Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme (ACVVS) stories

Sunita and Barbara shared a cheeky and loving spark. Their friendship transcended age and brought much joy to both of them. This video is in loving memory of Barbara.

Susie moved to Nhulunbuy in East Arnhem Land and started visiting Gutiwuy, a Yolngu elder. Gutiwuy shares her knowledge about Country with Susie. The pair reflect on how the ACVVS has connected people in rural and remote communities.

Anne visits Marlene each week as an aged care volunteer visitor. Sharing and learning about each other’s different cultures and backgrounds has enriched their lives.

Amber didn’t know anyone when she moved to Darwin. When she started visiting Sue as a volunteer visitor, she had her first friend. Their friendship has deepened through their mutual love of music.

Karinne has been visiting Rita for over three years. The pair share a deep bond and discuss the importance of social connection and friendship to reduce loneliness and isolation.

Sandeep visits Som at his aged care home every Saturday. Their mateship is built on playing chess, shared culture and language, and the wisdom brought from an intergenerational relationship.

Fergus visits Ron every week or two as a volunteer. They open up about the importance of building an intergenerational friendship and learning from each other.

Gaynor joined as an aged care volunteer visitor when she retired and moved to Adelaide. She and Irene have become great friends through their regular visits. They open about how their friendship has enriched both their lives.

Jacqueline is a volunteer who has been visiting Monique for over 15 years. They open up about their friendship and the importance of sharing the same background and language.

Julia has visited Joan in her home as a volunteer every fortnight for the past 6 years. They open up about the importance of visiting LGBTQIA+ older people who may be isolated from their family or community.

Matilda started visiting Annie as a volunteer 2 years ago and have been close friends ever since. They open up about the positive impact of spending time together and sharing stories.

Peter volunteers to visit with Jack every week at his home. They open up about how Peter is helping Jack share his life story and the importance of their friendship to both of them.

Carlo shares his experience as a volunteer visitor and his friendship with Germana.

Rahman shares his experience as a volunteer visitor of 30 years and opens up with Hans about their 17 year friendship.

Sarah shares her experience as a volunteer visitor and her friendship with Betty.