4 February 2025

For the past 14 years, Department for Correctional Services (DCS) volunteer, Kerry McKeen, has shown incredible empathy towards prisoners and offenders in the South Australian community.

Kerry received the 2025 Australia Day Citizen of the Year award by the City of Onkaparinga at the South Adelaide Football Club on 26 January.

The Citizen of the Year award recognises a City of Onkaparinga resident who has made a significant voluntary contribution to the community through the year or over a number of years.

Kerry has been a volunteer with DCS since 2010, supporting and mentoring newly released prisoners and offenders on community-based orders.

Kerry’s nomination was submitted by DCS Volunteer Coordinator, Julie Woodhall, with a reference letter written by Senior Case Manager, Colin Mercer.

DCS’s Volunteer Unit supports offender community reintegration while reducing reoffending.

The Volunteer Unit runs over a dozen different programs, including a Life Skills Program, Community Mentor Program, Education Program and Volunteer Driver Program.

Each program is designed to support offenders and help them reintegrate into the community, teaching skills such as literacy and numeracy, how to budget, setting goals and exercise.

To learn more about DCS Volunteers, visit www.corrections.sa.gov.au/volunteers/become-a-dcs-volunteer.

Quotes attributable to Department for Correctional Services Volunteer Coordinator, Julie Woodhall

"Kerry is an incredibly highly valued volunteer with the Department and we would be very much lost without him.

At all times, Kerry engages positively with our client base and in the 14 years he has volunteered with us has demonstrated exceptional empathy.

Kerry has immense compassion for the people he supports and is able to adapt his style to meet an offender’s individual personal & communication needs."

Quotes attributable to Department for Correctional Services Senior Case Manager, Colin Mercer

"In every interaction, Kerry demonstrates an unwavering commitment to treating each person as an individual, recognizing the inherent potential within them to redefine their lives.

Kerry embodies the transformative power of empathy, demonstrating that with support and understanding, individuals can reclaim their lives and contribute positively to society.

Without his exceptional contributions, our collective effort toward rehabilitation and community cohesion would undoubtedly be diminished. Kerry’s legacy is one of hope, empowerment, and an enduring belief in the capacity for change."

Quotes attributable to Department for Correctional Services Volunteer, Kerry McKeen

"I was totally surprised that I was nominated for such a prestigious award, let alone being the recipient. I play golf, and for 26 years I tried to win a gold medal at the Master Games, and won bronze and silver but never gold, so this is my gold medal for achievement, and I am very happy to receive it.

I enjoy my volunteering role because it gives me a sense of achievement, as it’s not just about me.

In my volunteering role I get to meet people from diverse backgrounds and age groups, which results in very friendly and informative discussions. It is also nice to be part of a group which shares their time supporting those who need help getting through difficult times."