At the heart of our Volunteer Program is something simple, yet deeply powerful. Friendship.
Our program connects older Australians with caring volunteers to help reduce loneliness and support people to age with grace and dignity. While the concept is simple, the impact is profound. Every visit matters. Every shared story matters. Every laugh carries meaning.
Behind every referral is a person with a lifetime of experiences, contributions and memories. The people we support are not defined by their age or their need for companionship. They are individuals who have built families, careers, communities and histories that deserve to be heard and celebrated.
One such story belongs to Bill, a lifelong Boronia local whose connection to the community runs deep.
Bill has lived his entire life in Boronia, just minutes from the home his father built more than 100 years ago. Over the decades, he has worn many hats. He has worked in a range of roles, volunteered with numerous organisations, supported emergency services, preserved local history, mentored others and contributed to cultural and community groups.
His life reflects service, creativity, humility and resilience. He has quietly shaped the community around him, contributing in ways that continue to ripple through the region today.
Bill is supported by his volunteer visitor, Keiran Smith. Their visits are built on friendship, conversation and mutual respect. What they share is not simply a scheduled appointment. It is a genuine relationship.
Recently, Keiran wrote a heartfelt tribute to Bill, which was read aloud when Bill was invited to speak to the Boronia Probus group about the history of the region. It was a proud and meaningful moment, one that recognised Bill’s lifelong dedication to his community.
Bill is fortunate to have a loving family who visit and care for him. Yet like many older Australians, even those surrounded by family and rich life histories can experience loneliness or social isolation as they age. Changing circumstances, reduced mobility and the natural transitions of later life can all impact social connection.
Keiran’s visits are about far more than providing company. They create space for Bill to share his stories, reflect on his experiences and remain connected to the world around him. Through conversation, listening and presence, Bill’s memories are valued and preserved. His voice continues to matter.
Across our program, we see similar stories every day.
Many of the older people we support have raised children, built careers, volunteered extensively and shaped their local communities. Some have served their country. Others have contributed in quieter but equally meaningful ways. As they enter later life, what they often need most is simple human connection.
Someone who listens.
Someone who shows up consistently.
Someone who cares.
It may look small on the surface. A shared cup of tea. A familiar conversation. A story retold with a smile. But these moments carry great meaning. They affirm identity. They honour lived experience. They remind a person that they are seen and valued.
Volunteer visiting is not about “doing for” someone. It is about being with someone.
Bill and Keiran’s friendship beautifully illustrates the true impact of volunteer visiting. While volunteers offer companionship and kindness, they also receive something just as valuable in return.
They gain wisdom.
They gain perspective.
They gain inspiration.
Many of our volunteers speak about how much they learn from the people they visit. The exchange of stories and experiences creates connection across generations and backgrounds. It enriches both lives.
Every visit makes a real difference.
Our volunteers play an important role in reducing loneliness and strengthening community connection for older Australians. Through simple, consistent acts of friendship, they help ensure that later life remains filled with meaning, dignity and belonging.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer and bringing companionship to someone in your community, we would love to hear from you.
Sometimes the most powerful impact begins with something simple.
A conversation.
A smile.
A friendship.