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19-May-2025 |

Connecting Communities: Celebrating Our Volunteers

At SYC, we know that people are at the heart of strong, inclusive communities. This National Volunteer Week, we’re proud to join the national celebration of volunteers and recognise the impact they make every day. The 2025 theme, Connecting Communities, speaks directly to the work our volunteers do, building relationships, creating opportunities, and offering support where it’s needed most.

Over the past year, 37 SYC volunteers contributed more than 4,000 hours across our programs and services. Behind these numbers are stories of people showing up to make a difference, listening, encouraging, sharing skills, and walking alongside others during challenging times.

We recently asked some of our volunteers to reflect on their experiences. Their responses highlight not just why they volunteer, but also the value they find in being part of something bigger.

Maddi – Youth Justice Volunteer

"I began volunteering as a uni student because I wanted to learn from real-life experiences, from real people. I didn’t feel like study alone was giving me the confidence I needed to pursue a career in community services. By supporting staff and working face-to-face with young people, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of myself as a worker, the people I hope to support, and the systems I’ll be encountering once I've entered the workforce. Volunteering has been that space between studying and working, with less pressure, more learning, and constant opportunities to ask questions! I first connected with SYC after they spoke on a youth panel at Adelaide Uni. I asked how students could make a difference and instead of just giving me an answer, a manager from SYC invited me into the work. Meeting them and their team, I was instantly drawn to SYC and everything it stands for. I look forward to volunteering each week because I’m surrounded by people who are passionate, driven, and truly believe in what they do, and in each other. My volunteering role is helping me grow both as a person and as a worker. I want to be someone young people can rely on when times get tough. It has allowed me to challenge myself, knowing I have a strong support system to help me when facing new and sometimes scary experiences."

Sue – Reception Volunteer at The Foundry by SYC

"I volunteer to be productive, contribute to the community, and to have social interaction. I truly believe the world wouldn’t keep turning without volunteers. I love being a friendly face and supporting the team behind the scenes. My goal is to help the amazing support workers and lighten their workload wherever I can."

Ciarne – Former Volunteer at The Foundry by SYC

"Volunteering opened my heart to embrace people beyond my small circle, created new opportunities for learning, and opened my eyes to how fundamentally important connection and community are for us all."

Her words capture the deep personal growth that often accompanies volunteering and the importance of connection in the work we do.

Sometimes the most significant difference is made in a quiet moment. One of our placement students, Shelly, spent the day helping a young person complete their final math assignment, the last thing they needed to complete their SACE. They’d been struggling for weeks and said no one at school could explain it in a way that made sense. Shelly sat with them patiently, working through it together. When it was done, the young person shared, “I don’t know what I would’ve done without her.” That’s the kind of impact we see, often quiet, sometimes unseen, but absolutely life-changing.

Stories like these show how powerful volunteering can be. Our volunteers strengthen SYC’s programs and help us provide meaningful support across our services. They bring care, commitment, and connection to their roles, and we’re incredibly grateful for everything they do.

SYC would like to thank and acknowledge some of our recent volunteers: Bala, Bella, Ethan, Gino, Isabella, Jasnoor, Krishnapriya, Lily, Maddi, Marina, Mark, Max, Nimesha, Olimpia, Peyton, Rebecca, Rob, Sally H, Sally W, Shelly and Sue.

If you or someone you know is interested in joining our incredible community of volunteers, we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch with our team and learn more here.