Sandi’s saintly service recognised

SANDI Elliott has been at the heart of palliative care in the Limestone Coast and her efforts, as the head of the volunteer-led In Home Hospice Care Mount Gambier has been recognised with a major South Australian award.

Sandi was honoured with The Excellence in Volunteer Management Award at the SA Volunteer Awards awarded this week as part of Volunteer Week celebrations.

The category recognises a volunteer manager for their outstanding contribution to the profession and Sandi’s work in ensuring the essential in-home support for people facing life-limiting illnesses is possible seamlessly fits that criteria.

Sandi has recruited, trained, and mentored more than 55 volunteers, ensuring they are well-prepared to provide compassionate and professional palliative care and emotional support for individuals and families across the lower southeast region.

She has established partnerships with local professionals and community services to enhance the care provided and developed caregiver education programs, equipping family members and informal carers with practical skills and emotional strategies to better support a loved one dying at home.

South Australia boasts a cohort of almost a million volunteers who contribute an estimated $36 billion in social and economic value, equivalent to 223 million hours each year.

Volunteering SA&NT CEO Hamilton Calder said the depth and diversity of this year’s nominees was next-level inspiring.

“Volunteers show up with compassion, goodwill and a willingness to help make a positive difference and they do that in so many ways,” he said.

“To those who selflessly give up their time as frontline volunteers and all the individuals, businesses and organisations which support them and help foster volunteering across our State, we salute you.”

South Australian Minister Katrine Hildyard agreed volunteers were the backbone of our communities.

“Every day, they give their time, energy, compassion, skills and care to make life better for people around them,” Minister Hildyard said. “We are deeply grateful to the South Australians who give of themselves to help others. Their generosity strengthens the fabric of our state and improves people’s lives.

“Volunteering brings people together, builds connection and reminds us that everyone has something valuable to contribute. To every single one of the 960,000 volunteers across South Australia: thank you. Whether your contribution is visible or behind the scenes, your generosity makes our state stronger, kinder and more connected.

“Congratulations to the award winners. They exemplify compassion, service and the remarkable difference that volunteering makes. Their efforts are utterly inspiring and have changed and saved lives.”

The SA Volunteer Awards were established by the State Government in 2005 and are proudly presented by Volunteering SA&NT in partnership with the Department of Human Services. Funded by the State Government the Awards coincide with National Volunteer Week, which runs from 18 to 24 May 2026.

If you’ve ever thought about contributing through volunteering, you can find many opportunities through Volunteering SA and NT and in your local community.