The 20th annual SA Volunteer Awards have offered a powerful and inspiring reminder of the extraordinary impact volunteers have on our lives — often quietly and behind the scenes.

Held on 22 May during National Volunteer Week, this year’s ceremony honoured three outstanding South Australian individuals, as well as the groups behind the record-breaking Chihuly art exhibition and an online education platform, for their exceptional contribution, their commitment to helping others and dedication to driving change in their community.

Hosted at the National Wine Centre, the celebration marked 20 years of honouring volunteer excellence in South Australia. It brought together community champions from across the state and acknowledged outstanding contributions in five key categories.

The 2025 SA Volunteer Award recipients

Joy Noble Medal – Danica Gates, Beacon of Hope (Tumby Bay)

Danica was recognised for her unwavering commitment to improving mental health and wellbeing in regional communities through advocacy, support, and lived experience.

Premier’s Award for Corporate Responsibility – Virtual School Australia

This award celebrates the innovative ways Virtual School Australia connects learners with vital educational tools and support, helping bridge gaps in access and opportunity.

Andamooka Community Project Award – Chihuly in the Botanic Garden volunteers

This passionate team were the welcoming face of the world-class Chihuly glass art exhibition in Adelaide’s Botanic Gardens, helping to create an experience that broke visitor records and enriched Adelaide’s cultural landscape.

Young Volunteer Award (12 to 25) – Lucy Stevens

A passionate advocate for youth development, Indigenous reconciliation, and social justice, Lucy has led initiatives across the arts, education, and humanitarian causes.

Excellence in Volunteer Management – Ryan Simms, Botanic Garden and State Herbarium

Recognised for his role in leading, supporting and empowering the volunteer team behind the Chihuly exhibition, Ryan exemplifies leadership and care in volunteer coordination.

Read more about the 2025 SA Volunteer Award winners

A proud legacy

Established in 2005 by the South Australian Government, the awards were presented for the third consecutive year by Volunteering SA&NT, supported by the Department of Human Services.

An independent judging panel selected winners based on the impact, dedication and community value of their volunteer work — reflecting the broad and impressive spectrum of volunteer efforts across the state.

Looking ahead – Volunteering Action Plan unveiled

National Volunteer Week also saw the launch of the Volunteering Strategy Action Plan 2025 to 2027, created to support the implementation of the recently refreshed SA Volunteering Strategy over the next three years.

The plan focuses on three pillars in line with the state strategy:

• investing in the foundations of volunteering,
• raising the profile and promoting the benefits of volunteering
• strong leadership and continuous improvement.

Developed with feedback from the community and volunteer sector, the Action Plan aims to ensure volunteers, volunteer managers, and volunteer-involving organisations have the resources and recognition they deserve, now and into the future.

View the Volunteer Strategy Action Plan 2025 to 2027

Thank you to every volunteer who continues to give their time, heart and energy to making South Australia a better place. We honour your service not just this week, but every week.