NVC is celebrating National Volunteer Week

It’s National Volunteer Week, 19-25 May 2025, and it’s Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering. The week highlights the importance of volunteers in our community and invites people not currently volunteering to give it a go.

“Everyone can give something back to the community. I really love volunteering,” said Denis Sweetman, who is one of the dedicated volunteers who helps at Autumn Lodge.

Denis has been a volunteer there for over eight years now. Prior to becoming a volunteer, he visited Autumn Lodge regularly, seeing his sister-in-law, and then his brother while they lived there.

“I was asked by one of the staff if I’d like to volunteer and I’ve never looked back.”

Denis is an incredibly dedicated volunteer. He helps from Wednesday to Sunday every week doing everything from the bingo to residents’ outings.

“There’s many different things you can do to help out – we could always go with another driver for bus excursions, doing the bingo, playing putt putt,” he said.

“You can always try volunteering in one area, and if you don’t like it, there’s always something else you could try instead. Some people are good at one on one chats with residents. Angelo is great at them.”

Angelo Lambiris is another one of the volunteers at Autumn Lodge. He has been helping for over six years.

“With the one-to-one chats you learn a lot from people,” said Angelo Lambiris. “I really enjoy them. I did a crossword with one of the residents just this morning.”

Angelo was familiar with nursing homes, even having a Certificate III in Individual Care, and thought assisting at Autumn Lodge was a great match for his skill sets.

“If you are over 60, and you fit the requirements of Centrelink, you can do up to fifteen hours volunteer work and earn some extra pocket money too.”

To be a volunteer you need a police check, which NVC Group, can help with.

If you know anyone who may be interested, please contact the Recreational Activity Officers at one of the facilities for more information on 02 6598 5000.