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Volunteering is for all ages and abilities

SPONSORED BY Barossa Village

Volunteering is for all ages and abilities

Along with the staff who wonderfully care for older people in our community, volunteers have always been at the heart of Barossa Village, supporting staff and clients across the organisation.

The need for volunteers at Barossa Village continues to grow and it’s great to see people of all ages and abilities putting their hand up to help others.

Community Development Coordinator Lisa Ognjanovic says that volunteering can be a great experience for younger people looking to gain skills that will help them with employment or add to their resume.

“School students looking for an activity during the holidays and into their school year will find volunteering a hugely rewarding experience where you only need to spare a few hours a week, and we will work with you to find out what suits you best.”

“Employers look favourably on candidates with volunteering experience as it shows initiative, and community spirit,” explains Lisa.

The Village Op Shop is one example of volunteering at Barossa Village.  Here, students can learn and build skills in a retail environment with the support of experienced volunteers. 

Lisa says that volunteers help with sorting donations, merchandising, cash register and EFTPOS sales and customer service.

“We have regular clients and a lovely group of volunteers who have previously worked with younger people in the shop, so as a parent, you know your child will be in safe hands, working in a supportive environment.”

“Volunteering can also be a fun family activity. Children between 11 and 14 years must volunteer with a guardian, and this could be with a parent, grandparent or carer, creating a unique opportunity for families to give back to the community.”

The Village Op Shop currently operates Wednesday to Friday, but with more volunteers, Barossa Village is planning to open on Saturday mornings where they hope to see younger people helping out for a few hours.

I feel happy and excited to be able to work; the best thing is, when I come to work I get to see people and I love driving into work

Greg Bartsch

Barossa Village encourages inclusivity in their volunteering programs, where the focus is on ability, not disability.  Here, Barossa Village provides the tools for volunteers with disability to have a meaningful role in the organisation. The success of this program has seen several of our volunteers with disability join the Barossa Village as a staff member.

Greg Bartsch volunteered with Barossa Village for six months before joining the hospitality team four days a week in a paid position, and Erin Egarr, a member of our Lifestyle team, was also volunteering before achieving a role in the team two days a week.

“I feel happy and excited to be able to work; the best thing is, when I come to work I get to see people and I love driving into work,” says Greg about his position at Barossa Village.

“I am really happy in myself that I can work and develop my skills.  I love being part of this team.”

Erin Egarr

Erin finds her role working Lifestyle Program clients to be beneficial for her mental health, “I am really happy in myself that I can work and develop my skills.  I love being part of this team.”

Shane Waechter also previously volunteered at Barossa Village before gaining a part time role supporting the Corporate Services team.

“My daily jobs help our staff at The Lodge,” says Shane.  “I do the mail run, deliver copies of the Grapevine around the Barossa, help to clean the fleet cars and make sure The Lodge is clean and neat each day for visitors.”

If you are interested in volunteering or know someone who is looking to gain valuable skills through volunteering, please contact Lisa at Barossa Village on 08 8562 0300.

>> Shane Waechter with Community Development Coordinator Lisa Ognjanovic

retirement living | In-home care
supported accomodation | residential care

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