Six months after retiring from the world of corporate administration, AnglicareSA volunteer Rhonda found herself feeling somewhat bored and looking for a way to stay active, connected, and purposeful

“When I retired, I thought,’ well, this is lovely’,” Rhonda said. “But then it got a bit boring.

“I had a long career in corporate administration behind me and I knew I had valuable skills to offer as a volunteer — I just needed the right place to use them.

“Some people like to go and visit people in their homes, some people like to help in a charity shop environment, but that was not for me – I wanted to still be part of a corporate environment.”

Rhonda volunteers with AnglicareSA’s Community Aged Care administration team, helping behind the scenes to support employees delivering care and support to older South Australians across the community.

The work is varied and detailed — preparing information packs for carers visiting new clients, assembling staff resource kits, creating emergency lanyards, scanning paperwork, as well as helping manage incoming mail and correspondence.

“There is a lot of photocopying, collating, sorting, and laminating – lots of fiddly things like that,” Rhonda laughed.

“But while some of the tasks may seem small, I know they play an important role in helping frontline staff feel prepared and supported.

“When new carers start with AnglicareSA, they receive kit bags with everything they need to do their role effectively, so it is nice knowing you are helping make their job a little easier.”

 

A part of the community

Initially volunteering three days a week, Rhonda became a proud grandmother to three grandchildren, so she scaled back to one day each week — a balance, she said, that allowed her to continue to contribute while enjoying family life.

And it is not just the work itself that has Rhonda showing up to the office each Monday.

“It has been fun and everyone is friendly – I really feel part of the team.

“When I walk in, everyone says hello,” she said. “They respect my opinion, and I feel listened to – I feel like I belong.”

Rhonda said volunteering had provided her with a connection, purpose, and community – not just something to do in retirement

“It is a great feeling when you are a volunteer,” she said. “Even though I am only here one day a week, I feel part of the AnglicareSA community.”

 

Invaluable member of the team

AnglicareSA Community Aged Care Workforce Development Officer, Michelle Russell, described Rhonda as the kind of volunteer every team hoped for.

She said Rhonda was reliable, proactive, and always willing to help – quietly getting things done without ever needing to be asked.

“Rhonda has an incredible ability to see what needs doing and simply gets on with it,” Michelle said.

“Her initiative, consistency, and support make a genuine difference and is an invaluable part of the team.

“One of her greatest strengths is her initiative. She notices the little things others may miss and quietly takes care of them, making life easier for everyone around her.”

AnglicareSA is looking for volunteers like Rhonda to join us in making a difference in the lives of South Australians’ every day. We offer volunteer opportunities across our aged care and community services programs, providing a range of rewarding ways to get involved.

You do not need any specific experience or qualifications to volunteer with us – just a willingness to get involved and support others. We provide a supportive onboarding process and learnings to help you feel confident to get started, and we will guide you every step of the way.

To register your interest in volunteering or to seek further information, please email volunteering@anglicaresa.com.au  or visit anglicaresa.com.au/get-involved/volunteering