Volunteer of the Year award winners
On Thursday, 23 May 2024, the Walkerville Volunteer of the Year award winners were revealed, recognising the dedicated members in the community who form the backbone of the Township.
Town of Walkerville Mayor, Melissa Jones, announced the winners at the award ceremony at the Walkerville Town Hall.
The winners for 2024 were:
Volunteer of the Year - Elisabeth Ellison
For her voluntary work at St Andrew’s Church, Walkerville, for over 20 years. Mrs Ellison has been a dedicated “sacristan” to the Church, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
From Sunday services to keeping the building clean and tidy, no matter the job, Ms Ellison was happy to lend a hand to the congregation of the Church and the wider community.
Community Event of the Year - Walkerville Uniting Church Playgroup
For over 18 years of service to the local community, the team of volunteers that run the Walkerville Uniting Church Playgroup have been recognised for their valuable pre-school learning environment provided to local children and their families.
This playgroup is the longest continually registered playgroup operating in South Australia, quite an achievement for a local group run by volunteers.
Merilee Hobby and Suellen Clark founded the group 18 years ago and have remained leaders and volunteers of the playgroup.
At the Volunteer Awards ceremony, Ms Hobby and Ms Clark mentioned that the playgroup has been an amazing initiative to run over the years and have found the playgroup to be an extension of their own families.
Mayor’s Choice Award - Dennis Schlein
For his voluntary service to the Walkerville Football Club and the wider sporting community. Mr Schlein has been the Secretary of the Walkerville Football Club for 30 years over two stints (1990-1996, 2002-present).
He was made a Life Member of the Walkerville Sports Club in 1987 due to his 10 years of continuous service to the football club.
For many years, he has served as the Club Delegate to the South Australian Amateur Football League (SAAFL), on top of his continuous service to the Walkerville Football Club.
Mr Schlein has devoted his life to the service and success of the club.
There were no nominations this year for the Young Volunteer of the Year Award.
Certificates of Commendation were given to Gavan McCormack from the Rotary Club of Walkerville, Ross McGlashan from the Walkerville Football Club, and Suellen Clark and Merilee Hobby (jointly) from the Walkerville Uniting Church Playgroup.
Both Mr McCormack and Mr McGlashan have put their time, effort and leadership towards assisting local clubs in the Township. While Ms Clark and Ms Hobby founded a local Playground, which has been supporting families for over 18 years.
Mayor Melissa Jones said, “Volunteering brings people together. It builds communities and creates a better society for everyone. When we volunteer, we contribute to our community’s wellbeing, and we help build a better world.
“However, volunteering is not just about helping others; it’s also about personal growth and fulfilment. When we volunteer, we learn new skills, make new friends and expand our perspectives. We become part of something bigger than ourselves and feel a sense of purpose and belonging.”
The event has musical entertainment from the Kallan Francis Trio, which included a local Walkerville guitarist who attends the Elder Conservatorium and was recently awarded the prestigious James Morrison Scholarship at Generations in Jazz in Mt Gambier a few weeks ago.
See the full gallery below of the Volunteer Award festivities - Photographer - Simon Casson:
