Here to help
Each year, nearly one million South Australians volunteer 223 million hours of their time, helping those in need and contributing to the economic and social wellbeing of our state. Ahead of National Volunteer Week from 19–25 May, we speak to three volunteers with a steadfast drive to help others.
Words: Andrew Rasch
A link to a bygone era
Leo Leggett
Angaston Blacksmith Shop and Museum
"You meet and work with great people from all over and they all have interesting stories to tell.”
As a boy, 80-year-old Leo Leggett worked in a New South Wales blacksmith shop, although in his words he didn’t like it much. But after moving to South Australia and later retiring as a supervisor at the Penrice Quarry, he heard the Angaston Blacksmith Shop and Museum was seeking volunteers.
“I went to have a look about 16 years ago, and I’ve been there ever since,” Leo says.
“My grandfather and two uncles were blacksmiths, so I followed a family tradition.”
The forge on the current Angaston main street site was established by the Doddridge family in 1876. After serving local industry for decades, the smithy was transformed into a volunteer-run shop and museum. The volunteers make a range of metal goods, and host regular tours and blacksmithing demonstrations, mostly for interstate and overseas tourists.
“We find old horseshoes and pieces of scrap metal and turn them into items for sale,” Leo says.
“We make things like garden ornaments, rubber boot holders, pokers and toasting forks and sell them in the shop to help cover our costs.”
After spending so much time in the Angaston Blacksmith Shop and Museum, Leo has plenty of memories.
“Visitors often ask if they can get a job there and I always explain the benefits; you don’t pay tax on your wages, because there are no wages,” he says with a laugh.
“But over the years we’ve had a few interested people who we’ve trained, and who now volunteer at the museum.”
Leo also encounters concerned horse lovers wondering whether it hurts when the blacksmith nails the metal shoes to the animal’s hooves.
“They’re usually reassured when I show them the special nails we use,” Leo says. “A skilled blacksmith won’t hurt the horse.”
When he’s not blacksmithing, Leo can often be found in his other volunteering role at the local Driver Reviver site. As an Angaston District Lions Club member, Leo helped set up the site at a Sturt Highway truck stop near Nuriootpa. They provide refreshments to motorists who are taking a break on long trips.
As for advice to people considering volunteering, Leo invokes sportswear manufacturer Nike’s trademark.
“Just do it,” he says. “You meet and work with great people from all over and they all have interesting stories to tell.”
Turning tragedy into triumph
“I’m a hands-on volunteer, so I enjoy showing others how simple it is to pitch in for those in need.”
Kylan Beech
Cancer Council SA and St Vincent de Paul Society
At 14, Kylan Beech suffered the tragic loss of his mother Tammy-Lee to cancer. This personal tragedy inspired him to help others avoid losing a loved one in the same way.
Now 22, Kylan has an impressive list of achievements as a volunteer, including raising more than $100,000 for cancer research. Last year he topped it off by winning the South Australian Young Citizen of the Year award.
“There’s nothing like seeing the difference you can make by helping people,” Kylan says.
“I’m a hands-on volunteer, so I enjoy showing others how simple it is to pitch in for those in need.”
Kylan’s first major fundraising effort was his ‘220 for Tammy’ bike ride from Adelaide to Barmera in 2019. A year 11 student at the time, Kylan and his three older brothers raised $30,000 with the help of sponsors and a charity auction.
In 2022 he upped the ante, riding 2200km – again with his brothers – from the Gold Coast to Adelaide. Along the way, Kylan and his team mingled with local communities and heard moving stories of how cancer affects Australian families.
The ride featured a video documentary and a final fundraiser bash, which raised even more money.
“I’ll never forget the look on Dad's face when we finished the ride,” Kylan says.
“It was emotional for all of us. Mum gave so much of her time helping others and we felt we were following her example.”
Beyond fundraising, Kylan is the founder of Simply Supporting Abilities, which provides mentoring, work experience and group programs for people seeking disability support. He’s also an award-winning SANFL field umpire and helps create awareness of poverty and homelessness through his role as a mentor and volunteer with the St Vincent de Paul Society.
Kylan says when it comes to volunteering, every bit helps.
“You don’t necessarily have to contribute large amounts of time,” he says.
“Find a cause you’re passionate about and do what you can. Whether it’s an hour, a day, or several days a week, it makes a difference and contributes to bigger events and even more success.”
Half a lifetime helping others
Dulcie Boag
Hutt St Centre
“Find a place that's the right fit for you and the rewards will come.”
If someone says they’ve spent half their life doing something, it’s usually an exaggeration. Not for Dulcie Boag. Having recently celebrated her 90th birthday, and volunteering at Hutt St Centre since 1980, it’s completely true.
“Forty-five years ago, my friend’s sister-in-law told me Hutt St Centre needed volunteers, so I offered to help,” Dulcie says.
“At my interview for the role, I mentioned not wanting to work in the kitchen, so I started in the [op] shop.”
Since then, Dulcie has lent her wide-ranging skills and endless compassion to other areas of Hutt St Centre’s operations, from working on reception and sorting donations to helping with fund-raising efforts and, yes, working in the kitchen. Dulcie is one of 200 volunteers at the 70-year-old Adelaide charity, which helps and empowers people facing homelessness.
Being surrounded by clients doing it tough has had its challenges, but it hasn’t deterred Dulcie.
“The clients have changed a lot over the years,” she says.
“But the mingling I’ve done, and the friendships I’ve made with clients, staff and other volunteers has been incredibly rewarding.”
It’s not just Hutt Street Centre’s staff, volunteers and clients who recognise Dulcie’s value to the community. Last year, she won the prestigious Joy Noble Medal, South Australia’s highest distinction for an individual volunteer.
“When I heard I’d been nominated, let alone won, I couldn’t believe it,” Dulcie says.
“I always thought doctors and other important people received awards like that. I was amazed to be awarded [the Joy Noble Medal] just for coming here and helping out.”
Like most volunteers, Dulcie says it’s important to have a passion for your role.
“There are so many vacancies and so many people needing help,” Dulcie says. “Find a place that’s the right fit for you and the rewards will come.”
IMAGES: RAA/Thomas Aldahn, Mike Lockheart.
