2010 Archive: Real life volunteer stories
In 2009, the Office for Volunteers featured the following volunteer stories in its fortnightly e-newsletter, The State of Volunteering On-line:
- Barbara Hardy - Volunteer and one of the pioneers of the Australian conservation movement
- Tom Benney - over 35 years of voluntary service as a Town Crier in SA!
- Marvellous Mirella
- Ten year old Taya tells her true story and what she learnt!
- An Australian first - the Elizabeth Special Needs Judo Club!
- Tree change!
- Finding happiness while volunteering!
- Volunteering with a difference…including riding cows!
- Well done Ross!
- Life is an adventure - Daphne’s story
- My latest and greatest adventure!
- Pas is a busy guy!
- Jim’s the man!
- The benefits of having fun - Peri Strathearn
Back in the late 1960’s, Barbara Hardy started taking two of her sons camping in the Flinders Ranges, bush walking and exploring Wilpena Pound. For someone who had not previously spent any time in the Australian ‘bush’, little did she realise how life changing these experiences would be!
After developing a desire to learn about rocks and geology, in 1973 and assisted by a Flinders University friend, Barbara ‘sat in’ on some geology lectures. This led to Barbara’s enrolment at the university, study of Earth Sciences and love of the environment.
When the South Australian Conservation Centre began in Adelaide, Barbara volunteered her services and set up a newspaper clipping service on the state of the environment.
Barbara’s contribution to the environment was recognised by the Federal Government when she was appointed a Commissioner of the Australian Heritage Commission, as the South Australian representative. This “was a wonderful experience and a great honour,” says Barbara.
In 1981, Barbara was one of a small group who set up the National Parks Foundation of SA, later known as the Nature Foundation SA Inc. Aware of the work done by the National Parks & Wildlife Service, they wanted to help give the community the opportunity to financially support the natural environment. From funding research to supporting on-the-ground projects, they are now making a real impact in protecting the natural environment, saving native wildlife and enhancing the parks and reserves system.
Barbara has now been working in the environment field in a voluntary capacity for over 30 years - locally, nationally and internationally. She has received a number of prestigious awards, including an Order of Australia Award, Advance Australia Award, SA Great Award and she was the 1996 South Australian Citizen of the Year. Well done Barbara!
Published: The State of Volunteering Online, Edition 138, Friday 3 September 2010
In Medieval England and Europe, Town Criers were the means of communication with the people of the town, since many people could not read or write. Proclamations, local bylaws, market days, adverts, were all proclaimed by a bellman or crier.
They carried a handbell to attract people's attention, as they shouted the words, “Oyez, Oyez, Oyez!" before making their announcements. The word "Oyez" means "hear ye," which is a call for silence and attention.
Tom Benney dreamed of being a Town Crier from 8 May 1945 when, as a 10 year old, he saw a Town Crier tell all about the end of the War.
Tom’s dream became a reality and he has been a volunteer Town Crier in South Australia for the past 35 years! Tom, whose voice can exceed 95 decibels, now represents and works for the City of Salisbury, as Honorary Town Crier, and was previously Town Crier for the Barossa Valley for 30 years.
Accompanied by his wife, Daphne, as Honorary Escort Town Crier, and their Pug Dog, “Australian Champion Kangala Natalie No-Nickers”, Tom is well known for leading parades, opening festivals and officiating at openings locally and around the State. Dressed in colourful period costumes, with clanging bells, they provide a flamboyant presence.
Articles in The Advertiser and other media have referred to Tom as “one of the State’s most recognisable voices and personalities.”
Tom was recently honoured in a Canadian documentary filmed at the City of Salisbury Council, as part of British Columbia Canada’s Victoria AM Association’s 25th Anniversary celebrations. Well done Tom!
Published: The State of Volunteering Online, Edition 137, Friday 20 August 2010
Mirella Mancini has been volunteering her time and energy to the Italian community, serving on committees, fundraising and applying for grants, for over 30 years!
