National Volunteer Week marks an annual week of national celebration of volunteers within the community who freely give their time and skills to benefit others. It is a time for SAPOL to say thank you to our legion of volunteers and to award our Volunteer of the Year award.
The theme for National Volunteer Week 2024 is ‘Something for Everyone’.
‘Something for Everyone’ recognises the diverse passions and talents every individual brings to volunteering. This theme gives us an opportunity to explore:
‘Something for Everyone’ embraces volunteer possibilities and the impacts that emerge when everyone finds their meaningful role in making a difference.
SAPOL supports the engagement of volunteers within our organisation and has a long, proud history of utilising volunteers. The Police Volunteer Program commenced in January 2010 on an initial trial basis with 16 volunteers in public relations roles. The program soon expanded in both locations and roles and is today continually evolving.
SAPOL is supported by more than 2,000 registered volunteers across eight different volunteer roles throughout the state in areas such as Public Relations, Role Playing, Road Safety Centre, Star Force training, Police Historical Society, Chaplaincy, Blue Light and Neighbourhood Watch SA,
National Volunteer Week provides the opportunity for SAPOL to recognise the diligent efforts of our volunteers with the “Police Volunteer Program – Commissioner’s Volunteer of the Year Award’. The award was presented by Commissioner Stevens to SAPOL’s most outstanding volunteer, having been nominated by SAPOL staff for their commitment and dedication to service excellence within the Police Volunteer Program.
The winner of the Commissioner’s Volunteer of the Year for 2024 is Susan Payne. Susan commenced her volunteering role on 31 July 2010 with the launch of the volunteer program at the Elizabeth Police Station. Susan is recognised for her service to the community with over 3000 volunteering hours for our organisation.
Another volunteer heralded this week is 101-year-old Wilfred ‘Wilf’ Taylor. Joining Reynella Neighbourhood Watch group in 1997, Wilf enjoyed “doing his bit” for the community for almost 30 years, delivering newsletters around his block and helping to host crime prevention awareness events along the way. Read media release.
SAPOL continues to encourage new volunteers. If you, or you know of any family or friends interested in exploring the volunteering opportunities available within SAPOL, visit our Volunteer opportunities page or contact the Volunteer Coordination Unit by telephone 08 732 23217 or email SAPOL.Volunteer@police.sa.gov.au.
Further information about National Volunteer Week is available on the Volunteering Australia website.