CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Mr BUTLER (Hindmarsh—Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Minister for Health and Ageing and Deputy Leader of the House) (10:03): I'm so pleased today to rise to acknowledge the extraordinary volunteers and community organisations across the electorate of Hindmarsh, whose dedication strengthens the fabric of our community every single day.
As part of this year's Hindmarsh Volunteer Awards, I was proud to acknowledge more than 40 outstanding volunteers nominated by their peers in recognition of their service and their commitment. Together, they represent the many people, groups and contributions that make our community in Adelaide's western suburbs so vibrant. They support sporting clubs, preserve local history, care for seniors, strengthen multicultural communities, honour our veterans, promote the arts and create opportunities for people of all ages to connect and to thrive.
I want to acknowledge volunteers from: the Adelaide Jaguars Women's Soccer Club—the Jags; the Airport Over 50s Club; the Camden Community Centre; the Charles Sturt Memorial Museum Trust; CHATS—Community Help and Togetherness; the Cheltenham Community Centre; Dragon Boat SA; the Fiji Senior Citizens Association; Gillman Speedway; Henley and Grange RSL; Henley Surf Life Saving Club; the Historic Ketch Falie; the National Railway Museum; Port Adelaide Historical Society; Rowing SA; Seaton Ramblers; Semaphore Lawn Bowls Club; the Telugu Association; West Beach Community Church; the Woodville Concert Band; and, of course, the Woodville Rugby Union Football Club.
I want to acknowledge our Youth Award recipients: Hayley Fraser, Jai Gardner, Jayasri Pathuri and Snehasri Pathuri. They demonstrate that the next generation is already making a meaningful contribution to their community. Our Local Legend recipients were Phillip Wass, Geoff Pierson, Rebecca Forest, Kerri Scharkie and Dr Nathan Cummins.
Their longstanding service has left an enduring mark on the organisations and the people that they support. While volunteering is more than economics, its value is simply impossible to ignore. Across Australia, volunteers contributed an estimated 618 million hours of service in 2025.
Our country volunteers more than any other in the OECD, and those hours represent an enormous contribution to our nation and to communities like mine in Adelaide's western suburbs. That contribution saves organisations countless dollars while delivering immeasurable social benefit, but it can't be measured simply in hours given. It's reflected in stronger communities, deeper connections, better outcomes for countless people and immeasurable social capital.
The organisations represented by these recipients play an essential role in community life, and they rely on the generosity, energy and leadership of volunteers to continue their important work. Long may it continue.