In recognition of National Volunteer Week (16 – 20 May), Warrigal is celebrating the amazing contribution of their volunteers, and thanking them for the essential nature of their work in founding, governing and helping the organisation at every level.

Warrigal is a for-purpose, community volunteer-owned organisation that won National Aged Care Provider of the Year again in 2021. Warrigal operates 12 aged care homes across NSW and the ACT, and offers home services, retirement lifestyle villages and social support, and currently has close to 400 volunteers working across these locations including at every service at the front line of the organisation.

To show their thanks, Warrigal has organised thank you event lunches in different locations, celebrating their volunteers across NSW and the ACT.

Warrigal CEO, Mark Sewell, said “Warrigal was started by volunteers more than 50 years ago, and still to this day they are essential to what we do. They play such important roles within our organisation and effect Warrigal at every level, including our Company members, all of our Board, our advisory group, as well as on the front-line in every service at every location.”

Mark continued, “Some have volunteered for more than 20 years and the support they provide to Warrigal residents, customers and staff is so valued, and we truly thank them for the commitment they show older people in our community every day.”

The contribution of Warrigal’s frontline Volunteers is so essential to Warrigal and their residents, as they play the role of a friendly visitor rather than a care staff member. While Warrigal staff members do provide emotional and social support, their time is shared amongst the clinical needs of residents, whereas a volunteer is at a care home purely to spend quality time with the older people. This quality time boosts the morale and mood of residents, reducing feelings of isolation, stress, and depression.

The volunteers themselves, also gain a deep sense of purpose and fulfilment from their role, directly seeing the positive impact they are making to the lives of older people in their community. Because of this, Warrigal’s volunteers often stay on volunteering for many years, as they acknowledge the positive impact it has on their own lives, being able to help others.

Jan Elliot joined the Warrigal Stirling team back in February as a Golden Angel volunteer, and has since found how rewarding her role at the care home is. “I really enjoy interacting with the residents and seeing their big smiles and excitement when I arrive. They just know you are there to spend time with them and they get so excited.”

Jan continued, “It gives me real satisfaction knowing that I am visiting residents who may not have regular visitors, and it’s a pleasure to be a part of the different programs implemented at Warrigal for the benefit of their residents.”

Volunteers are always welcomed at any Warrigal location across NSW and the ACT, and are encouraged to apply by emailing volunteering@warrigal.com.au.