On Australia Day 2006, Mirella received an Order of Australian Medal (OAM) and in 2000 was awarded the Australian Sport Medal for services to the Italian community and the sport of bocce.
Mirella said: ”When successful it is very gratifying, it makes me feel as though I have achieved something and that always feels good.”
Her many accolades also include helping many groups, in a variety of ways, including as:
- Coordinator of the Associazione Nazionale Famiglie Emigrate (ANFE), Italian Welfare Association for Migrant Families, CIRCAS Italian Australian Welfare Workers Association of South Australia
- An Italian representative of the Ethnic Broadcasting Inc
- Participating in LA Mensa Thebarton - a weekly get together of elderly people who meet for meals and information sessions
- Life Member of 5 RTI (Radio Televisione Italiana (SA) Inc), providing over 30 year’s service and raising more than $32,000 for the Tsunami appeal
Her contribution doesn’t stop there. Mirella was President of the Veneto Club Junior Soccer team for five years raising funds and organising events to assist youngsters. She helped the South Australian Bocce Federation raise sufficient funds so that they could stage and organise the very first ever Australian National Women’s Bocce Championship held in South Australia. She also initiated and coordinated charitable monthly luncheons raising money for a number of organisations, including Mary Potter Hospice, the National Heart Foundation, Cancer Council SA, Child Research Foundation and the Australian Maxillo Facial Cranio Foundation.
Recently Mirella helped to organise the IX National Special Olympic Games Bocce competition, played at the Veneto Club at Findon, and said: “Wonderful people to work with, a most gratifying event.”
Mirella also enjoys working with the young and the not so young. ”I keep telling myself do unto others as you would have done to you and that keeps me going,” she said.
Published: The State of Volunteering Online, Edition 135, Friday 23 July 2010
In April 2010, ten year old Taya - a young volunteer with the Duck Flat Community Garden - was designing a wooden sculpture of a frog at the community garden.
She was trying to draw the different views that would be needed to make the sculpture. Taya says this was difficult because she did not get the pictures from the internet. Instead, she was using her imagination and the natural environment around her for inspiration.
While trying to do this challenging task Devashon, another volunteer, and Matilde were mixing cement and sand together manually and, to their surprise, they found a frog in the cement half dead.
“The frog was amazing. Its belly was white with black spots and it had hazelnut eyes,” said Taya.
She rushed over to help the frog but did not know what to do. Devashon suggested that they put it in water. Taya took Devashon’s advice and put the frog in the water.
“Give him a good wash,” said Devashon, “the cement would be burning its skin.”
“I don’t need a picture from the net now,” Taya commented, “I have the living thing!” and posed the frog in the position she wanted and drew him.
Feeling sorry for the frog, Taya decided to take it home and take care of it for a week, then bring it back and release him into the swamp. Lots of the volunteers objected to this though and said that she should put him back in the swamp.
During morning tea time Kendra, the co-ordinator of volunteers, wanted to take some pictures of the frog and its amazing belly. After thinking about what the other volunteers said, Taya decided that she would let him go on the condition that, if the frog was still there when she left for the day, she would take him home. Taya says she was not very happy with what she did, when she found the frog was no longer there when she left.
“There was one lesson I learnt that day…and that is, sometimes what is right is not always what you want,” said Taya.
Published: The State of Volunteering Online, Edition 134, Friday 9 July 2010
First set up in 2007, Elizabeth Special Needs Judo Club is a not-for-profit club, where all coaches are volunteers who devote their time and skills in coaching Judo to the disabled.
Paul Reeves, founder and senior coach, says they are officially the first special needs Judo club in Australia - a first for a Judo Federation of Australia associated Judo sporting organisation.
“My first interest in special needs Judo was following a visit I made to a special needs Judo club in Bristol (UK) in 2003. Special needs Judo had been established for many years throughout Europe. I was instantly inspired by the success and benefit of inviting children with disability into the sport of Judo in England,” Mr Reeves said.
