"It was incredibly validating, knowing that the work that I'm doing actually does contribute, does actually make a difference."

These are the words of Stella Braund - trauma survivor, counsellor, mental health advocate and last year's winner of the Joy Noble Medal, the state's highest distinction for an individual volunteer.

As the 18 March deadline to nominate individuals and groups for the 2024 South Australian Volunteer Awards approaches, Mrs Braund has told We Are.SA that while awards don't factor into the many reasons she dedicates so many unpaid hours to her cause, they were a nice reminder that her work was appreciated.

Mrs Braund helped establish the 1800 RESPECT domestic violence and sexual assault hotline and has worked across several psychiatric inpatient hospitals advocating for trauma-informed care.

"When you've got your head down and you’re doing your work you don't necessarily have that feedback, so getting that validation is important. It buoys you up and gives you confidence that you're moving in the right direction," she said.

Mrs Braund encouraged others to nominate any volunteer they thought was making a difference.

"Recognising people that have made a contribution can be transformative," she said.

"It can help raise people’s self-esteem. This is especially important if it is, for example, an older volunteer who might feel as though their best years are past them.

"It can be a reminder that, actually, they have knowledge, they have skills that are applicable, and people are really interested in what they can offer."

People can nominate themselves or another group or individual in the following categories:

• The Joy Noble Medal - South Australia’s highest distinction for an individual volunteer.
• ‘The Andamooka’ Community Project Award - Recognising a community or group volunteer project of significant community benefit.
• The Young Volunteer Award – Honouring an impressive young volunteer aged 12 to 25.
• The Excellence in Volunteer Management Award - Honouring a volunteer manager for their outstanding contribution to the profession.
• The Premier’s Award for Corporate Social Responsibility – Recognising the community contribution of a South Australian for-profit business.

The 2024 South Australian Volunteer Awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday 22 May, coinciding with National Volunteer Week.

South Australia boasts a 900,000-strong cohort of people who volunteer either formally or informally. Collectively, their efforts contribute an estimated 1.7 million hours of unpaid work each year worth an estimated $5 billion.

The awards are presented by Volunteering SA&NT and supported by the South Australian Department of Human Services.

Volunteering SA&NT Chief Executive Hamilton Calder said the organisation was “thrilled to present the state’s most prestigious volunteer awards for a second year”.

“These awards are a true highlight in the volunteer calendar, when South Australia’s volunteers can gather to celebrate the contributions of their peers and connect with other like-minded community members,” Mr Calder said.

For more information, click here. Nominations close Monday 18 March.