Meet our Volunteers
Volunteers are an important part of community life. On this page we share their stories and highlight the difference they make every day.
How we celebrated National Volunteer Week in 2026
National Volunteer Week provided a wonderful opportunity to recognise and thank the many volunteers who make a meaningful contribution to our community each day.
The week commenced with a special movie screening of The Devil wears Prada, at Hoyts Norwood (first image: Volunteers from local community groups and rotary's), followed by an exclusive cultural experience hosted by CEO Mario Barone at the Cultural Heritage Centre within the St Peters Town Hall (second image: Volunteers Mary & Roger Bryson).
Volunteers were given insights into how the Centre
operates and a private tour of the
History Festival exhibition.
The celebrations concluded with our annual Volunteer BBQ, bringing volunteers together for an afternoon of connection, recognition and gratitude.
Our volunteers play a vital role in strengthening community connections and enhancing the lives of residents across our City. We are grateful for their dedication, generosity and ongoing commitment, and hope they felt valued and celebrated throughout the week.
Justice of the Peace: Mike
22/12/2025
For Mike, volunteering is all about giving back to the community, staying connected, and offering a helping hand where it’s needed most.
Since 2020, Mike has generously given his time to the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters as both a Justice of the Peace (JP) and a member of the Council’s Graffiti Removal team.
Mike first became a JP during his career with the Attorney General’s Department, where the appointment was a requirement of his position.
Following his retirement in 2020, he knew it was important that he continue using his skills and expertise to help others.
Community Bus Driver: Paul
26/08/2025
Since retiring from a long and fulfilling career as a schoolteacher and principal in South Australia’s Department of Education, Paul has been volunteering his time for the benefit of our community.
Volunteering with the Council since 2017, Paul says that his volunteer commitments continue to be an important part of his retirement plan, as it enables him to maintain social
interactions among a host of other benefits.
“Now that I am retired, and have good health and time, I enjoy helping out in my community."
“I get satisfaction knowing that I am using a skill I have to provide a service and be a support to others.”
Paul says that driving the community bus provides him with the opportunity to be part of a team that delivers vital services for our community while also helping to showcase the premium food and beverage manufacturers that our City is best known for.
Graffiti Removal Team: Daniel and Melville
27/08/2025
Melville has been in the volunteering role since 2005 when he left the Adelaide Zoo where he held his dream job of being a zoo-keeper for more than 20 years.
“Every animal had their own peculiarities and personalities. I started in the bird department and then moved to the mammal department eventually becoming a rover. But you wouldn’t have known I was there. It was mainly behind the scenes, just like graffiti removal really,” Melville said.
Melville likens the way vandals mark walls and buildings to the way animals spray to mark their territory.
“It might be arrogant or ego driven” Melville 64, said. “Other times it is just mindless squiggles and a waste of resources.”
Daniel, aged 21, decided to join his father when he was at a career crossroads and couldn’t decide whether to follow in his dad’s footsteps and work at the zoo or find an entirely new path.
Stepping Out Program: Tolga
27/08/2025
Never underestimate the power of humanity. This is the powerful message that Volunteer Tolga Okar wants to share with his global community.
Tolga, who is originally from Istanbul, has lived and worked all over the world. With an Honours Degree in English Philology from Istanbul University, the Certified Digital Marketing and Sales Professional said he never once anticipated he would be a Volunteer at the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters.
But life is about experiences and Tolga has a very enriched and encouraging outlook.
Tolga, who is fluent in Turkish, English, French and with a good understanding of Mandarin and German, was faced with a very uncertain future when he was made redundant after moving to South Australia, with his wife and son aged six, in January 2019.
“I struggled to find a job which was parallel to my experience and corporate level of work,” Tolga said.
“It was right before COVID-19, I was in a new City, my only contact in Adelaide was the Turkish Association of South Australia who advised me to use my multinational intercultural human experiences and languages as a Volunteer.”
Tolga is now a Volunteer with the Council’s Stepping Out Program, and he has developed a special bond with a lady named Claire, who contacted the Council after experiencing loneliness due to various health conditions.
