South Australia recognises outstanding volunteers

2022-06-14

L-R – DHS Chief Executive Lois Boswell with Gill Peacey representing Amanda Parker, Andrew Peterson representing the RAA Group, Georgi Thomas representing the Paid 4 U Café, Monique Bareham and Minister for Human Services, the Hon Nat Cook MP

A ‘powerhouse’ lymphoedema advocate, Adelaide’s first pay-it-forward cafe, a Volunteer Ranger Program Coordinator and an iconic South Australian institution with a commitment to social responsibility were celebrated at the 2022 South Australian Volunteer Awards held on Monday 6 June 2022 at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

The event, supported by the Department of Human Services, was hosted by popular radio presenter Ali Clarke with music from South Australian performer Brian Ruiz.

The awards recognise the contribution of outstanding volunteer individuals, groups and businesses, with a diverse list of nominees showing the incredible range of skills and talents that volunteers bring to the fore every day.

From championing the voices of cancer survivors and providing food relief, to fundraising for basic necessities for disadvantaged families and fostering support for our national parks, each award winner demonstrates how volunteering can enrich our state.

Award winners

The awards were presented by Minister for Human Services Nat Cook and Chief Executive of the Department of Human Services Lois Boswell in the following categories:

Joy Noble Medal

Recognising an individual volunteer for their outstanding contribution to the South Australian community.

Winner - Monique Bareham – advocate for lymphoedema support and awareness

Premier’s Business Award for Corporate Social Responsibility

Recognising the strong contribution of South Australia’s business sector to the community through its support of volunteering.

Winner - RAA Group

‘The Andamooka’ Community Project Award

Recognising a community, or group of volunteers for undertaking a community project resulting in significant community benefit.

Winner - Paid 4 U Cafe

Excellence in Volunteer Management Award – in partnership with Volunteering SA&NT

Recognising a volunteer manager for their dedication to supporting and facilitating the engagement of volunteers.

Winner - Amanda Parker, Manager, South Australian Volunteer Ranger Program, National Parks and Wildlife Service SA

Learn more about the four award recipients

We congratulate each and every worthy recipient of these awards for their dedication to their community.

Collectively, South Australian volunteers contribute an estimated 1.7 million hours of unpaid work each year. The value of that unpaid labour is estimated at almost $5 billion.

Celebrating volunteers for 20 years

This year’s event marks 20 years since South Australia officially proclaimed the Monday of the June long weekend to be Volunteers Day, a special day to celebrate and honour volunteers. It follows the Volunteer Parade and Celebration held on 16 May to celebrate National Volunteer Week.

Last year, the Department launched the Volunteering Strategy for South Australia 2021–27 during National Volunteer Week. The strategy aims to increase the participation of young people, build the capacity of organisations to upskill and retain volunteers, and help more people enjoy the rewarding experience of giving their time.