Published on 18 May 2023
Council volunteers recognised during National Volunteer Week
128,732. That’s the number of hours volunteers with the City of Onkaparinga contributed last year.
Their vital work spans 30 different areas including nature conservation, libraries, the arts, community centres, and aged and disability care—to name a few.
More broadly, you’ll find volunteers helping in not-for-profits, hospitals, sporting and recreation clubs, schools, and hobby groups.
Everyday volunteers from all walks of life are transforming communities and the lives of others through their actions and the support they provide.
Volunteers really are something special and this week the nation is shining a spotlight on these incredible people.
National Volunteer Week—celebrated from 15 to 21 May—is an opportunity to recognise the powerful impact volunteers have in our community and thank them for their selfless contributions.
This year’s theme, The Change Makers, recognises the positive effect volunteers have in the people’s lives and the community.
The City of Onkaparinga recognised its volunteers at a special event at the Arts Centre in Port Noarlunga this week.
Congratulations to volunteers Liz Thompson from the Aldinga Community Centre and Tony Cantwell from Wakefield House who received the Premier's Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Volunteer Service.
It was a special day for 14 volunteers who reached milestones of five, 10 and 20 years of volunteer service with the City of Onkaparinga.
The council also recognised Sam Sauerbier and Graeme Daniels who were nominated for the Young Volunteer Award and the Joy Noble Medal—our state’s highest distinction for an individual volunteer—respectively.
City of Onkaparinga Volunteer Involvement Business Partner, Claudia Sailis, said the event was a fantastic opportunity to reflect on the incredible work of volunteers and raise awareness of the benefits of volunteering.
“Volunteering not only benefits the people receiving the service or support, but the volunteers themselves reap so many rewards,” Claudia said.
“There’s a huge sense of joy and fulfilment in volunteering, and it’s a great way to develop personal and professional skills, and form meaningful connections with others.
“Volunteering can even lay the foundation for new opportunities, including employment.”
Regular and one-off volunteering opportunities with the council are available across a range of programs, providing opportunities to suit all interests and skills.
Vacancies can be viewed on the council’s website.
Photos courtesy of Giuseppe Silvestro
PHOTOS (top to bottom; left to right in each photo):
1. Mayor Moira Were with Premier's Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Volunteer Service recipients Liz Thompson and Tony Cantwell
2. Acting CEO Julia Grant with 20-year service recipients Rosslyn Fowler, Trevor Sharp, Neville Gibbs and Lyn Court
3. Acting CEO Julia Grant with 10-year service recipient Helen Bennett
4. Five-year service recipients Jeff Wrigley, Leonie Sullivan, Helen Hall, Jordan Braun, Chris Blythe and John Damms with Acting CEO Julia Grant
5. South Australian Volunteer Awards nominees Samuel Sauerbier and Graeme Daniels