Why Volunteer?

Giving just a few hours of your time can make a meaningful difference to older people living in our aged care homes and in the community. Whether you're sharing stories, enjoying hobbies together or helping with creative activities, you'll bring companionship, confidence and connection to someone who needs it most.

As a Catholic Healthcare volunteer, you'll:

  • Make a real difference in someone's life
  • Build meaningful relationships
  • Learn new skills and gain valuable experience
  • Join a welcoming community of volunteers

 

Volunteers help build connections and community through: 

 

Conversations and storytelling

Shared hobbies and interests

Activities like games, art, and crafts

See volunteering in action

Meet Anne, a volunteer, and Marlene, a Catholic Healthcare resident, who meet regularly, share stories and learn about each other's cultures and backgrounds.

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From a government health authority in Australia.

Ways to Volunteer with Catholic Healthcare 

Residential Care Homes Volunteering - Engage Volunteers

Volunteer directly at one of our 41 residential aged care homes. There are many opportunities to volunteer such as assisting with individual and group activities such as games, art and craft; spending time with residents; assisting with outings; administration or gardening.  

We welcome students to older persons looking to give back to their local community by volunteering at their local residential care home. 

Additional roles include transport support, bus driving, and administrative assistance. 

 
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Home and Community Volunteering

Volunteers can work with Catholic Healthcare by providing friendly phone calls, or through the Aged Care Volunteers Visitors Scheme (funded by the Australian Government) which provides friendship and companionship for older people.  

Visits from our volunteers are available to older people who may feel lonely or socially isolated. Each visit is tailored around shared interests and may include: 

  • Casual chats in person or over the phone 
  • Walks or shared hobbies 
  • Technology support 
  • Enjoying arts and crafts together in the comfort of their own home 

We’ll take the time to match you with someone who shares your interests, cultural background or language. 

Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme

Funded by the Australian Government, Catholic Healthcare is an approved provider of the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS).

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Spiritual and Pastoral Care Volunteer Support

Volunteers play an important role in offering comfort and companionship, supporting residents’ emotional and spiritual wellbeing during difficult moments. As a volunteer, you'll provide meaningful support that honours the spiritual preferences of older residents in our homes. Our pastoral care service focuses on healing, reconciliation, and nurturing the soul—particularly during times of grief, loss, or personal challenge.  

Pastoral care is a vital part of what we do, and we welcome and respect a diversity of religious and spiritual beliefs. Each of our homes is supported by a dedicated Spiritual and Pastoral Care Coordinator who provides guidance to volunteers and oversees that care is delivered with compassion, respect, and sensitivity. 

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Spiritual Care Series

Experience the deep fulfilment that comes from giving back and walking alongside others on their life journey. As a Spiritual and Pastoral Care Volunteer with Catholic Healthcare, you’ll offer compassion, connection and presence to those who need it most. We’ll support you every step of the way with quality training and guidance through our 8-episode Spiritual Care Series — equipping you with the skills and confidence to make a meaningful difference.

Register your interest in an upcoming Spiritual Care Series.

Your Rights as a Volunteer 

As a valued volunteer, you are entitled to: 

🔹Respectful treatment. 

🔹A safe and healthy work environment. 

🔹Orientation, training, and a clear role description. 

🔹Reimbursement for approved out-of-pocket expenses. 

🔹Access to grievance procedures if needed. 

 

What's happening?

 



Volunteer Charlie is celebrated

Charlie has been visiting Julie for the last few months. A strong friendship has traversed a 57-year age difference, with the 18-year-old recent high school graduate visiting the 75-year resident...

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Volunteer with Catholic Healthcare!

If you have a regular hour free to enrich an older person's life, allow us to match you with someone who shares your interests, cultural background, and language...

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Celebrating our wonderful volunteers

15-21 May is National Volunteer Week! We are fortunate to have over 700 wonderful volunteers delivering much needed support and friendship to our residents and clients...

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Join Us Today 

Volunteering with Catholic Healthcare is more than just giving your time—it’s about making meaningful connections. Whether you’re visiting with a resident, sharing a laugh over a cup of tea, or bringing joy with a friendly phone call, every moment counts. 

Register your interest and start your volunteering journey today. 

Register Now

 

Acknowledgement of Country

Catholic Healthcare acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live, work, and care. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and honour the enduring connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country.