From Keith to Robe, Kingston SE and Warrnambool, Lyn Kennedy travels across the state – and sometimes over the Victorian border – connecting children with their family members.

The 77-year-old has spent more than three decades volunteering to support children in care, and is particularly fond of working with those aged under 10.

“I just like the little kids because they’re all interesting,” the Department for Child Protection (DCP) volunteer says.

“They’re open and accept you more, and the little ones cuddle you and smile at you – I just love the way they are.”

The Department for Child Protection is sharing Lyn's story ahead of International Volunteer Day on Friday, 5 December.

Lyn split her early years at DCP’s Mount Gambier office with paid employment at a local service station; the role coming naturally to her after she previously worked as a youth worker.

When she started in 1990, she says the volunteer role involved a greater focus on caring for children, with tasks including taking them to events, such as agricultural shows, or funerals, whenever that support was needed.

These days, she usually transports children to and from family contact, but says it’s equally as rewarding. “I love kids,” she says.

“I love seeing the kids going back to their parents. I’m a family person and I believe that family comes first. If I can help bring the kids back to see their parents, I’ll keep doing it.”

Lyn often travels hundreds of kilometres in a week for her role, taking children across the South-East and to the Tatiara district and Victoria’s south-west coast, meaning she is well placed to develop a strong rapport with the children.

In 2022, Lyn won the Volunteer of the Year category of the SA Child Protection Awards. She has taken several years off from her role at various times, to travel around Australia with her husband and live in Tasmania, but says “every time I came back, I went straight back to DCP”.

The grandmother of six and great-grandmother of five, looks after two of her great-grandchildren once a week.

“These kids I look after at DCP, I treat them the same way – they mean everything to me,” she says. “As long as I see that the children are happy, that’s all that matters to me.”

Lyn was recently recognised with a badge and certificate acknowledging her extended service with the department.

The dedicated volunteer is aiming to keep driving children to their family visits for another three years, and retire around her 80th birthday.