Announcements, Featured - May 19, 2025
Intereach honours volunteers who are ‘Connecting Communities’
Intereach volunteer Sue (pictured above right) shares a cuppa and chat with Alison, one of her Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme clients.
They drive older people to medical appointments, share a cuppa and chat with those feeling lonely, and bring laughter and companionship to weekly group activities — Intereach volunteers are changing lives every day.
As National Volunteer Week shines a spotlight on the selfless efforts of volunteers across the country, Intereach is celebrating the remarkable contributions of its 110-strong volunteer team.
This year’s theme, Connecting Communities, perfectly reflects the heart of what our volunteers do — forging meaningful relationships, reducing loneliness, and creating a sense of belonging for people across regional Victoria and NSW.
From delivering Meals on Wheels and driving Community Transport vehicles to supporting aged care group activities and visiting older people at home, our volunteers contribute hundreds of hours each month across Albury-Wodonga, Deniliquin, Echuca-Moama, Kyabram, Kyneton, Bendigo, Wahgunyah, and beyond.
Intereach Workforce Team Leader Greg Watmore said volunteers were the heart of the organisation’s work, bringing warmth, kindness and connection to every interaction.
“Their dedication directly contributes to Intereach’s vision of strong, connected communities where everyone feels valued, included and supported,” he said.
One of those volunteers is Sue Blatchford, who supports the Active Ageing Community Connections group in Albury, and offers one-on-one companionship through the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS).
After moving to Albury and attending a gentle exercise group, Sue found out Intereach needed volunteers – and signed up right away.
In my working life, I coordinated social support and worked as a case manager with older people and those with disabilities. I absolutely love this field, so I thought, why not put my skills to good use?” Sue said.
Left: Sue getting into the Easter spirit with one of her clients, Neil.
Each Tuesday, Sue picks up four clients and brings them to a social group where they enjoy craft, games, outings and lots of laughs.
“I really look forward to group each week – the clients are all lovely, and I have a great rapport with them. The friendships I’ve seen form are just beautiful. Everyone gels – it’s hard to imagine the group without any one of them,” she said.
“Even I’ve benefited from volunteering – it’s helped me connect with the community and brought a lot of fun and purpose to my life. It’s so easy to fall into a rut and become isolated. Volunteering has been a lifeline.”
Sue also helps the Community Support Workers with coffee-making, form-filling, transport and home visits. Her experience through the ACVVS has been especially rewarding.
“With home visits, there’s no rush – it’s just about spending time together,” she said.
“Sometimes that means going for coffee or paying bills, other times just going for a drive. I still keep in touch with one of my previous clients even after she moved to Melbourne.”
To honour and thank its volunteers, Intereach will host a series of morning and afternoon teas across its footprint over the coming fortnight.
“National Volunteer Week is the perfect time to stop and thank those who give their time so generously,” Greg said.
“We are so grateful for everything they do and the powerful impact they have on building thriving, inclusive communities.”
Intereach is encouraging people to consider becoming a volunteer. Whether you have an hour a week or more, volunteering creates lasting relationships, enriches lives, and strengthens our communities.
Find out how to get involved at Volunteer – Intereach or call 1300 488 226.
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