The volunteers who bring heart and connection to our Centres
Recognising the volunteers who make every day brighter.
Every year, National Volunteer Week invites Australians to pause and recognise the people who give their time, energy and heart to strengthen their communities. This year’s theme 'Your Year to Volunteer' is a powerful reminder that anyone, at any stage of life, can make a meaningful difference.
At integratedliving, we see that difference each day. Our volunteers don’t just support our Activity Centres, they shape the spirit of them.
The difference only a volunteer can make
Activity Centre Team Leader Rachelle describes volunteers as the people who “fill the cracks.” Not because anything is broken but because volunteers step into the spaces where connection, conversation and companionship live.
They sit with people who prefer quiet moments.
They listen without rushing.
They notice the small things that matter.
They build relationships grounded in presence, not obligation.
We see this in the everyday contributions of our volunteers, like:
Hope, who has been with us for over 2 years, preparing cutlery, helping with meals and supporting activities because she wants to “give back to my community.”
Robyn, who loves “interacting with the clients” and brings warmth and energy to each shift.
Debbie, who treasures “talking with the clients” while serving morning tea and lunch.
These moments don’t appear on rosters but they are moments that help to make our Centres feel like home.
Volunteer presence has a real impact
Rachelle recalls one day when a client had a fall. While team members were tied up with essential post‑fall procedures, volunteer Fiona stepped in with calm, steady confidence. Her first aid skills, her reassurance and her gentle presence didn’t just support the client, they transformed the entire mood of the room.
This is the quiet power of volunteering.
Quietly impactful and deeply meaningful.
Meet the volunteers who make every day brighter
Hope: Two and a half years of heart
Hope has been volunteering with us for almost two and a half years, bringing quiet dedication and a deep sense of community spirit to everything she does. From preparing cutlery to helping with morning tea, lunch, and activities, Hope is a steady, reliable presence who makes the centre feel warm and welcoming. She says volunteering helps her “give back to my community,” and she brings her whole self to the role, including the strengths and perspective that come with having Level 1 Autism. Her kindness, consistency, and gentle humour brighten the day for clients and team members alike.
Robyn: Six Months of connection and joy
In just six months, Robyn has become a valued and much‑loved member of the centre community. She throws herself into every task, serving meals, helping with activities, and staying back to clean at the end of the day but it’s her genuine connection with clients that stands out most.
Robyn says she “enjoy[s] everything I do, especially interacting with the clients,” and that joy is felt by everyone around her. She brings warmth, energy and a lovely sense of calm, making her time with us truly special.
Debbie T: Five years of conversation and care
Debbie has spent five years volunteering with us and her favourite part has never changed: talking with the clients. Whether she’s serving morning tea or lunch, Debbie brings a friendly face and a listening ear, creating moments of connection that mean so much to the people we support.
Outside volunteering, she enjoys colouring and playing games on her tablet, a reminder that she brings creativity and playfulness into the centre as well. Debbie’s presence is gentle, steady and deeply appreciated.
Julie: Eight years of wisdom and warmth
For eight years, Julie has been a vibrant part of our Raymond Terrace community. She prepares morning tea and coffee, helps with lunch, supports team members and always finds time to mingle with clients. Julie values the chance to connect with other older people and appreciates “the importance of being useful,” bringing empathy and understanding to every interaction.
She also volunteers at her granddaughter’s school canteen and is a proud music lover, especially when it comes to Elvis. Her local roots and generous spirit make her an anchor at the centre.
Karen: Six months of culinary care
Karen has been with us for six months, sharing her cooking skills and warm, engaging personality with clients each week. She loves the “interaction and communication with an eclectic group of people,” and it shows. She brings a spark to the kitchen and a sense of belonging to the dining room.
Karen also volunteers with the NSW Rural Fire Service, demonstrating her commitment to community in more ways than one. Her reliability, kindness and humour make her a joy to have on the team.