“Elizabeth Special Needs Judo Club provides greater accessibility for children with intellectual, physical, sensory, and emotional disability. Although we initially focussed on children with disability, it was difficult to turn away some adults with disabilities,” says Mr Reeves. “Today there is a significant shift to include both adults and children into the club.”
The types of member disabilities include, but is not limited to, visual impairment, aspergers, cerebral palsy, muscular weakness and palsies, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit disorders (ADD and ADHD), Down Syndrome, learning and cognition disorders.
Mr Reeves says: “Having fun is the main focus point to achieving 'their' personal goals, at their pace, meeting their needs. The club has two other black belts, one brown belt, and one vision impaired green belt all who volunteer their time.”
“Today there is now a clear pathway for people with intellectual disabilities to compete in Judo locally, nationally and internationally.”
In 2009, Elizabeth Special Needs Judo Club Inc in collaboration with JudoSA, staged Adelaide Special Needs Judo Friends Games in Gawler. It was a great success with established regular events planned interstate with another special needs Judo club in New South Wales.
The club trains at the Elizabeth RSL hall on Tuesday nights. For more information visit their website: http://specialneedsjudoaust.multiply.com.
Published: The State of Volunteering Online, Edition 132, Tuesday 15 June 2010
David Tolcher decided that he needed changes in his life and saw an opportunity when he decided to leave the city for a “tree change” living in a rural area.
I decided that it was time to give something back to my new community that had welcomed me with open arms and at the same time learn how to defend my property as a professional fire fighter,” says David.
In 2008 David joined the Monarto Country Fire Service (CFS) at the young age of 58. In the past 18 months, David has attended numerous fires, vehicle accidents and fire alarms. Last New Year’s Eve was spent not with his family, but with who he describes as “a wonderful band of brother and sister firefighters,” aiding another community away from home.
The delivery of training has been thorough and ongoing. David says aspects of his training have been a “personal journey learning more about myself and what I’m capable of under immense stress.” Of all the training undertaken, David says he is particularly proud receiving the Controlled Air Breathing Apparatus (CABA) qualification.
“The Monarto Brigade CFS is a small close knit team of men and women who have fun training and work cohesively and safely for our community and each other in times of need. Volunteering is about giving back to the community and building life long relationships. It’s about understanding the dangers every firefighter faces when they leave home and finding ways to make their jobs safer so that they can return home to their loved ones,” says David.
For further information about volunteering with the CFS visit www.cfs.sa.gov.au or contact them by phoning 1300 364 587.
Published: The State of Volunteering Online, Edition 131, Friday 28 May 2010
Eileen and Laurie met while volunteering for their church at Morphett Vale. They would each take their lawn mower and mow the lawns and tidy the gardens of single mothers of the church.
Eileen first started her volunteering in Rainbow in Victoria looking after children, while their mother worked, and helping at the school canteen. After moving to Adelaide, Eileen commenced work at Minda where she volunteered to take clients out for meals. Laurie then joined her and they would take four clients from Holiday Explorer Club and Minda away for holidays and outings.
Laurie has been involved in volunteering for a long time and you can hear him on Coast FM on a Sunday between 5.45 pm and 9 pm. He says he particularly enjoys doing the advertisements for St John and recently had the pleasure of reading the news during a visit to the ABC at Collingswood.
The couple’s volunteering efforts don’t end there though. Eileen, needing a new interest, spotted an advertisement in the paper calling for volunteers for the St John Community Care Program. “What could be more rewarding than making friends with someone in your neighbourhood who perhaps has no family,” she said.
Eileen and her client now enjoy using public transport to go either shopping in the city, on a train ride to Noarlunga, or the bus to Henley Beach where they enjoy fish and chips under the shade of a tree watching the tide come in and out. Eileen says that her client chooses where to go generally but she also insists that Eileen has her pick of destinations!
Eileen and Laurie have even been invited to her client’s daughter’s wedding, which they say is a great thrill and is an indication of their special relationship. “I enjoy the company of my client as much as she enjoys mine - we have a great time with each other,” said Eileen.
