The University of South Australia Student Volunteer of the Year Award recognises current students who have made a significant contribution to the wider community and/or campus life through volunteering.
Coming from India, Swathi grew up seeing poverty and underprivileged communities, and despite not having a lot to give, her parents would always go out of their way to help others around them in any way they could. Their compassion and kindness are what shaped her values today. When she moved to Adelaide in 2024 to study Master of Design, she knew she wanted to carry those values with her and be part of a bigger community. Volunteering has never just been about filling hours – it’s always been about belonging, giving back and learning from people around her. Her dedication to community building saw her volunteer more than 200 hours at Salvation Army, as well as making a difference on campus through volunteering at the USASA Op Shop and at key university events.
“My volunteering experiences have given me a lot of perspective. Whenever I feel weighed down by my own hardships, I think of the people I’ve met, people who had so little but still found reasons to smile. It has taught me resilience, empathy, communication, and the power of small actions to bring about a big change. For me, volunteering isn’t just a service; it’s growth, connection and a way to make Adelaide feel like home for myself and for those around me, and I believe that is the real gift of volunteering. My aim has always been very simple – to make a difference, however small, and to share kindness that uplifts others.”
Since arriving in Adelaide in 2023 to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy research degree, Ruth has dedicated more than 350 volunteer hours, all while balancing her PhD studies and part-time clinical work. Her volunteerism includes preparing and serving weekly meals for people in need at Baptist Care SA, assisting newly arrived refugees at STTARS (Survivors of Torture and Trauma Assistance and Rehabilitation Service), contributing to Vision Australia Radio live readings for vision-impaired listeners, supporting the Australia Day Council of SA with event coordination, serving as a Higher Degree by Research Student Representative on campus and a StudyAdelaide Student Ambassador, and helping raise funds for the UniSA and University of Adelaide Vinnies Community Sleepout in August 2025.
“Volunteering has been transformative, shaping both my personal and professional journey. Working with communities experiencing hardship has broadened my perspective on resilience and the diverse ways people respond to adversity, helping me develop empathy, humility and cultural sensitivity that enrich my work as a researcher and medical doctor. It reminds me that small acts of service can create ripple effects of hope, belonging and inclusion. Ultimately, volunteering has shaped me into a more compassionate, community-driven person.”
Mariam Qanitah (Commendation)
Allene Hamidi Vadeghani (Commendation)
Pavahaariny Kathegesen (Commendation)
For more information‚ contact:
Leanne Cotter
Coordinator: Student Engagement
Student Engagement Unit
E: leanne.cotter@unisa.edu.au