Julie Earl
In every corner of the Naracoorte community, there are countless people selflessly giving their time and energy to help others, without the need for thanks or praise.
When special recognition does come, it is a welcome surprise, as it was for several Naracoorte volunteers recently.
At the 2024 SA Australian Volunteer Awards held at the Adelaide Wine Centre in May, two local groups were nominated for the ‘Andamooka Community Project Award – Recognising a community or group
volunteer project of significant community benefit.’
Highly Commended Finalist was awarded to the Australian Red Cross Learner Driver Mentor Program.
The award was proudly received by Marg Wortley, sole Naracoorte volunteer with this special program designed to help mainly migrant women gain their licences. Marg has been a Red Cross volunteer for 26 years, and over the last three years has successfully mentored around 10 learner drivers.
Friends of the Caves Friday Gardening Group was also nominated in the same category.
Representative Vanita Bator was excited to attend the event and to be recognised for the group’s work at the Naracoorte Caves, providing people of diverse backgrounds and abilities with volunteering opportunities in a safe and supportive environment.
Graham and Jenny Hinze were delighted to receive a special invitation to attend a reception at Government House in Adelaide on 22 May, as part of a 110 person delegation of Prostate Cancer support workers and volunteers.
After being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2007, Graham established the Limestone Coast Support Group in Mount Gambier in 2011, followed by the Naracoorte Support Group three years later.
The Naracoorte group has around 20 members, and is open to all men experiencing any kind of significant health issues.
The region has a proud legacy of volunteering, as evidenced by the 2016 Census, which showed the Naracoorte Lucindale district recording the second highest participation rate in the nation.
Volunteers are the beating heart of our communities and must be proudly celebrated.
