Celebrating Victor Harbor's incredible volunteers
National Volunteer Week (15 – 21 May 2023) is an opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge the generous contributions of volunteers across Australia.
Here in the City of Victor Harbor, around one in four residents volunteer in some capacity. The Council itself is fortunate to have hundreds of volunteers who assist with the delivery of important programs, projects and services.
Every volunteer in our community has their own individual story about why they started volunteering, and why they continue to kindly offer their time and expertise towards making our community stronger.
This year, we’ve had the opportunity to speak with a handful of hard-working local volunteers and share some of their stories. You can meet some of our remarkable volunteers below!
Jill, Coral Street Art Space
Whether it's supporting orphans in Africa, or promoting the arts right here in Victor Harbor, Jill is making an enormous impact in many communities.
Although she describes her work as a drop in the ocean, Jill knows that the world would stop spinning around if it weren't for volunteers, which is why she generously volunteers her time for the benefit of others.
In addition to volunteering at the Coral Street Art Space, Jill also currently volunteers for the Victor Harbor Regional Gallery and the South Coast Veterans Association. In the past, she has travelled to Kenya to provide volunteer support to physically and mentally handicapped orphans.
Over the years, Jill has met people from different walks of life who have many interesting stories to tell. Volunteering connects her to her community, and filling that void is what keeps her coming back!
Pat, Caring Neighbourhood Program
After noticing the difference that the Caring Neighbourhood Program had on her sister's life, Pat couldn't help but sign up as a volunteer.
Pat is one of many extraordinary volunteers who assist older people to access social activities and support the Council's positive ageing initiatives.
For some older individuals in the community, the Caring Neighbourhood Program activities are the only social interaction they receive on a week to week basis, but Pat believes she also reaps the social benefits as a volunteer.
According to Pat, there's so much knowledge to be uncovered when you simply sit down and have a conversation with someone. She enjoys returning home at the end of a day and knowing she has made a difference to someone's life.
Jake, Southern Communities Transport Scheme
As one of Council's youngest volunteers, Jake regularly drives transport disadvantaged people to and from Adelaide as part of the Southern Communities Transport Scheme (SCOTS). He also assists senior citizens through Council's Caring Neighbourhood Program.
Around four years ago, Jake found he had some spare time on his hands and decided he could make a positive contribution to the community. Now, he feels so lucky to have had the experiences he has gained while volunteering.
Jake has discovered that giving his time to others is a highly rewarding activity and provides an opportunity to meet new people, which was particularly beneficial when he had only recently moved to the area.
Volunteering gives Jake a sense of purpose and a place to gain new skills.
Jan, Visitor Centre
Three and a half decades... that's how long Jan has been volunteering at the Victor Harbor Visitor Centre.
After seeing an advertisement in the local newspaper 35 years ago, she became interested in the possibility of volunteering and learning more about the tourism industry.
Now operating from the new Visitor Centre on Railway Terrace, Jan continues to share her vast knowledge of the local area with travellers coming from all parts of the globe and all walks of life.
Jan says it has been privilege to help holidaymakers make the most of their stay while they are visiting the Fleurieu Peninsula region. She enjoys giving back to the community and highly recommends volunteering as it brings huge amounts of self satisfaction.
Wendy, Inman Valley Cemetery Scrubbers
Wendy is no stranger to volunteering. Since her first volunteer role in 1985, she has provided her time and expertise to a wide range of community groups and initiatives, particularly in the environmental space.
Wendy established the Inman Valley Cemetery Scrubbers group and assists with Hooded Plover monitoring. Currently, she also volunteers for the Fleurieu Environment Centre, RSPCA Op Shop and the Yankalilla Show. The list goes on!
Giving back to the community and knowing she is making a difference are some of the reasons Wendy continues to volunteer. For others looking to get involved, Wendy says volunteering can be extremely flexible and tailored to suit your skills.
Her passion for animals and experience in environmental matters is a significant asset to the Fleurieu Peninsula. In fact, it seems there's nothing Wendy can't do!