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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
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INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEERS DAY

Mr PICCOLO (Light) (15:50): Today I would like to speak about volunteers. I know I speak about volunteers a lot; however, next Monday is International Volunteers Day. It is also particularly important because it is International Year for Volunteers + 10, so it is 10 years since we celebrated volunteering right across the globe. On Monday there will be a lot to be discussed about the future of volunteering at the volunteer congress, which will be attended by the Premier.

In the past I have spoken about service clubs and other community groups and the volunteer contribution made by our community. What I would like to do today is talk about some of the individuals who volunteer in our communities without any fuss or fanfare, who are often behind the scenes making an important contribution to our communities. Recently I wrote to the local paper seeking stories from readers of local papers about volunteers in the community who perhaps do not get much mention elsewhere and who do a valuable job.

I was amazed by the quality and quantity of responses I received about people who support our community. I would like to talk about a few of them today. I confess I cannot do it justice, but I think in the time I have available I can at least highlight some of the things which occur in my community because of these wonderful volunteers.

First, I would like to mention Bruce Parsons. Bruce is a retired teacher and is a tutor at Gawler Community House. In conjunction with the Lutheran Community Care at Tanunda, Bruce helps adult participants gain practical skills that help them in their everyday life. From literacy to numeracy to everyday life skills such as self-esteem, Bruce plays an important role in helping adults get on with their life.

Craig Haskard has an interest in ballroom dancing. For 20 years he has been helping the seniors in our community to dance. At the age of 89 he was more concerned about letting the team down when he decided to retire as a ballroom dancing teacher. Again, Craig has done a wonderful job in supporting our seniors in this activity.

Then we have Peter Webb. Peter is 81 years of age. Peter has the skill to make his audience drift into another place and another time. Peter is making regular appearances at the Wheatfields Nursing Home in Freeling where his performances are said to woo the staff and residents. He maintains a hectic schedule of singing in nursing homes and local churches. Peter states that it is all about—

Mr Venning interjecting:

Mr PICCOLO: He is, that's right. He does it in your electorate, but he lives in mine. Peter has done a wonderful job in supporting our elderly in the various nursing homes. Then there is the Make a Wish team and volunteers from the Barossa branch. They have 20 members—

Mr Venning interjecting:

Mr PICCOLO: I cannot help it if they want to communicate with me and tell me their stories. I do not know why they do not tell you, member for Schubert. It is Christmas; we won't go there. For over a decade this small group of volunteers has been actively fundraising to give young local people wishes to overcome hardship.

Ann McGonigal teaches basic skating skills right through to artistic skating. She conducts family orientation sessions every Saturday morning at the Gawler Sports and Community Centre. Ann was a state finalist in the Every Generation Physical Activity Award in recognition of her contribution to the community. Ann has been donating her time and skills for many years.

Some could describe the next volunteer as the king of volunteers. Norman Knispel, who sadly passed away on 8 September 2011, will be missed by the service club community of Gawler and beyond. Norman began his service club career when he helped establish the Apex Cub in Gawler in 1952. Norman had a very eminent career in both Apex and Lions. Our communities are better for his contribution of over 55 years.

I would also like to mention the Rotary Youth Exchange of Gawler, which also supports students who come from other countries and spend time in our local schools. That program assists many young people to see the world. Also, the community radio station Triple B FM is a station with a difference. The entire staff of 70 is made up of volunteers; 35 of them are presenters.

Mr Venning: Is this a push for Schubert? Are you going to stand for Schubert?

The SPEAKER: Order!

Mr PICCOLO: This is but a small example of the volunteers in our community.

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