Volunteers honoured during national celebrations

TATIARA District Council Celebrates Community Spirit at Mayor’s Volunteer Appreciation Function.

The Tatiara District Council proudly hosted its annual Mayor’s Volunteer Appreciation Function on Sunday 18 May, honouring the extraordinary contributions of volunteers who are the backbone of the region’s vibrant communities.

Held in a spirit of gratitude and celebration, the event brought together dedicated volunteers, community leaders, families, and supporters from across the district. Mayor Liz Goossens warmly welcomed attendees and delivered an address that paid tribute to the selfless individuals who give their time, energy, and compassion to support local organisations and causes.

“Volunteering is the quiet heartbeat of our towns and district” Mayor Goossens said. “Whether you’re coaching a sports team, caring for the environment, responding to emergencies, or running a local op shop – your work makes our communities stronger, kinder, and more connected.”

The Mayor also acknowledged the courage of volunteers working in emotionally and physically demanding roles, particularly those in emergency services. “We honour not just their service, but the strength it takes to carry the weight of what they witness,” she said.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of two Volunteer Awards, the first, Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Sarah Secker in recognition of her outstanding dedication, leadership, and tireless efforts in bringing to life the redevelopment of the Don Mosley Park Playground in Keith.

The second, Volunteer Organisation of the Year was awarded to the Good Country Community Op Shop (GCCOS) for being a shining example of community spirit, generosity, and grassroots action in the Tatiara.

The Mayor’s Volunteer Function stands as a heartfelt thank you to the volunteers who continue to give so generously. Their impact is far-reaching, and their legacy is a community where everyone feels supported, seen, and valued.

“Every hour, every effort, every small act adds up to something big,” the Mayor said. “Volunteering is not just about what gets done – it’s about who we become as a community when we care for one another.”

Volunteer of the Year Award  Sarah Secker // Keith

We are thrilled to announce Sarah Secker as the recipient of this year’s Volunteer of the Year award in recognition of her outstanding dedication, leadership, and tireless efforts in bringing to life the redevelopment of the Don Moseley Park Playground in Keith.

Sarah has been the driving force behind this transformative community project, which began in 2021 with a small subcommittee of the Keith War Memorial Community Centre (KWMCC). Her initiative and vision led to the sourcing of a nature-play-based designer, setting the foundation for a project that would ultimately become a $1.1 million gift to the township of Keith.

With KWMCC’s initial commitment of $250,000, Sarah worked relentlessly to support the development of a strong business case and pursue federal grant opportunities. Despite initial setbacks at both state and federal levels, Sarah’s resilience never wavered. She continued pitching to organisations including Variety – the Children’s Charity, Bendigo Bank, and the Tatiara Council to secure co-contributions, and ultimately, with her strategic advocacy and persistence, secured a remarkable $450,000 in state government funding.

Thanks to her efforts, the project commenced construction in February 2025, with expected completion in July 2025. Even now, Sarah remains hands-on, actively involved in the project management of the build phase. Sarah’s unwavering commitment, professionalism, and “can-do” attitude have made a mark on our community. Her vision, energy, and expertise have created a legacy that the people of Keith will enjoy and cherish for generations to come.

Volunteer Organisation of the Year Award Good Country Community Op Shop (GCCOS) // Bordertown

We are proud to announce the Good Country Community Op Shop (GCCOS) as this year’s Volunteer Organisation of the Year – a shining example of community spirit, generosity, and grassroots action in the Tatiara district.

Launched from the vision of a small group of dedicated volunteers in early 2023, GCCOS officially opened its doors on 17 July 2023. Since then, it has truly embodied its powerful motto: “From the community, by the community, for the community.”

In just 21 months of operation, GCCOS has already made a remarkable impact – returning nearly $200,000 in donations directly to the Tatiara community. These funds have supported an incredible range of initiatives including social groups, school and preschool programs, playgroups, sporting and leisure clubs, aged care, community radio, community facilities, patient transfer services, and first aid training.

With a dedicated committee of 10 members meeting monthly to assess donation requests, and an inspiring team of 37 volunteers, GCCOS runs on compassion, hard work, and unwavering community focus. Though the shop is open 21 hours per week, volunteers work tirelessly behind the scenes every day, from 10am to 5pm, including a weekend pickup roster.

More than a retail space, the Op Shop offers opportunities for volunteers to gain new skills, connect socially, learn English, and contribute meaningfully. It also upholds a strong environmental ethos – recycling, reusing, and repurposing donated items, including transforming unsellable clothing into bag rags purchased by local businesses for workshop use.

GCCOS is more than a shop – it’s a hub of hope, heart, and human connection. It stands as a glowing testament to what a community can achieve when it comes together with purpose and passion.