Skip to content
retailer_zone

Home > Unsung Heroes > Unsung Heroes - SA voting


2009 IGA Community Chest Unsung Heroes Awards Regional Winners for South Australia

 Bill Rogers (Port Pirie Riding for the Disabled) *
Disabled children in Port Pirie now have access to a pony-riding school thanks to the dedication of local retiree Bill Rogers, who has turned an empty paddock into an equestrian centre. As secretary of Riding for the Disabled (RDA) in Port Pirie, Bill volunteers every day to care for and feed the ponies – and on Saturdays, he’s up at 5.30am to prepare the equestrian course for the young riders. With his wife Anne as coach, Bill jokes that he never had an option but to volunteer. His commitment, however, speaks volumes. With assistance from other volunteers and materials donated from local businesses and council, Bill has built a shed and clubrooms, a new toilet block, wheelchair ramps, paths, arenas and stables. Along with his major construction efforts at the centre, Bill regularly assists with fundraising and often transports the ponies at his own expense. This all-rounder always greets people with a smile and a joke, insisting it’s not a ‘job’ but a joy to see the pleasure the riding program brings to the disabled children of Port Pirie.
Darryl Wolfendale (One Tree Hill Scout Group) *
An electrician by trade, Darryl Wolfendale has certainly added some spark to the One Tree Hill Scout Group. Having run scout groups on and off for about 13 years, Darryl happily volunteered at One Hill Scouts four years ago, when the group faced closure due to lack of leaders. Since taking on the role of Scout Leader, Darryl has worked tirelessly for his scout troop and the group as a whole. As a ‘pastime’, the scout group occupies a good eight hours of Darryl’s week, with various meetings, troop activities, fundraising and working bees. In addition to his regular scout commitments, Darryl is often seen leading his group during school holidays or found volunteering behind a barbeque on weekends. He not only juggles his scouting commitments with family life and work, but this year has been the driving force behind the building of a new scout hall, coordinating working bees, planning, building and putting his electrical skills to good use.

Hedy Hendricks (The Blind Welfare Association) *
As an active 65-year-old, Hedy Hendricks brings hours of joy to the blind and vision-impaired members of the Blind Welfare Association of South Australia. Hedy donates two days a week at the centre to guide a team of volunteers to provide social support for members, giving much-needed respite to their family and carers. Her ‘event management’ expertise sees her organising entertainment ranging from guest speakers, outings and musical afternoons, to lunches, quizzes, games and many other innovative ideas. Her dedication extends to the organisation of various celebrations, including Mothers/ Fathers Day functions, Easter, Christmas and even A Biggest Morning Tea. When extra funding is required to run these events, she puts on her fundraising hat to help secure whatever financial support is needed. In addition to her two days volunteering at the Blind Welfare Association, Hedy spends many hours planning from home, and also volunteers one day each week at St Vincent De Paul.

Debbie Osmond (Southern Hills Little Athletics Club) *
Debbie Osmond is quick to point out that she’s just one of many volunteers who work hard to make the local Little Athletics and footy club a success. That said, it was her fellow committee members who recognised Debbie as one of those extraordinary individuals who puts in above and beyond the call of duty. As treasurer for more than five years at Southern Hills Little Athletics Club, Debbie not only fulfils her role on the committee with energy and enthusiasm, but takes on the thankless tasks that may otherwise be forgotten… stocking the fridge before Friday night events, putting in food orders, assisting with uniforms and registrations, liaising with sponsors and the list goes on. Also the junior development officer with Flagstaff Hill Football Club, Debbie commits many hours each week to ensure the smooth running of both organisations. She sees her volunteer work as an extension of family life and as a way of giving back to the community that provides such wonderful family-friendly sporting facilities for her two children.
Peter Allen (Andamooka Hospital Auxiliary) *
According to residents of Andamooka, every community needs a bloke like Peter Allen! In a township of more than 800 people, without any local council, Peter Allen has stepped up to effectively ‘run’ the town. Supported by the local Progress Association with an elected group of committee members and two part-time staff, Peter regularly volunteers 50-60 hours per week to ensure the town’s smooth operation. Taking on responsibility for everything from stray dogs, rubbish collections and tip maintenance, to road works, the airport and water supply, Peter has a massive job on his hands – not to mention managing an annual turnover of $1.5 million raised primarily through volunteers and grants. He always finds time for the ill or elderly, visiting or sending a card to let them know they’re not forgotten. Peter stands out not only for his hard work and commitment, but because of his firm belief in his community. He is the proverbial ’good bloke’ who doesn’t wait to be asked if he can help but will happily offer assistance whenever he can.
Louanne Johns (Camp Quality South Australia)
During her early 20s Louanne Johns registered her name on a waiting list to volunteer for Camp Quality – a decision that changed her life forever. Now 43, Louanne has spent the past 15 years volunteering for Camp Quality, an organisation that focuses on making a positive difference to children living with cancer. As a companion to these children and a camp leader, Louanne has committed an extraordinary amount of time to the program, regularly taking kids and their families away on weekend and five-day camps. She has also helped raise close to $400,000 for Camp Quality, undertaking every fundraising opportunity imaginable, from quiz nights, cabarets and fun runs, to garage sales and raffles. Her extraordinary volunteer work at Camp Quality was acknowledged in 2007 with an Order of Australia Medal. Louanne also works part-time for Anglicare running the Star Bear program for children grieving the loss of a family member or guardian. Her selfless attitude and positive outlook on life make her an excellent role model throughout the community and an inspiration to all.