National Volunteer Week
National Volunteer Week celebrates the significant contribution that Australia’s almost six million volunteers provide; 233 of those who work right here at the City of Adelaide! The annual celebration for 2023 will be held from 15 May to 21 May.
We’re celebrating by showcasing some of our fantastic volunteers whose dedication and service makes our city what it is.
The 2023 theme is The Change Makers.
We asked some of our wonderful volunteers what this year's theme means to them:
Allan Chatterton
Bushland Volunteer Program, Wirrarninthi/GS Kingston Park (Park 23)
It has been great to be part of the Wirrarninthi Bush Restoration volunteers group formerly managed by Peter Baldacchino and now taken over wonderfully by Steph Legg.
It has been rewarding to witness the improvements to the site over the recent years made by the efforts of the council staff and volunteers.
The knowledge gained and shared between the volunteers and horticultural staff is invaluable for the bushcare program and in general for the volunteers, families and communities.
Having a diverse group of volunteers with varied age, work, life backgrounds is a wonderful catalyst to making positive change, knowledge building and enjoying the time together improving the site.
Jenny Agnew
Visitor Services Volunteer program
I enjoy volunteering and gain personal satisfaction from the interaction with fellow volunteers and visitors.
The opportunity to learn new ideas and activities can be stimulating and a challenge but knowing how this knowledge and service you give can enhance visitor experiences as they explore a new region.
Phil Nikkerud
Library Digital Hub Volunteer
The human species has survived and succeeded because
We Learn
We use Technology
We Work Together
The Kaurna people have understood this for thousands of years.
Volunteers at the Innovation Lab do this, every day helping members of the community to learn 3d printing, laser cutting and robotics.
Carmel Chiu Sutcliffe
Bushland Volunteer Program, Wirrarninthi/GS Kingston Park (Park 23)
Although volunteers willingly give freely of their time and efforts, this work can also provide the opportunity to fulfil a shared sense of responsibility and desire to care more deeply and intimately for the places and communities that we live in relationship with. Many unanticipated benefits can come with belonging to a volunteer community too. For instance, I am very grateful for the continual learning that I gain about the intricate ecosystems of the Adelaide Park Lands, and for the well-being I feel when among the precious plant and animal life that are a part of the unique biodiversity of this area.
Barbara Millard
Visitor Services Volunteer program
Being a volunteer Greeter for the Adelaide City Council allows me to influence visitors' opinions of Adelaide. During our three-to-four-hour walk, which focusses on their nominated interests, I talk about Adelaide's history, its multi-faceted culture, innovations and current research while pointing out impressive architecture and green spaces. Visitors often comment that they had not realised how forward-looking and progressive Adelaide is while still maintaining important aspects of its heritage. They have said that this experience has encouraged them to spread the word about Adelaide, including the Greeter programme, and its friendly people to friends and family while those who had only booked a short stay are determined to return.
What type of Change Maker are you?
As part of National Volunteer Week 2023, Volunteering Australia has launched its We are the Change Makers campaign, which celebrates the powerful impact volunteers make supporting individuals, communities and the nation. Change Makers are diverse in their roles and areas of expertise, which one are you?
