National Volunteer Week

Ms WORTLEY (Torrens) (15:40): Last month, we celebrated National Volunteer Week, Australia's most significant recognition of volunteers. Since 1989, we have highlighted this week to thank the millions of Australians who give their time, skills and energy to support others without expecting anything in return. This year's theme, Connecting Communities, reminds us that volunteering is about more than service; it is about belonging. It brings people together, it builds stronger communities, and it creates lasting relationships. At its heart, volunteering is about service, giving your time and talents to help others or support a cause you believe in. It changes lives, including the volunteers' own, and it offers opportunity to grow, to learn and to make a real difference.

I want to use this time today to thank the many volunteers across the seat of Torrens and also across South Australia for their dedication, compassion and commitment. They are the foundation of so many of the services and support that enrich the lives of our community today. Today, in the time allocated, I want to acknowledge and thank the volunteers, beginning with Northfield Meals on Wheels. It is called Northfield, but it is based in Oakden. It is a friendly crew led by Ann, who have been providing meals to members of our community for many years. I have been a volunteer there myself, packing and delivering meals to our local community, and I know how much their service is appreciated.

The volunteers in our schools, those who come in and help out in our schools, make such a difference. A lot that occurs in our schools would not be able to happen without the support of the parents, grandparents and other community members. I make particular mention today of our school governing councils and the work they do, including supporting sports days, gala days, fundraising events and other activities in the classrooms and libraries. We also have our sporting clubs and the people who volunteer coaching, umpiring, running the boundary lines and fundraising. They do a fantastic job in our sporting clubs, and without them, again, a lot of our community sports clubs would not be able to operate.

I will begin with North Eastern MetroStars Soccer Club, whose home ground is TK Shutter Reserve in Klemzig. I thank president Rob Rende and committee members Adrian Larkin, Anthony Taormina, David Gow, Dr Mario Soteriou, as the club as the club doctor, Filomena Panfilo, Maree Hatedakis, Mimi Duric, Paul Kousiandas, Peter Blanco and Zoran Duric. I want to make special mention today, too, of Debbie and George Laoutaris, who, for more than 20 years, have volunteered with MetroStars.

Sadly, Deb passed away suddenly just a couple of weeks ago, a truly amazing woman. She is greatly missed by everyone at the club, from players to committee members and supporters. At Deb's funeral, there was standing room only, and to honour her contribution to the club there was a sea of MetroStars and Port Power colours. I would often bump into Deb at Adelaide Oval on game day. I offer my heartfelt condolences to George and the boys.

There are many more volunteers at MetroStars, but I will mention them at a later date when I rise to speak on the club's 30^th anniversary. The Gaza Sports and Community Club have an amazing team of volunteers. The club has faced some challenging times recently, and together the volunteers have worked tirelessly for the benefit of local families. The committee now consists mostly of women led by club president Natasha Jenke and assisted by chairperson Domenique Downie.

Adelaide City Football Club is led by president Angelo Carrozza. I attended their gala ball on Saturday evening. It was an amazing event with around 500 supporters there. Valley View Tennis Club is again run by volunteers, president Glen Arthur, treasurer Taran, captain Justin Brown and their secretary Rachel Pfeiffer. They are a welcoming team who, with others, organise teams, coaching and day events, also with the club project manager Jim Zissopoulos and for self-managed social tennis, Jo Abbot.

The stand-out long-term Klemzig Neighbourhood Watch, led by Robyn Williams and a dedicated team is one of the most successful in the state, regularly attracting a significant number of community members to their meetings. The recently reinvigorated Valley View Neighbourhood Watch is led by Vanessa Cartland and coordinator Jigs Patel.

Torrens is also home to Blind Cricket SA and we have there Phil Penn, SA's leading umpire of blind cricket who helps visiting opposition players understand the rules of blind cricket. The club's secretary also does an amazing job.

The North East Community Assistance Program has a long history of providing vulnerable people throughout the north-eastern suburbs with groceries in the lead-up to Christmas, food packages and toys. I just want to mention North East Community House, Wandana Community Centre and Technology for Ageing and Disability in Gilles Plains. All of these organisations provide invaluable service to our community and I thank them for their contributions.