A Lifeline crisis supporter who has spent more than a decade helping people through some of the hardest moments of their lives has received South Australia’s highest volunteer honour at this year’s SA Volunteer Awards.
Keith Clark, from Aldgate, was awarded The Joy Noble Medal during a ceremony at Government House hosted by Governor Frances Adamson AC, recognising his work with Lifeline and decades of service with the Aldgate Country Fire Service.
The annual awards, presented by Volunteering SA&NT in partnership with the South Australian Department of Human Services, coincide with National Volunteer Week, which runs from 18 to 24 May.
South Australia is home to almost one million volunteers, contributing an estimated 223 million hours of service each year. Organisers say that contribution carries an estimated social and economic value of $36 billion annually.
Clark has spent more than 11 years volunteering as a Lifeline Crisis Supporter, assisting thousands of callers seeking help during periods of distress, grief and isolation. Alongside frontline support, he mentors new crisis supporters entering the service. His volunteering history also includes more than 30 years with the Country Fire Service.
The judging panel said his calm and compassionate approach had made a lasting difference to individuals, families and communities facing hardship.
Young Volunteer of the Year went to 16 year old Haylie Staunton from Nuriootpa, recognised for her advocacy work supporting young people in regional South Australia, including those living with disabilities.
Staunton works with We Are Not Alone, a regional youth movement focused on amplifying the voices of young people with disabilities, and also serves as regional engagement coordinator for the South Australian Youth Forum. Her work has included engagement with politicians, government representatives and community organisations on issues affecting regional youth.
Other award recipients reflected the wide range of volunteer work taking place across the state.
Camden’s Food and Wellbeing Outreach Program received The Andamooka Community Project Award for its support of people experiencing financial hardship and social isolation. Operating across four council areas, the programme now assists around 500 people each week with food, clothing, personal care products and household essentials.
Organisers said the service has become an important point of connection for many people who have limited social support.
The Excellence in Volunteer Management Award was presented to Sandi Elliott of In Home Hospice Care in Mount Gambier. Elliott has overseen the recruitment and training of more than 55 volunteers supporting people with life limiting illnesses and their families across the state’s lower south east.
The Premier’s Award for Corporate Social Responsibility went to Gallagher Bassett South Australia for community projects ranging from charity donation drives to literacy initiatives for children in out of home care.
South Australian Minister Katrine Hildyard said volunteers continued to play an essential role in community life across the state.
“Every day, they give their time, energy, compassion, skills and care to make life better for people around them,” she said.
Hamilton Calder, chief executive of Volunteering SA&NT, said this year’s nominees reflected the depth of volunteer work taking place in both metropolitan and regional communities.
“From young people like Haylie to those who have dedicated decades of service, like Keith, these awards are a chance to say we see you, we thank you and we couldn’t do without you,” he said.
The awards come as volunteer organisations across Australia continue to face growing demand for services alongside ongoing challenges recruiting and retaining volunteers following the disruption of recent years. Community groups have increasingly warned that many essential services, particularly in regional areas, rely heavily on unpaid support networks to continue operating.
For many recognised at this year’s ceremony, the motivation remains straightforward: showing up for others when help is needed most.
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