To say Wayne Breese has committed to his work as volunteer, may be a little bit of an understatement.

The retired teacher, 68, drives children in care to various appointments for the Department for Child Protection, five days a week.

“Sometimes six days,” he said. “I sometimes work on the weekends as well.

“I don’t have a relationship and I’m retired, so I don’t really have any other commitments.

“I suppose I’ve dedicated myself to the department.”

DCP celebrated Wayne, who taught in the APY Lands in the state’s Far North and at Streaky Bay on the West Coast, along with DCP’s more than 180 other volunteers in the lead up to International Volunteer Day this month.

He also worked in mental health for two decades – a career that set him up perfectly for his volunteering.

“I just try to make them feel comfortable and try to allay their fears,” Wayne said.

“After a while, I think they become quite fond of me and ask for me to drive them.”

Wayne, who has three grown children and three grandchildren, was a finalist in the Volunteer of the Year category at the recent SA Child Protection Awards.

He was also be recognised for his efforts earlier this month at the Annual Southern Suburbs Volunteer Serviced Award Ceremony.

Wayne has now been volunteering out of DCP’s Noarlunga office for the past five years and particularly enjoys the camaraderie shared with staff.

“I’ve probably got a reputation for having a sense humour,” he said, “and I enjoy making them laugh.”

And Wayne’s caring nature doesn’t stop with children in care – he also tended his ailing mother for a decade and now lives with, and assists, his 76-year-old eldest brother.

“He still pulls the big brother rank on me though,” he said.

Child Protection Minister Katrine Hildyard said the dedication and kindness of DCP’s volunteers, whether driving children to appointments or helping with life story books, creates those vital connections that can be so meaningful to a young person having a really hard time.

“I have spoken with people like Wayne and they often describe how important a chat with a young person can be as they are driving along,” she said.

“Wayne and other volunteers help kids know that they are not alone.

“They embody the spirit of what makes our volunteer program so successful - they bring reliability, commitment, and most importantly, heart to their roles.”

Fortunately for children in care and DCP, Wayne won’t even think about slowing down.

“I can’t see any reason to stop,” he said. “Not at this stage.”

More information about volunteering can be found at: childprotection.sa.gov.au/make-a-difference/volunteers