Respect Recognises the Impact of its Volunteers Across the Country

Over a century ago, Barbara Barnett started St Ann’s, one of the first aged care homes in Australia. With just 10 pounds in her pocket and not enough blankets to go around the first night she opened her doors to the elderly people of Hobart, many of whom were in dire need.

But through the sheer determination of countless volunteers hoping to instigate positive change and the generosity of the local community, St Ann’s grew and evolved over the years to be one of the finest homes in the country. 

It is a similar story across so many of Respect’s other homes, across the country. Each was built and developed by the sacrifice, goodwill, and hard work of volunteers in the local community.

National Volunteer Week took place last week – with a theme of ‘the change makers’ – it appreciated the vital support that millions of Australian volunteers continue to provide their communities.

To celebrate, Respect staff took time to highlight and recognise all the organisation’s current volunteers who continue to epitomise that same spirit of philanthropy and altruistic support as Barbara Barnett and other pioneers of aged care services – and their contributions are just as meaningful.

Here are just some of the fantastic volunteers who play an essential part of our service and care for residents.

Lyn, Woodhaven

Lyn has been a volunteer at Woodhaven in Lockhart, NSW, for 10 years and prior to that, she was also employed at the home for another decade. Lyn volunteers for craft activities, which engage residents in art therapy, and is also an accredited palliative care support person. The love and care she shows our residents are invaluable.

 

Barry, Eliza Purton

Without Barry we would not be able to do our weekly bus trips for residents at Eliza Purton in West Ulverstone, TAS. Barry enjoys taking our residents out and about in the community and assisting them whenever and however he can. He also loves spending time with each of them, over lunch and chat. 

 

Betty, Eliza Purton

Not all volunteers look the same, and Betty is proof of that. Delta dog Betty is quite the helper at Eliza Purton and residents eagerly look forward to her visits every fortnight. Betty loves getting involved in activities happening around the place and is always happy to receive pats while making the days a little brighter for our residents. 

 

Carolyn, Woodhaven

Carolyn has been volunteering at Woodhaven for 19 years. She started because she loves helping others, especially with something that brings them great joy. Carolyn is currently part of the nailcare team at Woodhaven and residents love to be pampered by her every fortnight.