Eileen was recently given a plaque by her client with the beautiful inscription of “It doesn’t matter where you go in life…what you do…or how much you have…it’s who you have beside you.”
For further information about volunteering with St John Community Care phone them on 8306 6999.
Published: The State of Volunteering Online, Edition 130, Friday 14 May 2010
For 21 years, Holiday Explorers volunteers have shared their travel experience and local knowledge with people with intellectual disability for memorable holiday experiences together.
These holidays have included overseas trips to Canada, Alaska, USA, Hong Kong and the South Pacific through to a day at the Mt Compass Cup Cow Races!
Holiday Explorers is a small team of six staff; however with the addition of 60 volunteers and over 25,000 hours of volunteer time, 200 holidays are conducted each year to destinations all over South Australia, Australia and the world.
The volunteers take in turn supporting and guiding the holidays. They provide new holiday ideas to keep the choices interesting – including cow races, cooking classes, crabbing, helicopter rides, and other interactive activities. Visiting the Gold Coast, going to the footy, dancing at music festivals and seeing world famous musicals continue to be very popular with the holiday groups. Some volunteers might only do a couple days a year, others do a couple of days each month, however, regardless of how much time the volunteers individually provide, their time is all equally important for the service to be able to operate successfully.
An important part of Holiday Explorers is that while the person with a disability is away on a holiday with the volunteers, the family and carers have a break from their 24/7 caring role. Over 60,000 hours of respite are provide each year through the generous support of the volunteers in this service.
Comprehensive training is provided to equip the volunteers to guide a small group (usually five people with intellectual disability) on an enjoyable holiday. The volunteers work in teams with two or three volunteers supporting each trip. Training includes disability awareness, first aid, how to support people with a variety of support needs, tour guiding, transporting passengers with a disability and other areas depending on prior experience and skills.
Holiday Explorers are interested in hearing from anyone who is keen to share their interest in holidays with people with intellectual disability. More information about this service is available online at www.holidayexplorers.com.au, by phoning 8331 2399 or emailing volunteering@holidayexplorers.com.au.
Published: The State of Volunteering Online, Edition 130, Friday 14 May 2010
Ross Vogt has lived in Kapunda for most of his life. In 1950 he commenced the business, Kapunda Joinery Works, which he owned and managed until 1990 when he retired. Since then, Ross has become a valuable member of the Barossa Regional Community Transport Scheme giving his time and talents to the service for just over 15 years.
Mr John Peake, from the Barossa Council, says “We couldn’t count the number of hours he has donated or the number of kilometres that he has driven for the Scheme. His contribution has been, and continues to be invaluable.”
At least once a month, Ross also helps community members in need to get from A to B by driving the shopping bus from Kapunda to Munno Para and Elizabeth. For this task he has achieved and maintains the Government’s high standard commercial accreditation as a passenger vehicle driver.
Ross’s volunteer contribution doesn’t end there. Numerous committees (too many to list!) and the following organisations have also benefited from Ross’s volunteering: Kapunda Youth Group, Kapunda Tidy Towns Committee, KESAB, Kapunda Swimming Pool, the Kapunda High School Council, the Kapunda Historical Society, Meals on Wheels, Country Fire Service, Methodist/Uniting Church, Kapunda Corporation District Council, Kapunda Playground Committee, Phonograph Society of SA, Kapunda Tourism, and more.
Over the years, Ross’s efforts have been recognised with the presentation of three prestigious awards including 1990 Citizen of the Year, Kapunda District Council 1993 Contribution Award and Mid North Tourism Association 2003 Centenary Medal.
“Well done Ross! We really enjoy your company as well!” said Mr Peake.
Published: The State of Volunteering Online, Edition 129, Friday 30 April 2010
Daphne recently turned 80 and declares her life has been full of adventure! She says her strong sense of community, combined with her passion for caring, led her to work in a children’s home in England before marrying and moving to Port Augusta with her husband David in 1966.
