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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, First Session (54-1)
2019-05-15 Daily Xml
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National Volunteer Week

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (16:02): I move:

That this council—

1. Notes that from 20 to 26 May 2019 we celebrate National Volunteer Week;

2. Acknowledges the valuable contribution that volunteers make to the economic and social wellbeing of local communities; and

3. Calls on all South Australians to thank and show their appreciation to all volunteers in our community.

I rise to speak today about National Volunteer Week. They say that politicians never agree and that we fight and maybe sometimes act a little bit like children. Perhaps today was an example of that, but—

The Hon. T.J. Stephens: There is no need for you to apologise.

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE: No, I am not apologising. But there are many issues we in this chamber agree on, and the invaluable role volunteers play in enriching the lives of our fellow South Australians, I believe, is one of those issues. Volunteering is more than just doing a good deed. It is a gift of something that feels increasingly limited in our busy society. It is the gift of time—time to extend a helping hand to others just because it is the right thing to do.

In South Australia alone, Volunteering SA believes the volunteering efforts in this state is valued at $5 billion annually. But it is not the economic value that we are celebrating. The gift of volunteering is far greater than that. National Volunteer Week is from 20 to 26 May and celebrates the dedication of our volunteers across the nation. The theme of 2019 is Making a World of Difference. This year marks the 30th anniversary of National Volunteer Week.

This week provides an opportunity to highlight the role of volunteers in our communities. Events will be held across the state to thank the six million Australians who generously give their time. In 2018, more than 900,000 South Australians volunteered, with an estimated contribution of 1.73 million hours per week. Whether volunteering to help those in need or to lend a helping hand to a neighbour, regardless of their cause, volunteering is always representative of the Australian way.

In this role, I am privileged to work alongside some outstanding volunteers, one of them being Carolyn Meridew, who has been a volunteer for the past 44 years, largely being involved in her children's school, up until they attended university, and continuing this tradition today as she volunteers for her grandchildren's school.

Carolyn spends roughly four hours a day volunteering, as she believes it is 'important to be involved'. When asked what volunteering meant to her, Carolyn simply said, 'It's about making people feel welcome and making them feel as if they have a sense of belonging.' Carolyn enjoys engaging with local communities and is always learning by interacting and talking to people from different walks of life.

Another volunteer whom I am lucky to know is Levi Hughes of Kadina. He has been a member of his community's local Neighbourhood Watch for the past 18 years. He has also walked the streets of Kadina for the Heart Foundation, raising funds for the past 12 years. Levi originally joined Neighbourhood Watch after his home had been broken into. However, he now attributes his passion for Neighbourhood Watch to the feeling that he has participated in a good service to the community in educating them and creating a safer community.

Just up the road, in another beautiful region, on Yorke Peninsula, Margret Pope of Wallaroo volunteers for a youth support group in the Copper Coast community as well as volunteering for the local sailing club. Some weeks Margret spends up to 10 hours volunteering her time, simply to support her town, as it gives her satisfaction to know that her time is benefiting others.

Although most volunteers would say that volunteering makes them feel satisfied, volunteering is a selfless act that fosters great contribution to our society. Our state's volunteers spend tireless hours to better their community and are pivotal members of our society who generate the true meaning of community spirit. Volunteers like Carolyn, Levi and Margret provide for a safe and welcoming community that is creating a more inclusive society.

In the volunteering for South Australia in 2018 report, regardless of whether those surveyed were volunteers or not, an overwhelming majority of the participants could recognise at least one benefit to the community from volunteering. Over a quarter said that volunteering 'builds community spirit and facilitates social cohesion'. Volunteers are the backbone of our state. Whether it is volunteering for our medical services, assisting in emergencies, volunteering in the school canteen, coaching a football team—regardless of the service—volunteering is at the heart of South Australia.

While I am on my feet, I would like to highlight another special day that recognises volunteers in our community. Wednesday 22 May is Wear Orange Wednesday, a day to recognise the State Emergency Service volunteers who work tirelessly, giving up their time to serve local communities in floods, storms and other emergencies. Orange is the official colour of the State Emergency Service and wearing orange on this day is a fantastic way to demonstrate your support for our local SES volunteers.

I have been humbled by the volunteers I have stood shoulder to shoulder with over many years, volunteers who have given countless hours to stand for something they believe in. From sizzling a sausage to turning the pages of a student's reader, they are all giving the precious gift of time to advance our great state. Thank you to our volunteers for making a world of difference.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. J.S.L. Dawkins.

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