Volunteers Day

Celebrating volunteers for 20 years

This year’s SA Awards event marked 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 of Human Services 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.

2022 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 – Consumer advocate in cancer survivorship and lymphoedema patient care.

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: for pivotal support to the Foodbank RAA Mobile Food Hub to provide essential food relief in regional South Australia.

‘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: Fully run by volunteers, Paid 4 U Cafe is the first pay it forward cafe in Adelaide where the homeless or financially struggling families are welcomed

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.