Many organisations have a group of volunteers who have formed a “Friends of...” to support the work of the organisation. Members pay a small annual fee and can be involved in a range of support activities including fund raising. While this is often a major activity, groups like those listed below offer other activities and benefits for their members.
Friends of the Waite Arboretum
Members work to foster interest in the care, use, development and promotionof the Arboretum.
Members receive a regular newsletter and may participate in a program of exhibitions, excursions, events and lectures.
Members participate by helping to tend the collection, monitor tree trials, help with fundraising, develop educational materials or work as an Arboretum Guide. Tel. 8303 7405.
Friends of the Waite Conservation Reserve
Members assist in the conservation and ecological restoration of the Waite Conservation Reserve and promote the Reserve as a research and educational resource. Tel. 8303 7405.
Friends of Urrbrae House
Members have the opportunity to be involved in projects including restoration of the House, the establishment of the Waite Museum of Agricultural Science and Technology in the old coach house and stables and the development of the heritage garden.
This group also enjoys a varied program of concerts, exhibitions, lectures and open days. Tel. 8303 7497.
Friends of the ABC
FABC represents the public’s interest in its national public broadcaster. It is comprised of Friends of the ABC organisations from every Australian state and territory working together in a national campaign.
Friends of the ABC aim to defend and promote the ABC in its vital role as an independent, national broadcaster. Tel. 8449 2084.
Friends of the Botanic Gardens
Members provide services to visitors. These include guided walks in the three gardens, staffing the shop in the Adelaide Botanic Garden and support for the Plant Biodiversity Centre and Botanic Gardens Library.
Activities for members include tours to gardens and other places of related interest in South Australia, interstate and overseas. Tel. 8222 9367.
Friends of the Adelaide Festival
This group supports the Adelaide Festival of Arts as hands on committee members and lively participants in the Festival program. They are valuable volunteers giving their time, knowledge and skills. Tel. 8216 4410.
Friends of the University Of Adelaide Library
Members promote and foster interest and support for the University libraries and their development. Program and activities include invitations to functions and joint functions with other libraries and cultural organisations. There are opportunities to support the restoration, preservation and digitisation of rare works. Contact the Deputy University Librarian, tel. 8303 5372.
Friends of the South Australian Museum
Throughout the year FOSAM arranges a number of functions which include talks, behind the scenes tours in the Museum, outings and social activities. Funds raised from functions and tours are used to support the museum. Tel. 8207 7389.
Friends of Parks
The Friends scheme is coordinated by the Community Liaison Unit of the Department for Environment and Heritage.
The scheme consists of 126 individual Friends Groups. Contact the Consumer Liaison Unit for a list of these groups or visit the website.
Friends Groups provide the opportunity for public participation in the management of National Parks and Wildlife reserves, heritage sites and wildlife. They also provide cultural and social activities for the enjoyment of members, staff and the public.
Groups are encouraged to liaise with and enjoy social interaction with other such groups throughout South Australia. National and international links are maintained through the Parks Volunteering Network Australia and the International Federation of National Parks and Wilderness Support Groups. Tel. 8124 4784.
Friends of the Art Gallery of South Australia
Members share in an exciting and creative range of cultural, educational and social activities with other like-minded people. Activities include invitations to selected exhibition openings, musical events and private viewings. Membership assists fund the work of the Art Gallery. Tel. 8207 7050.
Conservation Council of South Australi Annual Supportea
The Conservation Council of South Australia is South Australia’s peak non-government community conservation organisation. It represents over 50 of the State’s diverse environmental groups.
The Friends support the work of the Council, assisting the protection of South Australia’s environment. An Annual Supporter funds the work of the Council. Tel. 8223 5155.
Friends of the State Library
The Friends produce publications such as the Australiana Facsimile Editions. Benefits for members include priority ordering and discounts on their publications, invitations to book launches, library functions and special events. Tel. 8207 7255.
Friends of local libraries
Many local council or community libraries have a “Friends Of…” group. Some typical activities are book sales of used library stock, meetings with guest speakers and fund raising projects. Contact your local library for further information.
