This National Volunteer Week, the City of Playford is celebrating those who generously give their time and dedication to helping others in our community.
National Volunteer Week runs from 18 to 24 May and celebrates the vital role volunteers play in bringing communities together. This year's theme, Your Year to Volunteer, encourages people to discover how volunteering can create connection, purpose and lasting positive change.
Across Playford, volunteers are at the heart of community life. Their impact stretches far and wide and over the past 12 months, more than 280 active volunteers have contributed more than 55,000 hours across our city.
Volunteers range in age from 15 to 96 years old, highlighting the incredible community spirit shared across generations. The City of Playford has also experienced encouraging growth in younger volunteers, with people under 24 years of age now making up 11.9 per cent of volunteers, increasing from 8.87 per cent in the previous year.
Mayor Glenn Docherty thanks all our volunteers for their long-standing commitment to supporting our community, recognising the important role they play in continuing the great work which helps our community to thrive.
"National Volunteer Week is an important opportunity to recognise the people who make a difference across our community every day. Whether it's supporting local clubs, helping at community events, mentoring young people, caring for the environment or simply lending a helping hand, volunteers make a real difference in people's lives," Mayor Docherty said.
"This year's theme is a wonderful reminder that volunteering can look different for everyone and even small acts of giving back can have a lasting impact."
This year also marks several significant City of Playford volunteer milestones, including three volunteers reaching 40 years of service, one volunteer reaching 35 years and many others celebrating between five and 30 years of volunteering.
Among those previously recognised for outstanding service is local resident and long-time volunteer Pauline Frost OAM, who has dedicated 40 years to supporting the community and environment.
Pauline has inspired many people through her passion for creating a greener city. Her positive outlook, strong work ethic and go-getter attitude has fostered a strong culture of environmental care and community connection across Playford.
"When you believe in what you are doing and know that in some small way, it is making an improvement to an environment, it is a joy to be a part of," Pauline said.
"Every step we take in improving the environment in any region, is a happy time for those involved. We all take a big breath when the plants grow well."
Pauline's advice to others who are thinking about volunteering is very simple.
"Just get out there and do it because it will be the best step you ever take. I will keep volunteering as long as I am upright."
This year's celebration also aligns with the United Nations International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, recognising the important role volunteers play in building stronger, more inclusive and sustainable communities around the world.
