2025 Volunteer of the Year Award winners announced
On Thursday, 22 May 2025, the Walkerville Volunteer of the Year Awards were held, thanking and celebrating the local volunteers who make a difference in the community.
Deputy Mayor of the Town of Walkerville, Jay Allanson, unveiled the 2025 winners at a special ceremony with other community members, organisations and volunteers.
Deputy Mayor Allanson said these awards were a fantastic opportunity to recognise the “heartbeat” of our Town
“When you think about the word ‘community’, you might picture a place, a postcode, a group of neighbours. But a community is more than that – it’s the relationships between people. It’s the sense of belonging, of being seen, of knowing you matter,” explained Deputy Mayor Allanson.
”And it is volunteers who bring that to life.
“When people feel connected, they feel safer. They feel more valued. They’re more likely to contribute, to reach out and to care about what happens around them. Volunteers are the spark that makes that happen.
“Thank you for leading with compassion, kindness and humility.”
The 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award winners are:
Volunteer of the Year - Robyn Colwell
Robyn has reliably volunteered for 18 years at the Walkerville Uniting Playgroup, bringing energy and dedication to every session, welcoming many new children and their families to create an enriching experience through learning and play.
Robyn’s patience and nurturing spirit allows everyone to feel valued and included. She has a positive attitude and genuine care for children’s wellbeing.
Young Volunteer of the Year - Ellee Eleftheriadis
Ellee is an exceptional young volunteer whose leadership, innovation and dedication has transformed the junior program at Walkerville Netball Club.
As the Club’s first Junior Head Coach, she has created and delivered a structured development model supporting over 450 players across all skill levels.
Her initiatives – ranging from elite training pathways and wellbeing programs to mentoring and coach clinics – have strengthened the Club’s culture, boosted retention and fostered a more inclusive and connected environment.
Ellee is a role model and mentor whose voluntary work directly supports local youth, promotes wellbeing and reflects the values of community leadership in action.
Community Event of the Year - St Andrew's School Parents' Association - Shaping Community
Through Service: St Andrew’s School Inaugural ‘Colour Run’
The inaugural Colour Run on 27 September 2024 at St Andrew’s School was organised and hosted by the St Andrew’s School Parents’ Association, showcasing the commitment to fostering a sense of connection and belonging within the community.
The collaborative efforts between students, staff and parents, created lasting memories, while embodying the values of active participation, support and community building.
Bree Alexander leads a team of dedicated parent volunteers whose significant contributions are essential to the success of the school community. Their tireless efforts have been instrumental in making events like the Colour Run possible. This group arranges, organises and volunteers at numerous events – whether it’s fundraising, supporting special celebrations or providing services, like the second-hand uniform shop.
Mayor's Choice Award - Carmen Walker-Galpin
Carmen began volunteering with Town of Walkerville’s Events Team in July 2023. She is a dedicated volunteer, who always goes above and beyond her duties to help the community.
For almost 10 years, Carmen has volunteered across a multitude of other organisations and events, including Adelaide Dental Hospital as volunteer concierge, COTASA as volunteer promotion coordinator and peer group speaker for senior groups, Holden Street Theatre as front of house volunteer and usher, and also City of Adelaide volunteering with their citizenship ceremonies.
A Certificate of Commendation was also given to Volunteer of the Year nominee, Denny Tredinnick, who has been a volunteer grounds person since 2023 at Walkerville Primary School, as he has been going above and beyond to make the school environment safer, more functional and enjoyable.
Town of Walkerville wants to congratulate and thank all of the 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award winners and runner-up for their dedication and hard work in the Township and beyond.
