National Volunteer Week

The Hon. T.R. KENYON (Newland) (14:20): My question is to the Minister for Health. How has the SA Ambulance Service recognised and celebrated their volunteers during National Volunteer Week?

Members interjecting:

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING (Playford—Minister for Health, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Health Industries) (14:21): Well, members opposite have no respect for people who give of their time to look after and help others through our Ambulance Service. You would have thought that country members would have a greater interest in what volunteers in their electorates are doing, serving their community, rather than just laughing and scoffing. It is a disappointment to see such disregard from members representing regional South Australia, having such contempt for our volunteers.

Mr Speaker, as you would be aware, it is National Volunteer Week and, as volunteers across South Australia are being recognised for their outstanding contributions to our community, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the volunteers in our Ambulance Service. SA Ambulance Service is an integral part of the health system in South Australia and the contribution of volunteer ambulance officers is crucial in ensuring the Ambulance Service is available across the state in rural and remote areas.

I always enjoy meeting our ambulance volunteers when I am visiting our state's regional areas. I am constantly impressed with their dedication to their community and how they balance the demands of family and work life with the responsibility of providing lifesaving care, often at a moment's notice.

During the Mid North country cabinet, I met Pamela Pinkerton. Pam has been volunteering at Burra for the last 18 months, after relocating from Darwin where she worked for eight years as the emergency management adviser at the Royal Darwin Hospital. Pam has brought many skills to the Burra ambulance team and is a valued member of her community. As is often the case with our ambulance volunteers, Pam also volunteers with other organisations within the Burra district. Pam is just one example of the over 1,500 people who come from all walks of life to volunteer for our Ambulance Service.

Last year, SA ambulance volunteers responded to an average of 50 callouts per day to treat 18,000 patients across regional South Australia. I am told that our oldest volunteer is 89 years old and the youngest is 18 which, of course, indicates a broad range of people who put their hand up to volunteer with the SA Ambulance Service. It is also worth noting that many of the volunteers are in it for the long haul. For example, our oldest volunteer has notched up 52 years. This week, SA ambulance executives will collectively visit around 70 teams as they hold events to acknowledge the contribution made by volunteers.

The week will culminate in a dinner this Friday, hosted by the SA Ambulance Service, to honour those volunteers who have this year reached their 25-year milestone of service with the Ambulance Service. I would like to thank all of our volunteers across SA Ambulance for their service. Of course, like any volunteer organisation, SA Ambulance Service is always on the lookout to recruit new members, and they have made it as easy as possible for those people who think they have what it takes to join the friendly and dedicated ranks of the SA Ambulance Service volunteers. If people are interested in becoming an SA Ambulance Service volunteer, I encourage them to call SA  ambulance on 1800 655 306 or go to the SA Ambulance Service website at saambulance.com.au