The impact of volunteering
Liliana always knew that she wanted to be a tour guide one day.
“When I was thinking about retirement, I knew I wanted to start volunteering. I love people and I love South Australia—our beautiful nature and beaches, our wonderful institutes. I want to promote everything great about the state and SAHMRI is as South Australian as I am.”
Liliana began volunteering with SAHMRI in 2024, leading weekly public tours through the building and showcasing its fascinating research.
“I love seeing the curiosity on the visitors’ faces, the light bulb going off in their head when they realise all the incredible research that’s happening here,” said Liliana.
“Everyone can relate to SAHMRI’s work and people on the tour will often tell me their own personal experiences with cancer, dementia, pregnancies—and how much it means to see this great work taking place right here in Adelaide.”
For Liliana, volunteering isn’t just a way of giving back, but also a deeply rewarding experience.
“I get as much out of volunteering as the tour participants. I love learning new things and having a bit of fun along the way.”
Our wonderful volunteers also contribute to the Open Days and other events throughout the year, supporting SAHMRI’s mission to create healthier futures.
Read more stories like this in our 2024 Impact Report
Take me there
SAHMRI is located on Kaurna Country. We pay respects to the Kaurna people of the Adelaide Plains and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We are committed to embracing knowledge and culture as we continue our working journey to incorporate Aboriginal health research across all of our themes and further reconciliation.
Read more"Tirki nguta tappa tangka marninithi"
(Learning and knowledge are the pathway to alter the mind)
- Uncle Lewis Yerloburka O’Brien, Kaurna Elder
