I moved to Nolan Boy about a year and a half ago, so I thought because I have some free time I should look into volunteering and see how I could give back to the community while I was here.
And then they set me up with you.
You're my friend, I'm your friend, you're my friend too.
I've learnt a lot since we've been hanging out almost from me now.
Learning from you?
Yeah, learning some language, learning every day.
Susie volunteers to meet Gutawi, a young new elder.
Their relationship has introduced her to a world of local knowledge.
I've learnt all about going out onto country.
I've learnt about relationships and community and culture and the culture.
You've taught me lots of different things since we've been hanging out.
These ones.
Boon War.
What's that one?
This one?
Yeah.
Yeah.
Wawuru.
Wawuru.
What are they good for?
YouTube.
Whole thing.
Whole thing like that, Yeah, doesn't taste very good.
Older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people in rural and remote areas are often at greater risk of social isolation.
By providing regular companionship, volunteer visitors help to deepen social connection and improve quality of life for recipients.
What did you think when you first met me?
That's lovely.
One that's so nice.
She looks nice to me.
And I think that she's my friend.
My sister and my son and daughter, they all back in Darwin and back in
alcohol.
So you're living by yourself now?
I'm living by myself and my carer.
Yeah.
So a long way away from your family.
Yeah, but it's a two way thing, so I get to see how it's helping you to have someone to keep you company.
But then you're teaching me so much.
You helping me, if not help you?
Yeah, helping each other.
So what's this one?
When these dry these dry, you make jewellery out of them.
Dry earrings.
Earrings.
Yeah.
And mat?
Yep.
And basket.
Yeah.
For weaving, would we have met without the program?
Maybe not.
We might have met each other before, but we wouldn't be able to hang out like
we do, so that's good.
We're looking for aged care volunteer visitors in your area.
Go online & up today.