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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2011-12-01 Daily Xml
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VOLUNTEER SUPPORT FUND

Ms THOMPSON (Reynell) (17:20): I want to take this opportunity to commend the work of many volunteers in my electorate who were recently recognised by the member for Kingston, Amanda Rishworth, in a ceremony that she conducts each year to recognise the contribution that volunteers make to our joint communities. Reynell is, of course, the heart of Kingston, and—

The Hon. J.D. Hill interjecting:

Ms THOMPSON: Despite what the member for Kaurna might say, Reynell is the heart of Kingston. Of course, the people she recognises are serving my community as well. The first person to receive a commendation from my electorate on the day that the member for Kingston held two ceremonies—there were so many people to recognise—was Karen Christensen from the Christie Downs Community House.

Karen has been a volunteer and mentor at the Christie Downs Community House for the past 11 years. She devotes hours of her time each week as chairperson of the CDCH board, volunteer recruitment officer and cook serving meals. Karen is applauded for the care and dedication she brings to CDCH and her good humour. I think that it was a very low key commendation. I also had the privilege of recognising Karen's contribution to our community in the International Women's Day recognition awards, and here Karen was recognised for the role she has taken as a model for many other women in our community.

When Karen first went to the Christie Downs Community House she openly acknowledges—I am not telling any secrets—that she was lonely and a little bit afraid of what was going on in the world. She gained her confidence through the community house such, as you now hear, that she is now the chair of the board, she has achieved a TAFE Certificate III and she is going on to a TAFE Certificate IV. Karen illustrates very well the valuable contribution of community houses in general and the transformation that can occur to people's lives through the work of the community houses.

Georgina McKay-Brown from the Noarlunga District Senior Citizens Club is the current secretary of the club assisting the president and overseeing operations. Georgina demonstrates strong initiative and energy in everything she does. She also coordinates her own chat and friendship group.

Ronda Eden is from the Christie Downs Primary School volunteers both in the canteen and classroom at the Christie Downs Primary School. In addition to preparing food and other duties in the canteen, Ronda also supports the health and well-being of students in the classroom. Christie Downs sees Ronda as a great asset to our local community. She was nominated by the school principal, a very dedicated school principal, Gail Evans.

Also from the Christie Downs Primary School is Ray Fleming, who volunteers in the kitchen cooking program at the school. He is a dedicated, flexible and valued asset to the school community due to his expansive knowledge of food preparation due to his former life as a chef.

Joan Webber from Pimpala Primary School was nominated by another leading principal in our community, Linda Olifent. Joan is the school service officer volunteer at Pimpala Primary School. She has volunteered at the school for over 20 years. She coordinated the fine and gross motor coordination program in the junior primary school as well is assisting with the special education program. Joan is passionate about her work, and the children love to participate in her programs.

The Reverend Malcolm Martin was nominated by Father Dirk van Dissel from the Anglican parish of Christies Beach. Since his retirement 10 years ago, Malcolm has voluntarily conducted services at the Gulf View Nursing Home and conducted weekly visits to Noarlunga Hospital, as neither of these facilities has a chaplain. Reverend Martin is recognised for the comfort and encouragement he brings to residents and patients.

Molly Hutton from the Noarlunga District Senior Citizens Club Incorporated is the publicity officer with the club. Recently she has been coordinating, instructing and assisting with dance routines. With many years of volunteering experience, Molly supports all club activities, often beyond expectations. Molly is of advanced years but very sprightly and a real example of the benefits of keeping active well into retirement and later years.

David Blowes was just nominated for being a member of numerous Morphett Vale community groups by Susan Tones. David recently retired from the City of Onkaparinga's Community Bus after lodging over 10 years' loyal service. David was formerly a CFS captain for 11 years and has been involved with the Morphett Vale Bowling Club for 11 years. David's long record of community involvement is applauded.

Janine Hook from the very worthy Sammy D Foundation: Janine has volunteered over 2,500 hours in the past four years at the Sammy D Foundation. Her dedication and skills in the area of administration, volunteer management and event management have been vital to the success of the organisation. Some members will not know about the Sammy D foundation, which was established by the parents of Sammy Davis after his tragic death in a violent incident at a party.

The volunteers are drawn largely from Sammy's friends and family, and it has been quite enlightening and strengthening to me to see the way these young people have maintained that commitment. It was not something they got excited about briefly and then let go. They have remained loyal to their vow to ensure that violence does not ruin the lives of more families and take more young people from us.

Tania Craig from Coorara Preschool was nominated by the director, Michelle Morrisey. Tania began volunteering at Coorara Preschool when her daughter attended and has continued her relationship following her daughter's transition into school in 2008. She has supported and enriched the school community by giving her time to tackle various often time-consuming tasks. Tania has been described as the woman Friday of Coorara Preschool, and this acknowledgement is richly deserved.

Bert Justin from the Morphett Vale Riding Club: Bert has been a member of the club for over 30 years. Despite being 80 and no longer riding, Bert still attends every meet to staff the canteen's barbecue and continues to make equipment for the use of riders. Bert is described as a staunch and loyal supporter of the club and an asset to the community.

Barry Wells: I was surprised to see Barry being nominated for his membership of the Seaford Meadows Scout Group, because he is also a very active member of Neighbourhood Watch. He is the current chairperson of the Seaford Meadows Scout Group. Barry gives up his time, often volunteering with young and disadvantaged members of the group. Seaford Meadows Scout Group is proud and thankful to have such a dedicated member of the volunteer team.

Tracy Gabel from TS Noarlunga Navy Cadets Unit Support Committee is dedicated to the cadet cause. She gives freely of their time in and out of committee commitments. She is a hard worker with lots of energy and ideas, works full-time and has a son at cadets. She is extremely valuable in her role to the committee and the unit. David Gabel also from TS Noarlunga Navy Cadets has also put in many hours both in and outside of his committee commitments. He is dedicated and dependable and an asset to the unit.

Andrew Clark from Wirreanda High School is the deputy chairperson of the school governing council, has been a committee member since 2005 and helps to organise and attends all working bees. He is a valued volunteer and friend, whose efforts on behalf of the school community are much appreciated. Andrew is somebody else who is involved in many activities around the Reynell community centred on Morphett Vale.

Patricia Winn from the TS Noarlunga Navy Cadets is a member of the executive committee who has volunteered on many occasions and often at short notice. She is an extremely hard worker and a valued asset to the committee. Vici Brennan for Wirreanda High School is secretary of the governing council, has been a member of that council since 2006 and volunteers in the school canteen. She is recognised for her commitment and dedication to the school community.

I apologise to the last people; I will be very brief. Dennis Paterson from the City of Onkaparinga Community Bus: the community bus is just one of Dennis's activities. He was chair of the over-50s club at Wakefield House for many years and a valued member of our community. Bob Dyer is the driving force behind the Friends of Sully's, an organisation that advocates strongly for the people of O'Sullivan Beach, a slightly isolated area that has many unique difficulties and many unique advantages. Bob makes the most of them both.

Jane Bristow from the Southern Montessori School has worked tirelessly on behalf of the school community for the last eight years. She has coordinated safe food handling courses, runs Saturday soccer barbecues, coordinated and cooked weekly soup pasta lunches for the whole school, served on the board, organised community evenings, to name just a few. I think all members join with me in thanking the volunteers in our communities, those who I have named from my community are but a simple representation of those in all our communities.

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