Gabriela Vasconcelos, Author at Volunteering SA&NT

Palliative Care Volunteering

Supporting people through compassion: The impact of Palliative Care Volunteers

Volunteers play a vital role in palliative care, providing support, connection, and companionship to people receiving care, as well as their families and carers. While every volunteer brings their own skills and experiences, all share a common goal: helping people feel supported, valued, and connected.

There are many ways to become involved in palliative care volunteering, with opportunities to suit different interests, strengths, and comfort levels.

Companion Volunteers: Offering Presence and Connection

Companion Volunteers provide emotional and social support through meaningful conversations, shared activities, and simple acts of kindness.

Whether supporting someone in a hospice, residential care setting, at home, or in the community, Companion Volunteers help reduce feelings of isolation and create opportunities for connection. Often, it is the small moments—a conversation over a cup of tea, sharing memories, or simply being present—that can make a significant difference.

These volunteers offer comfort, companionship, and a listening ear, helping people feel seen, heard, and supported.

Biography Volunteers: Preserving Stories and Memories

Every person has a unique story to tell.

Biography Volunteers work alongside people receiving palliative care to help document their memories, life experiences, reflections, and personal stories. These biographies often become treasured keepsakes for families and loved ones, preserving important moments, values, and lessons for future generations.

Through thoughtful conversations and active listening, Biography Volunteers help individuals reflect on what matters most while creating a lasting legacy that can be shared with those they care about.

Finding the Right Volunteer Role

Palliative care volunteering is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Some people are drawn to spending time directly with individuals as Companion Volunteers, while others find purpose in helping preserve personal stories through biography work.

Both roles contribute to enhancing quality of life and supporting people during an important stage of their journey.

Volunteers often describe the experience as deeply meaningful, offering opportunities to build connections, learn from others, and make a genuine difference in their community.

Could Palliative Care Volunteering Be Right for You?

If you are looking for a meaningful way to give back, palliative care volunteering offers a unique opportunity to support people, families, and carers through compassion, dignity, and human connection.

Whether through conversation, companionship, or storytelling, your time can have a lasting impact.

Explore the available volunteer opportunities and discover how you can help make a difference in the lives of others.

Learn more about palliative care volunteering and discover how you can support people, families, and carers through connection, compassion, and care.

or email: pcvolunteering@palliativecaresa.org.au

The 2026 Volunteer Management Audit: Are You Leading or Lagging?

In the modern Australian volunteering landscape, the gap between “getting by” and “leading the sector” is defined by one thing: operational maturity. As we approach the 2026 National Volunteering Conference, organisations are facing a critical turning point. With younger, tech-ready volunteers demanding frictionless experiences and Boards requiring more rigorous impact reporting, the era of “management by spreadsheet” is reaching its limit.

To help organisations navigate this shift, Rosterfy—in collaboration with Volunteering SA&NT as part of the 2026 National Volunteering Conference —has launched the Volunteer Program Maturity Health Check. This less than 10-minute diagnostic is designed to give you a clear, confidential roadmap to exemplary status.

The Hidden Cost of ‘Admin Bloat’

For most Volunteer Managers, the primary barrier to growth isn’t a lack of passion—it’s a lack of time. Research indicates that the average manager loses up to 15 hours every week to manual administrative tasks such as rostering, compliance tracking, and data entry.

Across a year, this “Admin Bloat” equates to roughly 780 hours of lost capacity per staff member. This is time that should be spent building relationships, improving the volunteer experience, and growing your programme’s reach.

Mapping the Volunteer Involvement Cycle

The Health Check assesses your organisation across the four critical stages of the Volunteer Involvement Cycle, as defined by the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement (2024):

1. Prepare: Focuses on governance, meaningful role design, and resource allocation—the strategic foundation.

1. Recruit: Evaluates how you promote, select, and onboard volunteers through equitable and accessible pathways.

1. Support: Measures how you develop, communicate with, and protect the wellbeing of your workforce.

1. Evaluate: Reviews your ability to capture feedback, report on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), and share impact with stakeholders.

Strategic Insights for Every Leader

The Health Check isn’t just for those on the ground; it provides a “Single Version of Truth” for leaders across the entire organisation:

- For C-Suite Executives: Minimise operating costs and confidently maintain the highest standards of data security and compliance. Walk away with a Board-Ready report featuring the clear ROI data ($5.40 return for every $1 invested) needed to justify investment.

- For Volunteer Managers: Transition from a “Manual Operator” to a strategic leader by identifying exactly where automation can recover your time.

- For IT Leaders: Ensure your technology stack is robust, secure, and aligned with region-specific requirements like NDIS, WWCC, and NZ Police Vetting.

How the Health Check Works

The process is designed to be seamless, taking less than 10 minutes from start to finish:

- Step 1: Segment Your Organisation: Tell us your industry and size so we can accurately benchmark you against organisations of a similar scale.

- Step 2: Take the Assessment: Answer 18 targeted questions covering the full volunteer lifecycle.

- Step 3: Receive Your Roadmap: Instantly download a 17-page PDF report featuring your Maturity Score, peer comparisons, and a custom Strategic Action Plan.

Join the National Benchmarking Initiative

By completing the Health Check, you aren’t just improving your own program—you are contributing to the sector’s collective intelligence. Once we reach a sample size of 50 organisations within your specific sector, the tool unlocks Live Peer Benchmarking, allowing you to see exactly how you measure up against your immediate peers.