Daphne studied to become a nurse and has worked with people living with a mental illness or disability and in hospitals, independent living centres and aged care facilities.
Daphne found that as her working days came to an end, she still wanted to do something for other people. “As you get older, I think it helps to help others, it takes your mind off your own troubles,” she said. She began volunteering for various organisations and undertaking such tasks as driving the community bus and assisting older people in their home. These days Daphne is a volunteer with St John Community Care where she volunteers for not only one but two programs; visiting five clients to help them with shopping, taking them out for coffee or dining at the club for lunch and indoor bowling. These are just a few of the activities Daphne and her clients do together.
Daphne describes herself as always having ‘itchy feet’. “I like to move and live in different places,” she says, “I never seem to be home.” Daphne enjoys the social aspect of being a volunteer, attending regular meetings, social gatherings and the Christmas party being a favourite. “I get to go to two Christmas parties with St John,” she laughs.
Daphne says that she enjoys her volunteer work so much as it keeps her active and busy. When asked what she would say to others who were considering becoming a volunteer, she replies, “If you ever want to help someone out, give it a go.” Daphne’s daughter recently said to her, “I think that people like to have you visit them mum, because you are so funny!”
Published: The State of Volunteering Online, Edition 127, Thursday 1 April 2010
Robin Cram had an unexpected start to volunteering. “As I was approaching my 60th year, out of the blue one Friday afternoon I was told that after twenty years of service I was no longer required. They called it restructuring,” says Robin, now a Staff/Welfare Officer at Meals on Wheels Woodville.
“Not having had a holiday for several years, my wife and I decided to take six months off to restructure our lifestyle. This only lasted three months before I was driving both my wife and the dog crazy. I am the world’s worst handyman and you can only paint the house so many times!
I set off for the local library to offer my services. At the back entrance was a sign ‘Volunteers Wanted’. The sign pointed across the road to Woodville Meals on Wheels.
I poked my head in the door at 9 am and enquired whether they could find me something to do. I rang my wife and said “see you later”. That was three years ago. Remembering how good Meals on Wheels had been to my mother after dad passed away it seemed quite appropriate that I should become a volunteer.
It was the best decision I had made in a long time. My wife says “why don’t you get a real job and get paid?”; but this is the only job where everyone is pleased to see you. Volunteering has improved my health. My stress levels are down, as is my blood pressure and consequently I need to take less tablets. The outcome is a longer, happier and healthier life. I can guarantee that whatever effort you put into volunteering at any capacity you will be rewarded ten times over,” says Robin.
Take your time and have your own new adventure – volunteer!
Published: The State of Volunteering Online, Edition 126, Friday 19 March 2010
Born and raised in Adelaide, 23 year old Pasquale (Pas) is currently studying for his honours degree. He has a passion for Australian politics and is an active member of a climate change group.
Pas is also an active volunteer who volunteers his time with Meals on Wheels and in more recent times has become a volunteer for the St John Community Care Program.
St John Community Care enlists the help of caring volunteers who give freely of their time, skills and experience, to make a difference in the life of someone else. The program provides a personalised service by the one-to-one matching of a volunteer and client. St John Community Care volunteers provide social support to clients who are older members of the community or younger people living with a disability who have little or no support.
Originally introduced to the program by another volunteer, Pas says that he did not realise how isolated some people can be in their local community.
“I really enjoy what I do with St John and it has opened up other areas that I had not previously considered,” Pas adds. One of these he says is exploring career options that include working closely with people in the community.
In March 2009, Pas was introduced to his “client”, a 63 year old gentleman who lives in the neighbourhood. Pas describes him as being a very warm hearted guy, a one-eyed Port Power supporter with a very cheeky sense of humour. Pas says that “it is amazing how well we get along.” We have similar interests in music and sport.
Getting around is not a problem for Pas who does not drive. His client drives a scooter while Pas walks alongside at a very brisk pace to keep up with him! “Do you realise how fast those things go?” he jokes.
Pas and his client try to get together as often as possible and with baseball season about to start, they are planning on attending a few games in the near future.
