By Ian Williams
Every community needs someone like Steve Frinsdorf, a serial volunteer who makes things happen.
The people of Gawler are just lucky that Steve’s real estate business took him to the township a decade ago and he liked what he saw.
The 67-year-old retired two years later and has been an integral part of the community ever since, using his energy and passion to support numerous social causes and not-for-profit organisations.
Last year it was Steve who came to the rescue when the future of the Gawler Show – the town’s showpiece event since 1854 – was at serious risk. A rift in the organising committee saw six members quit leaving no-one to lead the event.
Steve Frinsdorf came to the rescue of the Gawler Show
It was no surprise to those who know him when Steve stepped up to take on the role of president to ensure it was another roaring success.
“I was on that committee and after 160 years of the town putting on the show you don’t want to be on the watch when it suddenly doesn’t happen,” says Steve.
“This is South Australia’s second largest show after the Royal Adelaide Show and we have a huge number of volunteers. That’s what attracted me to Gawler in the first place – I found the willingness of people to volunteer was great.”
Steve is president again for this year’s show in August – a role that is just about full-time. The event has a budget of nearly $400,000 and already there are more than 5,500 entries with over 30,000 people expected through the gates over three days.
This is just one of many senior volunteer positions held by Steve and the reason he’s won multiple community awards, including Gawler Citizen of the Year in 2013.
About six years ago he became involved in Gawler Community House at a time when the board was in disarray. With his leadership it’s grown to become a key community centre helping people in need and turning over about $400,000 every year.
About the same time he also helped launch Willo’s Men’s Shed, taking over a large empty council property and transforming it into a meeting place for men.
“The shed has a fully-equipped workshop and on any given day we have about 30 people there who help make toys and things for the community or fix furniture,” says Steve, who is now the patron.
Steve also helped launch the Willo’s Men’s Shed – Photo Luke Hemer
“It’s a fantastic place for someone who is out of work or retired and is looking for mateship and someone to share their burden. This week we’re running health checks for men and ensuring they get the right advice.”
Steve is also on the board of the Gawler Health Foundation, the fundraising arm of Gawler Hospital, and is treasurer of the Gawler Suicide Prevention Group.
Steve’s wife Tasma is also an active volunteer and a big supporter at Ingle Farm Helping Hand. “When it comes to volunteering Tasma is just as bad as me,” says Steve. “She’s down there every day.”
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