Thank You to Our Volunteers

As we approach International Volunteer Day (5 December), we extend heartfelt gratitude to all our 2024 volunteers who have dedicated their time, energy, and talents to shaping the Peace Foundation. Your contributions make our mission possible.

A special thank you goes to our board members: Adrian Graves (Chair/Treasurer), Ann Kerr (Secretary), Naomi Ebert Smith, Marie Longo, Lisa Radetti, Stephen Spence, and Leonie Ebert, who meet quarterly to guide and sustain the foundation.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Adrian Graves, who stepped down from the chair role at the last AGM and the treasurer role in September. Adrian’s exceptional leadership and dedication have been invaluable over the past seven years.

We also express our deep gratitude to Ann Kerr, who will be stepping down as Secretary at the end of this year. Ann’s unwavering support and commitment over about twenty years have been instrumental to the foundation’s success.

Welcome back, Naomi, as Chair, and a warm welcome to Ngaire Walkinshaw, our new Treasurer, who will be supported by Janet Patton as Bookkeeper.

We also recognise Iris Iwanicki, our steadfast Public Officer, and our Ambassadors, Alison Fort and Jennie Goh, for their vital support across various initiatives.

We have a long list of people to thank and acknowledge for their work during the year. To every volunteer—thank you. Your commitment to peace and community is truly inspiring. 

Event Highlights & Acknowledgments

Welcome to Morna Burdon ‘Gie’s Peace (Give Us Peace) (22 February)

  • Event Manager: Naomi Ebert Smith with support from Marie Longo and Lisa Radetti, Johnny Taranto, Leonie Ebert and the board. 

Annual General Meeting (11 May)

  • Event Manager: Naomi Ebert Smith, with support from the board
  • Guest Speaker: Lee-Ann Tjunypa Buckskin (CEO/Artistic Director, Tandanya)
  • Special mention of the hard work, consultation and negotiation by our legal advisor, Tim Wooley and board chair, Adrian Graves, in pursuit of deductible gift recipient (DGR) status from the Australian Taxation Office.

Art for Peace Book Launch (30 May)

  • Event Manager: Lisa Radetti
  • Speakers: Uncle Lewis Yarlupurka O’Brien AO, Elizabeth Ho, Daz Chandler (The Parallel Effect and past Peace Award recipient), and Mark Street (co-author)
  • MC: Adrian Graves
  • Book Sales: Naomi Ebert Smith, with support from Angelika Tyrone, Maria Gammarota, and her daughter Yolana
  • Volunteers: Johnny Taranto, Marie Longo, Stephen Spence, Jude Fanton
  • Photographers: Lilly Mitrovic, Pamela, and Fernando Goncalves
  • Videography: Marceline McMillan

Kaurna Reconciliation Walks (May)

  • Management and Coordination: Kay Anastassiadis, with support from Lisa Radetti
  • Kaurna guide: Uncle Rod O’Lewis

Hiroshima Day (6 August)

  • Event Manager: Leonie Ebert
  • Support: Naomi Ebert Smith and Lisa Radetti (book sales, hot chocolate)
  • Music: Amanda Ruler (violin) and the Romero Group
  • Speaker: Kieran Snape (Deputy Lord Mayor, Adelaide City Council)

Arts Peace Award Selection Committee

  • Chair: Julianne Pierce
  • Members: Jared Thomas, Heather Croall, Nara Wilson, and Naomi Ebert Smith

Kindred: International Peace Day & Award Presentation (21 September)

  • Event Manager: Naomi Ebert Smith
  • Volunteers: Lisa Radetti, Andie, Anisha, Alyssa Powell-Ascura, Anoubha, Amanda Ruler, Jenny Smith, Myrna Domiati, Marie Longo, Johnny Taranto, Nathan Joy, Maria Gammarota, Alison Fort. 
  • Music: Tea Tree Gully Orchestra

Speaking Events & Media

  • Leonie Ebert: No Strings Attached 30-Year Exhibition panel (Building Blocks to Becoming Fearless, Limitless, Boundless)
  • Naomi Ebert Smith: Here You Grow (HUG) Open House & Langdon Gallery Launch, and SA Weekends with Deb Tribe discussing International Peace Day and Art for Peace.
  • Lindy Nielson: Panel discussion titled What Peace Means in 2024 to celebrate Harmony Day, alongside Denis Yengi and David Radford.

Communications

  • Social Media & Website: Naomi Ebert Smith
  • Newsletter: Lisa Radetti with contributions from Naomi, Leonie, Craig Campbell, and others

To every volunteer—thank you. Your commitment to peace and community is truly inspiring.