When asked what Pas would say to those wishing to volunteer he replies, “It is rewarding to be able to offer your friendship to another person. St John has given me such a worthwhile opportunity and I want to stay with the program for as long as I can.”
Published: The State of Volunteering Online, Edition 125, Friday 5 March 2010
Jim Phillips is a very busy man. He volunteers for a range of causes including Watch SA, Red Cross, various projects at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and Department of Health, and more recently as a volunteer Health & Safety Representative for his work.
Jim says his volunteering for a variety of organisations is quite common amongst the volunteering community, but it is not because he has little to do.
“It is to make my life meaningful on top of my family and social activities,” says Jim. “The rewards from volunteering are individual and varied; I consider my own life is enhanced by helping others. There are no physical or age limits, anyone can be a volunteer. There is a welcoming and friendly camaraderie in the volunteering community.”
Over the years, Jim has seen first-hand the real difference volunteers make in the community:
“Volunteers work in hospitals, many Government Departments, CFS, Red Cross, Prisons, Police, Meals on Wheels and thousands of other groups too numerous to list. Volunteers are ordinary people who achieve extraordinary efforts for the benefit of others.”
“Recently volunteers marched in the Australia Day Parade. The participants are exciting, colourful and entertaining for the public who cheered them on, most of us would not think of them as volunteers. Think of the Anzac Day march; these are also volunteers and the Christmas pageant would not happen without the volunteers.”
In the future, Jim says he’s looking forward to continuing his volunteering work, and to celebrating with his fellow Neighbourhood Watch volunteers a significant milestone for Watch SA.
“2010 is the 25th Year Anniversary of the Neighbourhood Watch program of South Australia. There will be various celebratory Watch SA functions occurring this year in South Australia. These celebrations will showcase many recent innovations and inform us of the history of our Neighbourhood Watch program,” says Jim.
“Most people would not understand the benefits they could get from being a volunteer. If you can help get a message out, that our lives are enriched by helping others, it would be beneficial to those that read it”.
Published: The State of Volunteering Online, Edition 124, Friday 19 February 2010
Back in 2006, Peri Strathearn played bass in a band, which competed in the Mullet Festival Battle of the Bands at the Odeon Theatre. It was an unorthodox way to get involved in volunteering – leading to four years of volunteer service with the City of Norwood Payneham and St Peters!
Peri says that, at the time, a motley crew of radio presenters from a community show called Youth FM was covering the Battle of the Bands. “Intrigued, I asked how I could get involved and by registering through Norwood Council, I attended the show’s next training round and became part of the Youth FM team,” he said.
Peri enjoyed selecting music to be played on the radio, being a newsreader and interviewer. But especially, Youth FM meant having his voice heard by thousands of listeners across the city!
Through Youth FM, Peri learnt about other projects within the council’s youth development program. He joined the youth advisory council (i-Core), became a Media Officer, and even designed t-shirts.
Peri enjoyed training and development opportunities and attended meetings regarding the youth website, which he described as: “casual, topical chats with many a turkey wrap and bowl of M&Ms.”
“I quickly found myself up to my neck in youth development and loving it,” said Peri.
In 2008, he acted as an MC at the Parade Food Wine & Music Festival. More recently, in September 2009, he came full circle and coordinated the Battle of the Bands for the Mullet Youth Arts Festival. “History will tell you that Pimpin’ Horus was the winner that night, but I came out of it with my own sense of victory!” said Peri.
“The time I’ve spent volunteering has been terrific fun – an excuse to get involved with things I love. More than that though, it has been an opportunity to develop my skills and further my experience; and those are things which have improved me as a person and which can be put on a resume.”
Peri’s outstanding volunteer contribution was recently rewarded with a Local Volunteer Award, presented by Premier Mike Rann, at the October 2009 Hartley and Norwood Electorates Community Cabinet. Well done Peri!
Published: The State of Volunteering Online, Edition 123, Friday 5 February 2010
