Dean Taylor may not be a big fan of people making a fuss about him, but the committed Minda volunteer is worthy of a bit of “hoo-hah” according to the Volunteer Services team.
The retired teacher started of his volunteering journey in MyPath working with the computer group but soon found himself also supporting the leadership team.
With a wide skills base, Dean began to feel like his time could be put to good use in other areas of Minda and was soon “snaffled” as he likes to say by Volunteer Specialist Louise Fletcher.
“Louise snaffled me to do a few more admin-based jobs for her,” Dean says. “I set up the new routes for the coin collection, I had a bit better knowledge of Adelaide’s physical layout, so I spent a few months cutting and pasting maps and organising these routes for the volunteers to collect the boxes.”
When I retired, I wanted to volunteer to do something to stay active mentally and socially. I thought Minda would be a good cause to help out, and as it turns out people have been very grateful.
Now an integral part of the Volunteer Services team, Dean offers a unique perspective in designing processes, communicating and training volunteers in language that resonates with them, and is easy to understand.
Such is his willingness to help, whether it’s admin, organising storage areas, assisting with computer training or simply putting up Christmas decorations, he was nominated for the Premier’s Certificate of Recognition for outstanding volunteer service.
“When I retired, I wanted to volunteer to do something to stay active mentally and socially. I thought Minda would be a good cause to help out, and as it turns out people have been very grateful.
“I don’t really like people making too much of a fuss about me, the less fuss the better as far as I’m concerned, but it reinforced the fact that what I do around here is valued by people.
“I don’t need a lot of hoo-hah made about it, but it’s just nice to know you are appreciated.”
Dean Taylor