15 May 2023
Happy National Volunteer Week 2023 from Regis!
We are thrilled to be a part of Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering, which will be held from 15 to 21 May 2023. This year’s theme, The Change Makers, is a perfect representation of the volunteers who selflessly give their time and energy to bring positive change to our communities.
National Volunteer Week recognises and celebrates the vital support that volunteers provide to communities across the country. As we celebrate this event, we also want to encourage everyone to consider volunteering and become a part of the Change Makers movement.
At Regis, we understand the significant impact volunteers have on our residents’ wellbeing, and we appreciate the tireless efforts of all our volunteers. We recognise that volunteering is an opportunity for everyone to make a difference, regardless of their background, and we believe that inclusion is vital to the growth of our communities.
We would also like to take a moment to recognise the joint winners of the 2022 Volunteer of the Year Award at the Regis Care Awards, held last December. Rosa Vocale and Carmel Lynch are two incredible individuals who have made an immeasurable impact on the residents and employees at Regis. Their selfless acts of kindness and dedication have not gone unnoticed, and we are honoured to have them as part of our community.
Rosa Vocale has been volunteering at Regis Fawkner since her mother became a resident. It was imperative for Rosa to remain close to her mother during her transition into aged care, making her volunteering work effortless and full of joy. Her passion for food and cooking has brought lots of happiness to the residents and employees alike, with her popular Cooking with Rosa classes, where delicious aromas fill the hallways. Team members at Regis Fawkner say Rosa assists in any way she can and they’re grateful for the support and understanding she gives all the residents in the Home.
Carmel Lynch, a resident of Regis Macleod, goes above and beyond to spread cheer, offer support and provide valuable care to others in the Home. Despite being a resident, she does everything to help where she can, including mending items for residents and employees, knitting cardigans, and looking after the planter boxes at the front entry to the Home. Carmel plays favourites on the piano for residents during happy hour and strums the guitar at the local library bringing joy to toddlers and babies. Her vitality is infectious to people of any age.
Rosa and Carmel have shown that volunteering is not just an act of kindness, but a way of life. Their positive attitudes and selflessness have made a significant impact on those around them, and we are grateful for their contributions to our community.
Thank you to all our volunteers and the volunteers across the country for your dedication, compassion, and selflessness. Happy National Volunteer Week 2023!
