Volunteering at Fabrik sparks joy for Hills locals

A lifetime passion for creative expression and connecting with others motivates Hills locals Janette Harness and Janene Overton to volunteer at Fabrik Arts + Heritage at Lobethal.

‘I wanted to volunteer somewhere I knew I would really love to be, and have everything around me that I hold dear,’ said Janene.

Jannette reflected how important it was to her to work with her community.

Janette and Janene volunteer at Fabrik every Friday. Their volunteer roles as Gallery Host and Gallery Shop Assistant, means they engage with visitors from all destinations, sharing stories of the former Onkaparinga Woollen Mill where Fabrik is located as well as representing artists and artworks.

In conversation, both shared how much they enjoy spending time with like-minded people. ‘It’s a creative community, the connections that you get and inspiration that’s shared, is really special’, ‘I’ve made great friends here’, Janette said about fellow volunteers and Fabrik team.

Janene enjoys meeting the Fabrik visitors. ‘They come in and are fascinated with the history of Fabrik and that there is so much happening on site. It’s an interesting place to visit, it’s not just an art gallery, it offers a plethora of things that make people say, ‘Ooh, I think I’ll come back’.

Janette agreed, ‘Fabrik brings a sense of pride, not just to Lobethal but to all of the surrounding Hills townships. How fortunate we are to have this kind of facility here’.

Janette has been volunteering formally off and on throughout her working life. ‘I’ve only just realised that volunteering can be structured or really relaxed. I’ve always been inspired by groups like the CWA, like them, I’m always happy to help, wherever I can.’ ‘I’ve always volunteered too’, said Janene ‘after training as an art and drama teacher I joined various art and drama associations and committees. We donated our time to run national conferences on Drama in Education and regular drama sessions for the community. I loved it and wanted to share my passions, instilling in other people the joy of the Arts.’

‘I’m loving being a part of what happens here at Fabrik’, said Janette. ‘I live alone and like my solitude, but sometimes I can hibernate a bit too much and realise that I haven’t been social enough. I love coming here each week. I really enjoyed the recent exhibition opening, chatting to people and being social with fellow volunteers, it’s just so important.’

Janene wrapped up by saying, ‘I feel so proud when I bring people here, it’s exciting what’s happening and so professional. It’s really wonderful to feel this way about where you volunteer.’

Volunteers are vital to the operations at Fabrik

Currently vacancies include the roles of Gallery Host and Event Support. For more information and to register your interest, please visit the Fabrik website:

For any questions or assistance, please contact Adelaide Hills Council Volunteer Coordinator, Kendra Stephenson on 8408 0490 or kstephenson@ahc.sa.gov.au.