VOLUNTEERS DAY

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA (15:10): My question is to the Minister for Volunteers: will he inform us about the recent Volunteers Day celebrations?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (15:10): I would like to thank the honourable member for his most important question. The 2012 Volunteers Day celebration and Volunteers Awards presentations were held on Monday, 11 June. The celebration is an opportunity to thank our volunteers in South Australia and recognise their contribution to our community. The award presentations recognise and thank individuals, organisations and community groups who have significantly impacted on their local communities.

I was joined on this day by His Excellency Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce, Governor of South Australia, and Mrs Scarce, as well as the Premier, the member for Light and the member for Morphett from the other place. The 2012 event was staged in collaboration with the Adelaide Festival Centre and included some wonderful performances by Ms Debra Byrne who, I am told, was a star of the original Young Talent Time show, which honourable members may be aware of and remember—somewhat before our time for a few of us, but I am sure others have very fond memories of Debbie Byrne and her performances.

Another quite renowned star was Ms Eden Espinosa, a singer and actor from California, and both these stars are here as part of the Adelaide Cabaret season. Mr Peter Goers was MC for the day's celebrations, and the event was well coordinated by the Office of Volunteers. I must say I was encouraged to see so many volunteers at the Festival Theatre, and I took the opportunity to chat with many of them at this very popular event.

Apart from the wonderful entertainment, the highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of the awards by the Premier and His Excellency the Governor. The Premier's Award for Corporate Social Responsibility, which recognises the business sector's contribution to the community, was awarded to People's Choice Credit Union. People's Choice Credit Union's long-running Community Lottery has been assisting not-for-profit organisations for a number of years. Since 2007, over 1,400 community groups here in South Australia have been supported through that lottery.

The Joy Noble Medal is South Australia's highest distinction for an individual volunteer, and this year it was won by Mr Kevin Lewis Roberts. Mr Roberts has been giving back to his community for over 50 years, including his efforts in leading the Rotary District 9520 Bushfire Community Recovery Project in support of the bushfire affected areas of Victoria in 2009.

This year's Andamooka Community Project Award was awarded to the Hawker Revegetation Project. The Andamooka recognises volunteers who have undertaken a project that has resulted in significant community benefit. The Hawker Revegetation Project has shown outstanding volunteer involvement, leadership and service to the region of Hawker.

I would like to congratulate the winners of South Australia's volunteering awards; their commitment to their communities is to be applauded. South Australia is a rich, diverse and vibrant state enriched by the goodwill of so many volunteers who embody the spirit of our community. I thank volunteers for all the wonderful work they do on behalf of all of our communities.