Pinnaroo Ambulance volunteers have been recognised by their community after the service was named as one of three regional South Australian organisations to benefit from donations made by leading agriculture network, Viterra.
The service, which is run by a team of around 12 local volunteers, is set to receive $3000 from Viterra after local grower, Gary Summerton nominated it in this year’s postharvest survey competition.
“My wife, Lynne, has been a volunteer at the ambulance service for the past 35 years, and it’s fantastic what they do to care for our community,” Gary says.
“They are there when people need help and go above and beyond their call of duty. We are very lucky to have a dedicated community service like this to look out for us.”
Pinnaroo Ambulance Service Volunteer Team Leader, Rob Berlin says the Viterra donation is a welcome boost to the station, which provides 24/7 ambulance cover across the Pinnaroo and surrounding areas.
“Our volunteers do an excellent job providing this crucial service to the community, sometimes travelling as far as 100km to respond to incidents, assist local residents, and provide care until more help arrives,” Rob says.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Gary and Viterra for the support through this donation, which will make a huge difference in supporting our team and the Pinnaroo Ambulance Service.”
Viterra Eastern region Operations Manager, Andrew Cannon says the annual postharvest survey is one of the ways Viterra gains important information about growers’ and carriers’ experiences during harvest.
“It’s all about making sure we provide a valued and efficient service to support growers and carriers into the future,” Andrew says.
“Plus, it’s a great way for us to support the regional organisations which mean the most to our customers, who by providing their feedback can enter the draw to win a donation to a community group of their choice.”
Viterra contributes to regional South Australia as a major employer, with the majority of its 1000 permanent and ongoing employees based regionally, as well as boosting the SA economy through purchasing grain from local growers and investing in its supply chain, last season adding $1.2+ billion to the state.
“We also drive a range of sponsorships and initiatives to give back to the regional communities we operate in, including sponsoring various grower groups and events and our partnership with the Adelaide Football Club on the Country connect programme,” Andrew says.
“The Murray Mallee was the first regional area to host the inaugural programme last year, bringing past and current Crows AFL and AFLW players to Lameroo for a weekend to support the Southern Mallee Sun’s match day events and run a football clinic, with around 100 juniors getting a run with their Crows idols.”
The programme is once again set to boost grassroots footy across the state when the partnership returns in 2025.
Other regional organisations to receive a $3000 donation from Viterra through its postharvest survey competition include the Bute and Districts Lions Club, and the Kimba Area School.
