There’s no guessing why volunteer week is well and truly celebrated at TADSA. With just over 50 technical volunteers, 2 finance volunteers and 9 volunteer board members, we always have a reason to celebrate, and this year was no exception.

Many of you will be familiar with Ralph, our esteemed volunteer project manager who was recognized as a top three finalist for Excellence in Volunteer Management at the 2025 Volunteering SA & NT Awards. This honour reflects the incredible leadership he provides in recruiting, supporting and mobilizing our unique volunteer-powered workforce.

In the spirit of gratitude, we also acknowledge each and every volunteer who plays an integral role in making TADSA what it is today—together, we are creating positive change in our community and here’s a story about two individuals who exemplify the spirit of volunteerism—Des Chabrel and John Stevens. They dedicated an entire week of their time to join TADSA’s recent excursion to the Northern Territory, where they brought the joy of Freedom Wheels-inspired inclusive cycling to over 350 students in Darwin and Katherine, as well as adults in Alice Springs. But their contributions didn’t stop there.

On their journey, they encountered a broken-down ambulance in need of urgent assistance. Without hesitation, John quickly diagnosed the issue at hand. Des, with his resourceful mindset and understanding that water was critical (especially in the middle of the desert!), ingeniously sourced some oxygen tubing from within the ambulance itself. This clever solution allowed them to siphon enough water from the wiper receptacle into the radiator, ultimately restoring power and enabling the ambulance to continue its journey toward Alice Springs Hospital. Their quick thinking and hands-on skills not only saved valuable time but also highlighted how ordinary people can make extraordinary impacts through teamwork and ingenuity. Proof that even small acts can lead to significant change! And the spirit of volunteerism doesn’t stop there.

Despite the chilly embrace of early winter at Winifred Taylor Reserve in Onkaparinga, Bryan Jordan’s support at the Freedom Wheels Come n Try Day made for an unforgettable experience for our group of Community Living participants and their carers and supporters. Throughout the day, we witnessed numerous moments of ‘wow’ from participants who had once thought that cycling was beyond their reach. Thanks to the incredible Freedom Wheels program and volunteers like Bryan, we are breaking down barriers and proving that there is a cycling solution for everyone. Your commitment not only inspires those around you but also transforms lives—one pedal stroke at a time. Thank you, Bryan, for being a champion of inclusivity and joy in our community!

Then there was the celebration of service awarding Honorary Life Membership to Ken Lawson (40 years), Bruce Steer (36 years), Michael Green (30 years) and John Williamson (22 years) at the May technical volunteers meeting. This milestone reflects their unwavering dedication and the countless contributions they have made throughout the years. Their passion for excellence and ability to inspire others have created a legacy that we hope will be felt for generations to come. Here’s to continued success and growth in all your future endeavours! Congratulations on 40 years with our team—your journey is truly commendable!

I couldn’t help but notice the increased number of members at the last technical volunteers meeting and warmly welcome new technical members Rex Perry, Brenton Barrett, Brian Bell, Daivd Mills, and Mark Miles, and new finance volunteer Bill Klimentou.

And of course, to our nine-member volunteer board, whose commitment to overseeing the governance matters related to our not-for-profit vision and mission is truly commendable. Each member brings unique insights and expertise, helping us navigate challenges and seize opportunities as we strive to make a meaningful impact in our community. We extend a warm welcome to our newly co-opted member, Dr. Robin Yang. With an impressive academic background that includes a PhD in International Business, a Master of Marketing from UniSA, an MBA from Xiamen University, and a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical), Robin embodies the spirit of excellence that we value at TADSA. As a local citizen of Gilles Plains who has held various positions on both academic and not-for-profit boards, Robin’s wealth of experience will undoubtedly enhance our team’s efforts. Together with our dedicated volunteers, we are excited about the future as we continue working towards fulfilling our mission. Thank you for being an integral part of this journey!