Volunteer role 'best thing in the world' for Bob

Bob Sim has travelled hundreds of kilometres across the state in his role helping children and young people in care, and says their smiles and laughs are thanks enough for his time.

The Department for Child Protection volunteer driver’s role involves taking children in care to access visits with family members, and to school or medical appointments.

“It’s doing the right thing by the kids, and it’s the best thing in the world for me too,” Bob said.

“I’m 80 now, but there’s no way I’d ever give it away.”

The department is extending its thanks to Bob as part of National Volunteer Week (15-21 May) celebrations.

He’s among about 180 people across South Australia who help with transport, homework support, assisting children at special events, or helping them with their Life Story (scrap book of memories) work.

Bob regularly takes children around Adelaide’s northern suburbs, also sometimes driving for extended journeys to places such as Whyalla, Port Augusta and Loxton.

He builds a rapport with his passengers through chatting and joking with them, and loves seeing their mood become more positive throughout their time spent together.

“(For example) a little bloke this morning was talking a lot about motor cars and I said, ‘Why are we talking about cars’, and he said, ‘Because you used to drive trucks’,” Bob said.

“Later, I told him, ‘It was very good talking with you, I really enjoyed it’, and he said, ‘I enjoyed it too, because you listen to me’.”

Bob said moments like that were special because it demonstrated how he could be a positive influence for children and young people.

“I just carry on with the children and they seem to like it,” he said. “They tell me riddles, I get some ripper riddles, and they’re getting some fun out of it.”

DCP Volunteer Program Project Officer Dannielle Little said volunteers fulfilled a vital role in supporting children and young people to maintain relationships with their birth families.

“To anyone thinking about how they could help others – this is a great way you can do just that, and help build stronger communities,” she said.

“It’s also a fantastic way to build your own social networks, learn new skills and add to your CV.”

Mick's move to help disadvantaged families

The decision to help vulnerable children and their carers and families was a no-brainer for Mick Tomalin.

The Port Augusta man, 73, has been volunteering with the Department for Child Protection for five years.

Mick was inspired to help after hearing about the volunteer service through a friend, and seeing the level of need among disadvantaged families while working across regional SA.

“I’m in a fortunate position, so I can go out and help others that aren’t so fortunate,” he said. “If you can help make a kid’s life a bit happier, you should go out there and do it.”

Mick drives children around his hometown, and also on much longer journeys, to places such as Port Wakefield, Adelaide, and the Yorke Peninsula.

“You talk to (the children) about school, sport, and life,” he said. “It’s a rewarding thing – you know you’re making somebody’s job a little bit easier and the kids a little bit happier, and there’s a big need for volunteers.”

Ann's drive to help others make a difference

There’s been no shortage of moments demonstrating the difference Ann Mathews makes in her role volunteering with the Department for Child Protection.

The Port Pirie woman, 70, has been helping transport children and young people to school, visits with family members and appointments, for about four years.

“You’re supporting children to do what’s ultimately hoped for – that they can be reunited with their family,” she says.

Ann recalls transporting one child to Port Augusta multiple times over several weeks, and seeing his demeanour slowly transform as they got to know each other.

“He went from being a little chap that sat in the back and just looked down at the floor, to telling me about his animals, what he had for breakfast, and the teachers he liked and didn’t like,” Ann says.

Ann has been a positive adult influence in the lives of children, including one young person she transported, who was feeling remorseful after getting into trouble for his behaviour.

“I said, ‘Well that’s gone - This is a new day and a new beginning. Everybody makes mistakes and it’s OK as long as you learn from it and try not to repeat it’,” Ann says.

She later received a phone call from the region’s volunteer coordinator, who said she had helped the young person to feel better and overcome his worries.

The department is looking for more people to provide vital support for children and young people and their carers and families.

To become a volunteer, people must be aged 18 or over, have a driver’s licence, undergo a Working with Children Check and participate in induction and training sessions.

To register your interest, call 0492 000 743 or visit childprotection.sa.gov.au/volunteers for more information.