Meet some of Victor Harbor's generous volunteers
National Volunteer Week (20 – 26 May 2024) 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. You can meet some of our remarkable volunteers below!
Pam and Tim (Visitor Centre)
The loyal volunteers at the Victor Harbor Visitor Centre add much vibrancy to our city. Pam and Tim have volunteered at the Visitor Centre for 22 years and 6 years respectively.
They both play a vital role in promoting our region and sharing information with visitors. Along the way, they’ve made many friends and found much joy in spruiking the wonderful places and experiences on offer in our local area.
For Tim, volunteering is a way to keep busy and meet people from across the globe. Pam strongly believes that volunteers are happier people, as it offers a sense of purpose and self-worth!
Grainne (Coral Street Art Space)
After moving to the Fleurieu Peninsula from interstate, volunteering was a great way for Grainne to meet locals and build a social network.
Grainne is one of the valued volunteers at Coral Street Art Space, introducing visitors to exhibitions and encouraging engagement with Victor Harbor’s home of arts and culture. Her friendly approach and background in communications is a significant asset.
She says that volunteering can create a sense of belonging and contribution the community, and it’s a fantastic chance to share skills as well as learn new ones.
Barrie (Caring Neighbourhood Program)
Since commencing as a volunteer for the Caring Neighbourhood Program in 2020, Barrie has supported many isolated members of our community to build connections.
With warmth and dedication, he helps to facilitate a range of organised social activities for people aged over 65. For some local residents, these activities are their only opportunity for socialisation, and it wouldn’t be possible without volunteers like Barrie.
Barrie enjoys working in a team environment, describing it as motivating, satisfying and rewarding! He says friendships and memories are formed easily when volunteering.
Ann and Dave (Friends of the Hindmarsh River Estuary)
Ann and Dave have volunteered with the Friends of the Hindmarsh River Estuary for around four years. Together with the support of Council, their group has made a tremendous positive impact to the local environment.
They play a key role in conserving the Hindmarsh River Estuary, specifically by propagating plants, weeding, maintaining vegetation and preparing areas for planting. Their contributions are priceless.
For Ann, volunteering has had vast improvements to her mental and physical health. Meanwhile, Dave has met a range of new friends and enjoys the social atmosphere.
Peter (Southern Communities Transport Scheme)
As a volunteer for the Southern Communities Transport Scheme, Peter transports local residents to medical appointments, social events and shops.
After retiring, he felt it was a great time to start giving back to the community and started volunteering. As a volunteer driver, Peter is able to make a real difference to the lives of transport disadvantaged people.
He enjoys chatting to clients and hearing their stories, as well as sharing one or two of his own. For Peter, volunteering is very much a two-way street – he gets out as much as he puts in!
Are you interested in becoming a volunteer?
Volunteers connect closely with our local community to help build vibrant places to live, work and play. Many Council programs and services would not be provided without the support of our amazing volunteers.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer and would like to discuss this further, contact the City of Victor Harbor on 8551 0500 or localgov@victor.sa.gov.au.