At Riverina Community College, our Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) is built on the kindness and dedication of volunteers who bring joy and connection into the lives of older Australians.
Two of those volunteers, Patricia Dowling and Narelle Christian (Pictured in the front row: Patricia, centre; Narelle, right.), have been giving their time and hearts to aged care residents in Tumut, and their impact is felt deeply by everyone they visit. We recently sat down with them to learn more about what inspired their volunteering journey and what it means to them.
Finding purpose through connection
For both Patricia and Narelle, the decision to volunteer came from a place of personal experience and compassion.
“When my mum and aunty passed away and my husband was still working, I wanted something meaningful to do, something where I could help people,” said Patricia, who has called Tumut home for 46 years.
“I looked after both my mum and aunty before they passed, so supporting older people just felt right.”
Narelle, who moved to Tumut from Oberon, felt a similar calling.
“When the coffeeshop I worked at was sold, I knew I wanted to do something with the elderly. I find it so rewarding to spend time with them, learn about their lives, and make them smile,” she said.
Both women learned about the ACVVS program through local networks, Patricia through the aged care facility her relatives lived in, and Narelle through Sureway after expressing interest in working with older people.
A week full of smiles (and a lot of care)
Between them, Patricia and Narelle volunteer nearly every day of the week. Their visits are packed with kindness, conversation, and practical support.
“We play games, I listen to their stories, and I help serve their lunches,” Patricia shared. “It’s the highlight of my day. I love the relationships I’ve formed with them, they’re beautiful people.”
Narelle adds a few extra tasks into the mix.
“Sometimes I help with food menus, fold washing, once it was seven baskets! I’m there most days, and I love the one-on-one time I get to spend with the residents. It’s been almost 10 years now, and it’s such a big part of my life.”
Both agree that birthdays are some of the most memorable moments.
“Recently, we celebrated someone’s 104th birthday,” said Patricia. “They all love a cake and a good singalong.”
Narelle added, “The look on their faces, when they’re being celebrated, surrounded by the staff and other residents, that’s what stays with me.”
Why volunteering matters
While the rewards are many, both women acknowledged the challenges, particularly during times like COVID or facility lockdowns due to illness.
“Not being able to visit them was hard,” Patricia said.
But despite the disruptions, the impact of their presence is undeniable.
“You really do make a difference in someone’s life,” Patricia said.
“Elderly people deserve companionship, and this program helps make that happen,” Narelle added. “I love being a volunteer. It’s rewarding knowing that I’ve made someone’s day a little brighter.”
Their advice? Just go for it.
When asked what they would say to someone considering becoming an ACVVS volunteer, their answers were clear:
“Go for it!” said Patricia
“Do it! You’ll love it!” added Narelle with a smile.
These two inspiring women are a shining example of the heart behind the ACVVS program, proving that a small act of kindness, given consistently, can have a lasting impact on someone’s life.
Interested in becoming an ACVVS volunteer?
Learn more about how you can get involved and make a difference in your local community by visiting: https://www.riverinacc.edu.au/acvvs
