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House of Assembly - Fifty-Third Parliament, Second Session (53-2)
2015-12-01 Daily Xml
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Volunteering Award for Outstanding Service

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton) (16:00): I just want to acknowledge and recognise a few of the many outstanding volunteers I have in my electorate. My electorate is a better place for the work that is undertaken by those volunteers. On this occasion, I particularly want to focus on the Minister for Education's Volunteering Award for Outstanding Service 2015.

This is a fantastic initiative, initially undertaken by the former minister for education and carried on by our current minister, which is a great thing. It recognises the immensely positive contribution volunteers make to children and students in our community. It was a huge success in my electorate in its inaugural year last year and this year is shaping up to be just as wonderful.

The aim of this award is for schools, preschools and kindergartens to formally recognise the efforts of one or more outstanding volunteers each year, as well as to allow the minister and the public to thank them for their work. As I said, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and pay tribute to this year's recipients in my electorate. I am pre-empting a bit; I am sure they do not read Hansard very often, so I am still sure it will be a surprise for them when it is announced later next week. I do not want to spoil the surprise for those presentations that are next week, but here I go.

From the Barbra Kiker Memorial Kindergarten—I can tell you that it is not spelled the same way as my name, but it is a very good kindergarten in my electorate—the 2015 recipients are Lea Nancarrow and Donna Knights. Lea was selected for her great success in her role as chairperson of the governing council, as well as for her commitment to fundraising efforts and various community events. In particular, Lea is being recognised for sourcing a new outdoor learning environment for the kindergarten. Donna is being recognised for her generous role in volunteering and assisting the kindergarten across a range of fields, particularly attending excursions, helping with filing, and organising the kindy's library.

From Fulham Gardens Primary School—another great primary school—the 2015 recipients are Ellen and Ray Fry. Ellen and Ray received the award last year, and it came as no surprise to me when their names popped up again, and it will not surprise me if they go for a three-peat in 2016. The Frys have worked tirelessly at Fulham Gardens for many years and together provide a wonderful service to the school. Ellen coordinates the canteen, whilst Ray is a committed handyman who manages the school's garden areas with so much pride.

Fulham Park Preschool chose this year to dedicate the award to its 2015 governing council, which is comprised of a large group of very dedicated and committed parents. I do remember when the award was first announced that it was very difficult for some schools. They made the point, 'It is hard for us to recognise a single volunteer amongst the very good volunteers we've got.' Quite simply, we said to them, 'Put in as many names as you want, if you so choose; there's no problem with that.'

Fulham Park Preschool have dedicated their award to the governing council, as I said. The members of the 2015 governing council have been committed to raising awareness in the community about the preschool, to improve facilities and to raise funds to support children's learning. Congratulations to Katherine Gariboli, Bronwen Tait, Bianca Kannanne, Amanda Jurisevic, Gemma Yolland, Jean Morella, Jenny Lewis, Kerra Renfors, Kobie Duffy, Marta Germinario, Nor Varisco and Sheron Bleasdale. I congratulate each and every one of them.

From Grange Primary School, the 2015 recipient is Debbie Moore. I have had a lot to do with Debbie. She is an exceptional person who supports the Grange Primary community through her role as chairperson of the school's governing council. Debbie is committed to student welfare and often negotiates with the City of Charles Sturt council and South Australia Police to help improve student safety.

Henley Beach Primary School—my old primary school—this year selected Nancy Coleman as the 2015 recipient for her generous role in volunteering her time to the Grub Club at Henley Beach Primary School and her dedication to educating students about fresh produce. From Henley Community Kindergarten—my old kindergarten—the 2015 recipient is Shelly Nelson for her commitment to preserving the values of the library at the kindergarten. Shelly donates generous amounts of her time to the library, assessing each book to ensure that the catalogue is appropriate for the children.

Henley High School—my old high school—who did not participate in the award last year, have this year selected Shujun Gao as the 2015 recipient for her generous commitment to the school's international students through intensive secondary English classes. Shujun also assists teachers by acting as a translator when presenters visit the school.

Seaton Park Primary School selected Kathy Drew (and I presented her with her award yesterday) for her positive influence on students and fellow volunteers. Kathy assists in the classrooms and on excursions and has an unwavering commitment to building the profile of Seaton Park's community garden. Finally, Star of the Sea Primary School selected Glen and Marju Pill as its 2015 recipients. The Pills are both generous with their time and assist the school across a range of fields, in particular Marju, who reads in the junior primary classes, and Glen, who works with the learning assistance program. I congratulate each and every one of those volunteers.

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