PENNY MCAULEY
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
NOMINATED FOR
Glenelg North
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How would you describe yourself or your work in one sentence?
People are each others superpower
Tell us a little about what you do
Throughout my career, I have taken full responsibility for the welfare of people, to build confidence and capacity in the possibilities of creating that which serves individuals, organisations and community. I am a creative and entrepreneur by nature, an established and recognised Industry leader with demonstrated and sustainable success across social services, government, arts and major events.
I've been around the block more than once, have been shaken and stirred through the experiences of life, and know more than ever that true character is reflected in values of kindness, consistency, courage and honesty where they serve a greater good, most of the time, privately, without accolade or recognition. A gentle knowing, that supporting people to identify and achieve their aspirations is one of the greatest privileges we can serve in each other.
What impact or achievement are you most proud of this year?
I have been privileged to work with incredible people and organisations throughout my 35 professional years, in which Volunteering has always been at the forefront of my career objectives. I was appointed by the State Government to serve on the inaugural rainbow advisory council to develop South Australia's first LGBTQIA+ social inclusion policy, which set the framework for Government to develop and evolve policies and priorities that were to evolve over the next 20 years and transform equity, inclusion and recognition for our community in State Government reform, the foundation for the South Australian Rainbow Advisory Committee.
I have also served as a volunteer Board member of:
The JamFactory, the home of South Australia's design, furniture, lighting and objects organisation, internationally acclaimed as creating tomorrows talent today.
Telethon SA , Australian longest and original home land lottery which supported South Australian charities for over 60 years raising over $40M
Feast Festival, 20 years ago, served one term as a Board member, it is a true pleasure to return to the role of Chair of the Board
I have been a national volunteer speaker for Beyond Blue, supporting our LGBTQIA+ communities in schools, workplaces and industries to smash the stigma associated with mental health, receiving support and recovery.
In each of these positions, I have flown the flag ensuring representation, accessibility and visibility for LGBTQIA+ community
A fun fact, my former bands have been roped into charity and fundraising events, including raising funds for individuals of our LGBTQIA+ community, that option is again on the table.
Why does your work matter to the community?
My work matters, because it is all about people. People feeling safe, that they are valued belong and have a contribution they can make that reflects their capacity and objectives. We all need aspiration, to feel we matter and can make a difference in our own life, and that of others. This attitude and belief levels up our life experience and inspires others.
Every interaction I have is inherently intentional. I take full responsibility for the impacts of my actions. And for me there is no greater success than achieving that which may have appeared impossible than through true collaboration, aligned values, bringing people and organisations together, to forge greater opportunities, and sustainable pathways for future growth, adaptability and resilience. Especially for our community. We are too small, to be divided, fractionalised, to control or supress diversity in it's truest light. We are truly stronger together, each our own identity and aspirations, however; working together, side by side, to give space to our differences, united in our commitment to empower our community, each other and intern ourselves.
What would you like voters to know when voting for you?
Kindness is truly cool.