New Experience for Volunteers

Volunteering is a great way to be active in the community and give back in an area you are passionate about.

At the City of Burnside we are lucky to be supported by 371 volunteers across 34 programs. Collectively these volunteers donate approximately 26,500 hours per year to volunteering throughout our Council area, the equivalent of 13 full-time staff.

A 2020 study from the Australian Bureau of Statistics found that over an estimated five million Australians volunteered through an organisation, with women aged 40-54 the most populous group.

One of the city’s most dedicated volunteers is Christine Baillie, who has been a volunteer with Burnside for over 25 years and gives her time to the Biodiversity Nursery on Conyngham Street. Christine was the city’s first ever official biodiversity volunteer.

Contributing to local biodiversity projects in an informal capacity for five years prior to the establishment of the Conservation Volunteer Program, Christine has been involved in the original planting of native flora in several high-profile biodiversity sites, including the Bell Yett Reserve creek line, Kensington Park Reserve, Tusmore Park and Langman Reserve. Today she is a regular participant in the weekly Karra Tartu (Waterfall Gully) bush regeneration project.

‘It’s wonderful to get out with likeminded people and be learning on the job and seeing the rewards of what you have accomplished,’ Christine said. ‘The knowledge I have gained is invaluable.’

‘It’s a very good feeling being at Waterfall Gully and seeing the indigenous regeneration once the weeds are gone.

‘The experiences I have had while volunteering are hard to explain in words.’

Another dedicated Burnside volunteer is Bryan Draper, a member of our library team, who recently celebrated his95th birthday!

A volunteer of 16 years, Bryan is the heart of the Library Books Repair team, coming in twice a week to help restore damaged books and assist new volunteers in the program. Named Volunteer of the Year in 2020, Bryan is an indispensable member of the Burnside Library.

Thank you to all our outstanding volunteers for their hard work, dedication and commitment to making Burnside the best it can be!

Volunteering is open to everyone. Young, old, experienced or first timer, you don’t even need to be a resident. If you would like to volunteer with the City of Burnside, visit our Volunteer Vacancies webpage or email volunteer@burnside.sa.gov.au.

Christine Baillie is presented her 25 Years of Service award Bryan Draper celebrates his 95th birthday with Burnside Library staff