Celebrating a decade of service: Thank you, Sudhir

If you’ve visited the Norwood Town Hall or spent time on The Parade over the past decade, chances are you’ve met a familiar and friendly face, Sudhir Thakur.

After 10 years of dedicated service as one of Council’s Volunteer Justices of the Peace, Sudhir has officially concluded his role with the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters and we would like to take this opportunity to celebrate his extraordinary contribution to our community.

Sudhir’s passion for volunteering was shaped early in life.

Inspired by his late mother’s commitment to helping others, even when her own family faced financial challenges, he developed a deep belief in giving back.

After migrating to Australia from India, Sudhir became a Justice of the Peace in 2015, serving as an independent and objective witness for statutory declarations, affidavits and certified copies of important documents.

For many in the community, these services are essential, often required during stressful or time-sensitive situations.

Sudhir approached every appointment with patience, professionalism and genuine care.

Over his 10 years as a Council Volunteer, Sudhir contributed an incredible 2,448 hours of volunteer service, including approximately 800 hours during the COVID-19 pandemic between 2019 and 2021.

At a time when many witnessing services across Adelaide were paused, the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters was one of the few that continued providing this vital service.

During this critical period, Sudhir was one of only two volunteer Justices of the Peace who ensured the service remained available to the community.

While many councils were forced to suspend services, the commitment of volunteers like Sudhir meant residents could still access vital documentation support when they needed it most.

In fact, during the height of the pandemic, Sudhir volunteered up to 20 hours per week for more than 25 weeks.

He reflects on that time with characteristic humility:

“There was an element of worry in the community, people were concerned for their own health and the health of their loved ones. It was my pleasure to continue offering our services to those who needed it.”

Sudhir’s contribution extends well beyond his Justice of the Peace role.

He has volunteered with Meals on Wheels (Campbelltown branch), served as a TAFE SA English tutor for migrants, and is an elected committee member of the Indian Australian Association of South Australia, supporting social and cultural connections within the community.

In recognition of his outstanding service, Sudhir was proudly named our 2022 Citizen of the Year, a well-deserved honour reflecting years of quiet, consistent impact.

While he may be stepping away from his formal role with the Council, the legacy he leaves behind is significant.

Thousands of residents have benefited from his professionalism, compassion and unwavering commitment to service.

On behalf of the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters, we sincerely thank Sudhir for his time, care and dedication to our community over the past decade.

We wish him every happiness in the next chapter and look forward to seeing him around the community he has served so well.

Ever thought of Volunteering? Register your interest or contact the team on 8366 4555, visit: Register your interest