News

Celebrating Volunteers at Garden Village

23 May 2023

National Volunteer Week

Celebrating National Volunteer Week, Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering! Betty and Amber from the Retirement Living Team created a beautiful morning tea event to celebrate our volunteers in honour of National Volunteer Week.

Craig Wearne CEO with volunteer Del (93)

CEO Craig Wearne acknowledged the wonderful efforts of Garden Village volunteers including the op shop, the men’s shed, craft groups and the people who support village life.

“We know purpose, wellness and community are three pillars for a good life and celebrating volunteers during National Volunteering Week is a way to acknowledge everyone’s contributions to our community,” said CEO Craig Wearne.

New volunteers welcome to join us

Volunteer Driver Peter with Glenis and David Sherrard

Engaging in volunteer work enables people to connect with others, fostering social interactions and a sense of belonging. Volunteering at Garden Village takes many forms, from companionship for people in aged care to fundraising, working in the men’s shed, driving the buggy to help people get around the village, or simply bringing a smile to someone’s face.

HR Manager Lucinda Taylor presented the certificates of appreciation to attendees. “Garden Village welcomes volunteers from the community. Now that COVID restrictions have been lifted we encourage new volunteers to join us and support aged care and retirement living activities and programs. Volunteer bus drivers are also welcome to get in touch to support regular outings. We have a number of volunteers who join us from the community to support our services,” said Lucinda Taylor HR Manager.

Glenda worked at Garden Village for many years and lives in Port Macquarie. She visits regularly as a volunteer to support the Op Shop and various fundraising events.

Joanne Stavely also volunteers at the Op Shop. Her parents moved into the Classics, after many extended trips in their caravan they were comfortable and happy in a smaller unit. As health needs increased the couple moved to Wintergarden Aged Care for additional support. Joanne thanked everyone at the event for making her parents feel so welcome at Garden Village and for their ongoing contributions.

Volunteering in the community

Ron and Louise are life members of the Auxiliary and dedicated many years to volunteering at Garden Village creating the first garage sales which inspired the creation of the Op Shop.

Many residents at Garden Village also contribute their time and energy to various causes in the local Port Macquarie community, truly embodying the spirit of giving back.

For many years Ron was a volunteer tour guide at the Sea Acres Rainforest. Rain or shine, he would lead people through the beautiful 1.2km rainforest loop, sharing his knowledge about the natural world. Louise volunteered around the corner at Douglas Vale Vineyard. The vineyard holds special significance for her, as it is tied to her family’s genealogy.