Volunteers

Mr CREGAN (Kavel) (15:19): I rise to recognise the value and significance of volunteers to my community. Australian Bureau of Statistics data suggests that smaller states and territories are enjoying higher rates of volunteering than some of the nation's larger states. Data suggests that at least 21.4 per cent of South Australians identify as volunteers and complete volunteer work through an organisation or group in their community.

Such a figure is above the national average of 19 per cent, and compares very favourably with the rates of volunteering in Queensland (18.1 per cent) and New South Wales (18.8 per cent). I observe that volunteering rates in Kavel are extraordinary. The state average, as I have mentioned, is 19 per cent; in Kavel, it is 27.81 per cent, with Piccadilly having the most substantial rate of volunteering at well over 38 per cent.

It is increasingly recognised that volunteering leads to a strong civil society and brings considerable community benefits. For example, assisting others in our community is related to improved physical health. It is thought that benefits include weight control, lower blood pressure and relief from depression and chronic pain. Dr Tim Sharp has sought to explain results of this kind in remarks published by Sydney University. Dr Sharp observes:

When we're helping others we're more likely to feel good about ourselves which is, not surprisingly, a positive contributor to mental health. Mental and physical health are highly correlated so when we're psychologically well, we're also more likely to be physically well.

Of considerable interest to me is the OECD Better Life Index and other research undertaken by the OECD examining social capital. I understand that the OECD has formed the view that measures of trust and civic engagement, such as volunteering rates, are linked to higher levels of economic growth and government performance.

It is always a special pleasure to meet with volunteer organisations in my electorate. I am deeply proud of the work of service clubs in my community, including Lions, Rotary, Apex, Kiwanis, Zonta and the VIEW Club. Indeed, I have four Lions clubs in my electorate: Mount Barker, Nairne and Districts, Onkaparinga, and Hahndorf and Districts. There are also three Rotary clubs: Mount Barker, Blakiston and Onkaparinga.

In the time available to me, I want to reflect briefly on the work of Kiwanis, Rotary, Zonta and VIEW clubs. The Kiwanis Club of the Adelaide Hills has most recently, amongst the very substantial span of its volunteer efforts, opened a bookshop. It is a growing business, the profits of which are returned to the community. I thank them sincerely for their work.

I specifically recognise the work of Zonta. Mr Speaker, you will know that Zonta empowers women through service and advocacy. In my community, Zonta have raised money for safe birthing kits for developing countries, support Zonta Breast Care cushions and developed a very successful project, Expect Respect, to educate our community about domestic and family violence. The project aims to reduce the incidence of domestic violence in the long term through an engagement, educational and learning platform. School students supply artwork for a calendar. I have a copy of the most recent calendar; it is a powerful document for use in wider domestic and family violence education.

Teaching respect is possible, and the Zonta Club of Mount Barker is proving this. I am aware of the broad scope of Zonta's contribution to my community, and I have touched briefly, although I hope in an informative way, on the nature of their contribution. I also acknowledge and thank the Rotary Club of Mount Barker for their substantial volunteering program, including support for Operation Flinders, and the Rotary Club of Blakiston for their work to improve the amenity of Glebe land in Littlehampton within my electorate.

The contribution of Rotary to my community cannot be overstated, though the standing orders may not allow me the time to do justice to their volunteering effort, for which I and all members of my community are grateful. The VIEW Club of the Adelaide Hills in my community has supported the Smith Family for many years. VIEW members dedicate many volunteer hours each year. Between clubs, they generously give their time to read to children in schools, help the Smith Family's after-school learning clubs, mentor students and use their craft skills to make school resources for students in need. I cannot thank my local VIEW Club enough. It was a great pleasure to meet and speak with its members.