or Armidale local David Steller, volunteering isn’t just something he does – it’s part of who he is. Long before he became a familiar face across community organisations, David grew up in a family where giving back was simply a way of life. Weekend working bees, selling raffle tickets, and helping at street stalls and canteens were everyday experiences that quietly laid the foundations for a lifelong commitment to service. That grounding only deepened when David married his wife, Kerry, and the couple made Armidale their home. “When we moved here, we quickly got involved in local sports clubs and community groups,” said David. “Kerry helped establish netball in Armidale and is now a life member of both the Armidale District Netball Association and the Armidale Catholic Sports Club. I became closely involved with the Demon Knights Soccer Club as an administrator, coach and player.” Their shared passion for community service continued to grow. One of their earliest commitments was joining the Armidale Tree Group in 1987 – an organisation dedicated to propagating and planting native species to combat eucalypt die-back. More than four decades later, both David and Kerry remain actively involved as proud life members. Asked what drives his volunteering, David simply says: “Maybe it’s in my DNA. I’ve always looked out for others and put my hand up to help.” Joining Rotary in 1993 opened the door to even broader opportunities. Through Rotary Australia World Community Service projects, David became involved in initiatives that extended well beyond Armidale. At the same time, his career in engineering with Armidale Regional Council allowed him to support local sporting and community groups in practical, lasting ways. Working with the Armidale Sport and Recreation Committee, David helped secure long-sought Federal and State Government funding, contributing to the construction and upgrade of many of the city’s sporting facilities. Environmental projects have also been a significant part of David’s contribution. Working alongside schools and community groups, he helped lead the revegetation of the Armidale Bypass – restoring the landscape while inspiring new grassroots groups focused on caring for local nature reserves and public open spaces. Among all the projects David has supported, one stands especially close to his heart: helping to establish the School of St Jude in Tanzania alongside fellow Armidale resident Gemma Sisia (née Rice). “Gemma came to my Rotary club with an incredible vision – to break the cycle of poverty through education,” said David. “She had five acres of donated land in the village of Moshono and needed to build a school.” The Armidale Central Rotary Club embraced the vision, raising $15,000 in 1999. In 2000, David led a team of 13 volunteers to Tanzania, where they built the school’s first three classrooms. The School of St Jude welcomed its first students in 2002. Today, the school operates across three campuses and educates around 1,800 students. Graduates have gone on to university studies in fields ranging from medicine to engineering, many returning to give back to their own communities. Closer to home, one of David’s most meaningful recent roles has been with St Vincent de Paul. As retirement approached, he joined the St Augustine Conference, supporting the redevelopment and operations of Freeman House. Now modernised, Freeman House provides rehabilitation, detox services and short-term accommodation for people experiencing homelessness or recovering from drug and alcohol dependency – a vital community resource David feels privileged to support. Reflecting on decades of service, David said the greatest reward has been the people he has met and the lives improved along the way. “I’ve been fortunate to work with so many committed volunteers,” he said. “I hope Armidale continues to do what it does best – caring for one another and supporting the groups that make this such a wonderful place to live.” F Armidale Regional Council 2026 Senior/Elder Australia Day Award David Steller was awarded the 2026 Senior/Elder Australia Day Award in recognition of his longstanding, selfless service to the Armidale community. Through decades of volunteer work across environmental care, social welfare, aged services and community support, David has consistently given his time, compassion and leadership to improving the lives of others. Honouring a lifetime of service to the Armidale community Page 21
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