Volunteering is a core part of any community, and in rural communities volunteering makes a vital contribution to rural and local economies. During the past 6 months there have been two research projects undertaken on Volunteering in Regional South Australia:

1. Youth into Volunteering by Associate Professor Dr Melissa Nursey-Bray
2. SA Fire & Emergency Services Commission Helen Smith

Both Melissa and Helen will present their findings and they will be joined by Dr Christel Mex to discuss Volunteering in Regional South Australia.

Dr. Melissa Nursey-Bray University of Adelaide: Associate Professor at the Department of Geography, Environment and Population at the University of Adelaide. Her main interest is in working with communities to build climate adaptive solutions and to contribute to environmental governance. She has worked with ports, conservation groups, indigenous peoples and local governments on climate risk projects, climate adaptation programs and vulnerability /resilience assessments. She is an awarded teacher in environmental sustainability, and she is published widely in the adaptation field.

Helen Smith: “Disasters: Community Capacity and Collaboration” Helen has worked in regional SA for a number of years assisting communities to plan and respond strategically to challenges they face economically, socially and environmentally. Helen has completed a research project jointly funded by the State Government and Federal Government through the National Disaster Resilience Program, to explore the potential for greater collaboration between the Emergency Services Sector and the private sector.

Dr Christel Lorraine Mex Flinders University: “Stepping Up or Stepping Out? The Future of Volunteer Leaders in Our Community Groups” After ‘re-wiring’ her career after 30 years in the South Australian public service, Christel has recently completed a PhD and is currently a Research Associate with Flinders University. Her research area investigates the challenging question of why people are not putting up their hand to be volunteer leaders of grassroots organisations.

Her other qualifications include a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts; and her previous career included executive roles at the Adelaide Festival Centre, State Library, the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Department for Environment and the Office for Volunteers.  In her spare time, Christel is also a Councillor with the City of Norwood, Payneham & St Peters, an active volunteer in her local community and happy grandma of two boys.

Register here.