingo sessions held for decades under the direction of Murray Valley Centre stalwart Barbara Prenter.
In the days before poker machines were introduced to Victoria they attracted up to 200 players spread across three rooms.
These days, Mrs Prenter says, you would be lucky to have 80 to 90.
Having a son who was disabled and died at the age of 10, Mrs Prenter has felt bonded to the centre since overseeing her first session of bingo in January 1974.
"It's kept me alive," the 83 year-old said.
"I've been through cancer three times, I've had a crook shoulder, but I love it, absolutely love it."
The celebratory anniversary dinner will be held at Albury's Commercial Club from 6.30pm Friday.
