Meet our Volunteer Mike

For Mike, volunteering is all about giving back to the community, staying connected, and offering a helping hand where it’s needed most.

Since 2020, Mike has generously given his time to the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters as both a Justice of the Peace (JP) and a member of the Council’s Graffiti Removal team.

Mike first became a JP during his career with the Attorney General’s Department, where the appointment was a requirement of his position.

Following his retirement in 2020, he knew it was important that he continue using his skills and expertise to help others.

“Justice of the Peace services allow community members to have free, easier and local access to a legal representative who can witness and certify specific documents,” Mike explains.

“It’s something useful for others, and it keeps me connected to people.”

Shortly after joining the Council as a Justice of the Peace, Mike was invited to volunteer with the Graffiti Removal team.

With experience driving larger vehicles and handling equipment, he saw it as another way to make a difference and jumped at the opportunity.

“It helps maintain the local environment, keeping it respectable and allowing members of the community to retain pride in the areas they live and work.”

For Mike, the most rewarding part of volunteering is simple.

“Giving something back to the community without asking for anything in return and enjoying the interaction with community members wherever possible.

Volunteering can sometimes also provide a person with a purpose.”

Mike’s commitment to volunteering doesn’t stop there.

For more than 17 years, he has been involved with Holmesdale Tennis Club—starting out by helping with odd jobs before taking on multiple leadership roles.

Today, he is the club’s President, Junior Coordinator, and coach, continuing the proud tradition of the small community club that has been part of Adelaide’s eastern suburbs since 1935.

“Smaller community clubs rely on volunteers to stay viable,” Mike says.

“It’s rewarding to know you’re providing a welcoming environment where people can experience the benefits of sport.

Recently, we’ve also introduced wheelchair coaching to make the club more inclusive.”

Reflecting on his career in finance, regulation and business management, Mike says volunteering has provided him with a new kind of purpose in retirement.

And his advice for anyone considering volunteering?

“If you have any spare time, it can be a very rewarding experience.

"As a JP, I’ve had elderly people thank me simply for taking time to show empathy.

"As part of the graffiti team, people passing by often call out a word of thanks.

"Small things like that make it all worthwhile.”

To find out more about our volunteer programs, visit: Volunteering