Your year to volunteer

Published on 21 May 2026

Sixty-five volunteers were recognised for their service at a National Volunteer Week event held at the Hopgood Theatre yesterday, attended by more than 90 people.

Collectively, the volunteers have dedicated 567 years to volunteering at the City of Onkaparinga, connecting people, helping those who need support, looking after the environment, and sharing their skills and talents.

The volunteers were acknowledged for milestones of 5, 10, 15 and 20 years of volunteering in council programs.

The 3 volunteers marking 20 years – Irene Edgecombe, Fran Thulborn and Rosemary Matwiejczyk – have contributed to council programs in ageing, adult education and tourism.

For 2 decades, Irene Edgecombe has supported people with physical and cognitive decline at the Friendship Club at Wakefield House Positive Ageing Centre. Friendship Club Coordinator Caitlin Bentley says Irene is known for her care and compassion and the positive impact she’s had on participants and their carers.

“Irene makes people feel seen and heard,” says Caitlin. “She’s flourished in her role and shown real advocacy in speaking up for those in need. She is such an asset to the Friendship Club.”

Educator Fran Thulborn has volunteered as an adult literacy tutor at the Aberfoyle Community Centre for 20 years. As a retired Montessori teacher, Fran has supported and encouraged dozens of students from a range of backgrounds and with a range of skill levels.

The centre’s Community Development Officer, Jasmine Lister, says, “Fran is always prepared and does an amazing job of tailoring her teaching for each student she works with. She’s known for her kindness, patience, and unwavering belief in others.”

Rosemary Matwiejczyk has created authentic visitor experiences at the McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre for 2 decades. A long-time McLaren Vale resident, she has a passion for sharing local stories and making visitors feel welcome.

“Rosemary is known for her vibrant personality, mischievous twinkle in her eye, and wonderful sense of humour and fun. She is loved by visitors, volunteers and staff alike,” says Joanne Pratt, Visitor Services and Volunteer Coordinator.

Long-term volunteer Hetty Browning, retiring after 32 years at the Hub Library, will receive special recognition from Mayor Moira Were at an event in June. According to Gemma Mayfield, Library Officer for Collections and Volunteers, Hetty has become nothing less than a living legend at the library since she started in 1994.

“Over the last 3 decades, Hetty has witnessed some unique changes and challenges ranging from our resident snake, Soloman, to the Hub Library building expansion and more,” says Gemma. “We are all sad to see her leave as she symbolises a much-loved chapter in the Hub Library’s history.”

National Volunteer Week is held annually – this year from 18 to 24 May – and is Australia’s largest celebration of volunteering. This year’s theme is ‘Your Year to Volunteer’, appropriate for International Volunteer Year 2026.

“People think that to volunteer, you have to sign up long term for a regular commitment, but volunteering is much more flexible than that,” says Onkaparinga’s Volunteer Involvement Advisor Amy Doecke.

“You can volunteer at a one-off event, such as our Christmas Pageant or Trucks on Tour, or come and help when it fits around your lifestyle. At Onkaparinga, we’d love to have your involvement in a way that suits you.”

Amy says that there are a variety of opportunities to fit people’s interests and skills.

“Our volunteers guide people at our events, support people in our community and ageing centres, help out at libraries, give information to tourists, drive our community bus and help protect the environment, among other things,” she says.

“They have the opportunity to share their skills or learn new skills, everything from woodworking and technology to gardening and community education.

“We thank all our fantastic volunteers for the work they do to make Onkaparinga a welcoming and liveable place. Every single one has made an important contribution to our community."

To find out more about volunteering at the City of Onkaparinga, phone 8301 7282 or email volunteermanagement@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au.