National Volunteer Week Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering is just around the corner on 20-26 May 2024. This special event provides an opportunity to highlight the important role of volunteers in our community and invites people not currently volunteering to give it a go. The theme this year is “Something for everyone”.
‘Volunteering is time willingly given for the common good and without financial gain.’ Volunteering Australia
Join Us for a Special Morning Tea
The Retirement Living Team at Garden Village is hosting a morning tea on Friday, May 17th, at 10:30 in the community centre. It’s a chance to come together, share stories, and recognise the impact of volunteering in our lives and communities.
Share Your Volunteering Story
At Garden Village, we believe everyone has a unique story to tell about their volunteering experiences. National Volunteer Week 2024 recognises the diverse passions and talents everyone brings volunteering. To celebrate Garden Village is sharing a series of stories about volunteering at Garden Village and in the community. If you would like to be featured please email marketing@gardenvillage.com.au
- Send a photo of you volunteering
- Tell us how many years you have volunteered for – (this could be at Garden Village or for a community organisation)
- Share why you choose to volunteer and make a difference
- What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering?
Garden Village ‘Helpateers’
Our community at Garden Village is built on the foundation of helping and supporting each other. Many people at Garden Village support and help their neighbours and friends with everyday tasks that support Village life such as clearing letterboxes, arranging noticeboards, checking in on neighbours and running errands. Every little bit helps to make our community the special place that it is. However much you contribute and whatever you do we are immensely grateful for your contributions big and small.
The Garden Village Auxiliary
Residents are invited to join The Garden Village Auxiliary. The Auxiliary has an active fundraising committee, manages the Op Shop, Craft Group, Men’s Shed and organises social activities for the Village. All donations support entertainment for aged care residents, nursing scholarships and more.
Community Volunteers Making a Difference
The goodwill of Garden Village residents is appreciated around the Port Macquarie Hastings Community. At Garden Village, our residents are the heart of our community, and their kindness is known throughout Port Macquarie. Many of them have dedicated decades to volunteering with organizations like Probus, Rotary, Douglas Vale Vineyard, The Port Macquarie Museum, Lifeline, Port Macquarie Arts Craft Centre and Meals on Wheels. Judith is pictured here she has volunteered for the Pink Ladies at Mid North Coast Local Health for an incredible 20 years – congratulations Judith.
Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS)
Garden Village partners with Linked Community Services to support residents through the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) providing friendship and companionship to older people to help them develop social connections. The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) is free and available to anyone who is a permanent resident in a Residential Aged Care Facility or receiving a Home Care Package, including those who are approved and waitlisted to receive either service or who are socially isolated. We refer to those receiving a visit as “Care Recipients”. The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme is funded by the Australian Government.
Volunteering opportunities at Garden Village
People from outside the Village are encouraged to volunteer with us. Students from local secondary schools are welcome to apply.
- Bus Drivers – Driving a minibus to take residents on local trips in their community
- Op Shop Volunteers – Sorting clothes, taking payments and retail customer service. 3.5 hours once a month.
- Entertainers – Bring your talents to entertain aged care residents in group settings
A huge thanks to all our volunteers – making a lifetime of difference!