Peter: Purpose through giving back
Since joining us in August 2023, Peter has become a familiar and friendly face around the centre. Whether he’s running the BBQ, chatting with clients, playing cards, or lending a hand wherever needed, Peter brings warmth and purpose to his volunteering.
He says it’s “fulfilling to be able to give back,” and that he sees how much clients enjoy having him around. Now retired, Peter values having a role that makes a difference and he absolutely does.
Tracey: Cooking with heart
Tracey has been volunteering with us for seven months, sharing her cooking skills and her big-hearted personality with clients and team members. She loves the clients, and it shines through in the way she prepares meals, supports the team and steps in wherever she’s needed.
Tracey also volunteers as a cook at Coast Shelter on Fridays, showing just how deeply she cares about community and connection. Her generosity and warmth make her an essential part of our week.
Deb M: Four years of laughter and support
Deb has been with us since September 2022 and looks forward to every Monday she spends at the centre. She helps with kitchen duties, supports activities, chats with clients, and brings a wonderful sense of humour that lifts the whole room.
Deb describes herself as someone who “goes with the flow,” and that flexibility makes her invaluable. She loves getting to know clients, sharing a bit of banter with team members, and being part of a team that feels like family. Her presence brings lightness, laughter and genuine care.
Sue: Fifteen years of dedication and heart
Sue has been part of our Woy Woy Activity Centre since 2011, bringing warmth, steadiness and genuine care to every shift. What began as a Centrelink obligation quickly became something she truly enjoys, especially being surrounded by people she cares about. Whether she’s helping in the kitchen, supporting activities or chatting with clients, Sue is a calm and friendly presence. Outside volunteering, she’s travelled to New Zealand, raised two sons she adores and is a devoted partner to her husband, Peter. Her kindness and gentle humour make her a treasured part of the Woy Woy community.
Senga: A lifetime of giving
For the past 18 months, Senga has brought energy, kindness and a wonderful community spirit to her volunteering. She mainly helps in the kitchen but joins activities whenever she can, always adding warmth to the day.
She loves spending time with clients and describes them as “all lovely people.” With more than 40 years of community service, from Sunday school and Scouts to Highland dancing committees and running chair yoga. Senga brings a lifetime of generosity to everything she does.
Glenis: More than two decades of care and connection
Glenis has been part of our Raymond Terrace community since 2003, offering more than 20 years of kindness and reliability. She supported many clients through transport over the years and now helps in the Activity Centre wherever she’s needed, always with a smile.
She loves spending time with clients and enjoys the conversations and company each day brings. Glenis also speaks warmly of the staff, who she says “go out of their way to make the day fun,” especially with their beautiful craft. Her commitment here runs deep and we’re grateful for her long‑standing dedication.
Wanita: Twelve months of warmth and connection
Wanita has been volunteering with us for close to twelve months, bringing a friendly, steady presence to the centre. She spends her time cooking, chatting with clients and playing games, all simple moments that create genuine connection and brighten the day. What she enjoys most is the interaction with clients and team members, and it shows in the way she engages with everyone around her.
Outside volunteering, she also gives her time at her church and is surrounded by a big, local family she adores. Warm, community‑minded and always ready to help, Wanita brings heart to every visit.
What our centres would look like without volunteers
Rachelle is honest “They would look vastly different.”
We would miss the warm welcomes, the extra hands in the kitchen, the laughter during card games, the gentle encouragement during activities and the stories shared over tea.
Team members would have less time for their core work and clients would miss out on the richness that our volunteers bring - talents, humour, patience and heart that make our centres feel alive. Volunteers don’t just support our programs, they elevate them.
A message to our volunteers
From Rachelle, from our team members and from every client whose day you’ve brightened:
“We are so incredibly grateful for the joy, support and heart you bring to our centres. Thank you for everything you do for our clients, our team members and our community.”
This Volunteers Week, if you’ve ever thought about volunteering - this is your year.
Your year to connect.
Your year to give back.
Your year to make a difference.
