A local Afghan youth soccer team is among four winners of an annual State Government award recognising the tireless and selfless efforts of our hardworking volunteers.
Every year, the state's volunteers are celebrated and their invaluable efforts recognised on Volunteers Day, Monday 8 June, with the presentation of the annual South Australian Volunteer Awards.
Today, the awards take a different form, with a special awards ceremony to be published online at 11am, presented by Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink.
Minister Lensink congratulated the four major winners – and all volunteers for their efforts across South Australia.
"I'd like to take the opportunity to say a big thank you to all our wonderful volunteers who provide much needed care and support to our community," said Minister Lensink.
"Volunteering has never been more important – with the COVID-19 pandemic and the summer's devastating bushfires before that, their work has been vital to support our community spirit in these challenging times.
"We are extremely fortunate to have almost one million South Australians who are willing to give up their time to make a significant contribution to improving the lives of others.
"My sincere thanks go to those South Australians putting their hands up to assist where they can, and I really encourage all who are able to consider volunteering to help our community in its time of need."
The 2020 South Australia Volunteer Award winners are:
* The Joy Noble Medal. South Australia's highest distinction for an individual volunteer.
Jennifer Howard – founder and CEO of Safe Pets Safe Houses
The organisation provides programs and services that support and assist people in DV situations to be able to leave safely with their children and pets so they can all be reunited when they are back on their feet. It also supports people who may be homeless or have fallen on hard times and their pets.
* The Premier's Award for Corporate Social Responsibility.
This award recognises the strong contribution the business sector makes to our communities such as through philanthropy, partnerships or releasing employees for volunteer service.
The Ghan Kebab House
The Kilburn business started a local soccer team for Afghan youth as a way of giving back to the community. A number of staff volunteer for the Ghan Kilburn Soccer Club and are encouraged to participate and volunteer within the community.
* 'The Andamooka' Community Project Award. Awarded to a community, or group of volunteers, which has undertaken a community project resulting in significant community benefit.
The 'Archie Badenoch' project
The Archie Badenoch is a historic 40-foot Auxiliary Work Boat with a significant connection to Port Adelaide. It is skippered, crewed, maintained and restored by a tight knit team of fifteen dedicated volunteers who run cruises along the Port River for school groups to share the story of the area's history and ecology with students.
* The Excellence in Volunteer Management Award (New category).
This award recognises the dedication and commitment of volunteer managers who support and facilitate the engagement of volunteers.
Michael Feszczak
Highly regarded across the volunteer sector for his professionalism and volunteer management expertise. In his role as HR Business Partner – Volunteer Management with the City of Onkaparinga - he is responsible for overseeing the council volunteer program of 600 volunteers, providing direction and support to over 60 staff in 33 sites/programs. He is also the chair of the Local Government Volunteer Managers Network.
For more information and to view the online awards presentation, visit www.dhs.sa.gov.au.
