Edited 23/06 to include our Barossa Valley-based volunteer acknowledgement recipients.

Lutheran Care has recognised a number of long-serving volunteers during National Volunteer Week, celebrating the extraordinary contribution they have made to the lives of older South Australians and the broader community.

Chief Executive Officer Ian Byrne was pleased to present service milestone certificates to several Adelaide-based volunteers who have dedicated many years to supporting others through Lutheran Care’s Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS). Meanwhile, Executive Manager Commercial Services, Adam McCallum, attended a volunteer recognition event for our Barossa Valley-based volunteers, and presented a 10-year service certificate to Mark Pfitzner.

The ACVVS program connects volunteers with older people who may be experiencing loneliness or social isolation, providing friendship, conversation and companionship that can make a significant difference to wellbeing and quality of life.

Celebrating decades of service

Congratulations to the following volunteers on their outstanding service:

25 years

• Yvonne Gaca

15 years

• Jual Hill
• Anthea Smith

10 years

• Catherine Beer
• Mark Pfitzner.

Their commitment has touched the lives of many people over a long period of time, helping to build meaningful connections and reduce social isolation in the community.

Lutheran Care also recognised a number of volunteers who reached five years of service across programs including op shops / thrift stores, emergency relief and Family Zone.

The recipients were:

• Tania Phillips
• Mi Kwon
• Maria Cirocco
• Kym Angerson
• Julie Freund
• Edna Galut
• David Nelson
• Colin Moscrop
• Ros Pursche
• Teresa Whitehead
• Jenni Underwood
• Ken Rosenzweig
• Carol Poel
• Pam Jones
• Pam Kleinig

Volunteers at the heart of community impact

Reflecting on the week, Mr Byrne said volunteers are central to the impact Lutheran Care has across South Australia and the Northern Territory.

“Volunteers are at the heart of the impact Lutheran Care has in our community and this week I had the privilege of having lunch with some of our almost 350 volunteers,” he said.

Mr Byrne said attending both the volunteer recognition event and a separate gathering on the future of democracy prompted reflection on the important role volunteers play in strengthening communities.

“Across our services, it is often volunteers—many of them older Australians—who bring something deeply human to the work: the capacity to listen without judgement, to offer compassion, and to create spaces where people feel seen, heard and valued,” he said.

“These qualities are not incidental. They are shaped by lives lived in a society where democratic values—respect for each person, the dignity of voice, fairness and inclusion—have been both experienced and upheld.

“In every conversation, every act of care and every moment of presence, they reinforce the idea that every person matters.”

Mr Byrne said the contribution of volunteers becomes even more important at a time when many people are experiencing vulnerability, complexity or isolation.

“It is not only the services we deliver that make a difference—it is the spirit in which they are delivered,” he said.

“We are deeply grateful to our volunteers. Their wisdom, generosity and unwavering commitment strengthen both our organisation and the broader community we serve.”

Lutheran Care extends its sincere thanks and congratulations to all volunteers recognised during National Volunteer Week, and to every volunteer who contributes their time, skills and compassion to support others.

National Volunteer Week ran from 18-24 May, 2026.

For information about volunteering with Lutheran Care, click here.