Delving deep into the record books and uncovering Minda history dating back to 1898 is all part of the work being diligently filed by dedicated volunteer Kerry Sutton.
Working alongside the Royal Commission team, Kerry has been going through the archives and compiling reports and information, drawing on her years of experience and knowledge.
“I had a history where I was working on precedents for forensic psychologists,” Kerry says. “So, I know what they’re looking for, what they need and how they need it presented.
“Me personally, I have always volunteered, it’s something that I am quite passionate about and something I believe in – giving back to the community.
“I was a single mum raising two children and I needed help once upon a time and now it’s my turn to give back.”
I have the experience from a work perspective, and I am quite happy to fit in wherever they need me to be honest, I’ve done the barbecues, I’ve done the marketing, a bit here there and everywhere
Minda is not the only place Kerry volunteers and the Royal Commission team isn’t the only one at Minda to benefit from her philanthropic nature.
“I am with Somerton Park Rotary Club as well and they have a very close affinity with Minda, and Minda needed volunteers.
“I started out working in Children’s Services which is a real passion of mine because I’ve always had a thing that children deserve to have a quality of life no matter who, where or how.
“I have the experience from a work perspective, and I am quite happy to fit in wherever they need me to be honest, I’ve done the barbecues, I’ve done the marketing, a bit here there and everywhere.”
Kerry’s volunteering efforts over time have not gone unnoticed, with Royal Commission Lead Judy Bagshaw in May nominating her for the Premier’s Certificate of Recognition for outstanding volunteer service.
But as is the case with Minda volunteers, Kerry is quick to downplay the fuss.
“I am amazed. I’m sort of left thinking I really don’t think I have done anything to deserve being nominated at all, all I have done is what I believe anybody would do to help people.
“In all honesty I don’t understand why I was nominated, but it makes me feel very special that Judy thought enough of me to nominate me.”
Dedicated Minda volunteer Kerry Sutton.