Your data is 100% confidential and handled in accordance with strict privacy policies.

Start Your Confidential Health Check Today

Methodology & Attribution

Developed by Rosterfy in alignment with the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement (2024) and Volunteering NZ guidelines. Shared in collaboration with Volunteering SA&NT as part of the 2026 National Volunteering Conference.

*Complete the Volunteer Program Maturity Health Check by June 7 for your chance to win a 2026 National Volunteering Conference ticket and a Rosterfy merch pack!

T&Cs apply. Ends 7 June 2026. Travel/accommodation not included. View full T&Cs.

Share your Story | Celebrating a legacy of Latvian-Australian volunteering in Adelaide

Celebrating a legacy of Latvian-Australian volunteering in Adelaide

The Latvian Association and its related organisations are housed in a beautiful Walkerville cottage and neighbouring properties. They recently celebrated 20 years of providing Social Support to Seniors through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP). We met with Ints Pukitis, who has volunteered all his life, with the bulk of his experience dedicated to different volunteer roles associated with the Latvian Association. From his time as a scout leader at the age of 18 for some 15 years to much later serving as Chairman with the Latvian Co-op Board and Social Club (simultaneously for a while) – volunteering has always been a significant part of his life.

On his retirement from TELECOM Ints and his wife volunteered abroad in Latvia, China and Laos, mainly teaching English, before returning to Adelaide and taking up leadership roles within the Latvian community. He combines that with occasional stints as a bus driver for CHSP. He says that recruiting volunteers isn’t always difficult, but it depends on the tasks required and sometimes it’s not easy at all. Ints reckons that volunteering keeps him young when he’s engaged in working together with young people. He takes joy in helping to sustain Latvian traditions and culture and seeing the next generation learn and take part in the Association’s activities and events.

If you would like more information about the Share your Story project, or you have a story to share, please contact us at CHSPSSD@vsant.org.au.

Watch Ints’ thoughts on his volunteering in a short video-clip.

Share your Story | Springtime smiles at Camden Community Centre where every detail says “Welcome”

Springtime smiles at Camden Community Centre where every detail says “Welcome”

The warmth and welcoming feel at Camden Community Centre hits you as soon as you see the venue – an attractive cottage front with a well-kept garden, a light-filled reception room with native animal prints on the walls and above all the friendly greetings from staff and volunteers. Nearly all providers of the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) engage volunteers as an essential component of the workforce where appropriate, and Camden Community Centre is no different.

We meet Karin and Phillip, who are retired from the paid workforce and continue to work for the community, racking up some 12 years of combined volunteer service between them at Camden Community Service in the Community Connection program. Phillip drives the Centre bus to collect older residents and deliver them back home, as well as other volunteer roles; Karin attends to preparing the Reed Room for the day’s program participants and assisting them with their activities. Lovely spring flowers, name tags, prepared water, white table all together give the appearance of a high-end venue ready to give a day’s entertainment for the Seniors, and for them to feel valued and connected. Puzzles, quizzes, craft and other activities might have a special theme – depending on the season and the day – and today that theme is Spring.

If you would like more information about the Share your Story project, or you have a story to share, please contact us at CHSPSSD@vsant.org.au.

Watch their thoughts on their volunteering in a short video-clip:

The Changing Face of Volunteering: Insights from Hamilton Calder on ABC Radio Adelaide

Earlier this week, Volunteering SA&NT CEO Hamilton Calder joined ABC Radio Adelaide’s Drive program to discuss the evolving nature of volunteering and the growing need for flexibility and inclusivity in how we engage with volunteers.

Speaking with host Nikolai Beilharz, Hamilton explored the shift from traditional, formal volunteering to more informal and flexible models of contribution. He also highlighted some of the challenges volunteers and organisations face today—including time constraints, changing demographics, and administrative barriers like police checks.

Hamilton shared inspiring stories from across the state, including how multicultural communities are revitalising local emergency services, and how secondary school students are making a significant impact through structured volunteering programs.

The interview touches on many of the real-life complexities and opportunities facing the volunteering sector today—and how Volunteering SA&NT is helping lead the way.

Missed the interview? Listen now on ABC Radio Adelaide:
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/adelaide-drive/drive/105712368 (starts at 1hr 6 mins)

Check out the interview transcript below:

Nikolai Beilharz:
It’s a really interesting point that’s been raised—not only by Rebecca but others as well. It’s a wicked problem, only in the sense that this is about people trying to help, and people trying to find the time to help. But how do you decide what the best use of that time is? It’s not as easy as it might first appear.

Some thoughts are coming through on the text line. Sandy says people are retiring later, and due to both parents working, grandparents are doing a lot of childcare. Some have lost superannuation, so work is their only option. Gail says volunteering is getting harder if you need police checks, working with children checks—they don’t seem to carry over, and each organisation needs to reapply. That’s another interesting aspect.

Listening in is Hamilton Calder, CEO at Volunteering SA&NT. Hamilton, how much of what you heard from Rebecca Maund sounds familiar to you?

Hamilton Calder:
Yeah, absolutely. And Nikolai, thanks so much for having us. You’re absolutely right—it’s a wicked issue. There are so many organisations out there that want to give back, and that we rely on for so many things—whether it’s food relief or, as Rebecca was saying, friendship and camaraderie, a place to meet, hang out, and give back.

What we know—and this has been happening for the last 15 years or so—as we’ve seen generational change and the bell curve of the population shift, is that there’s been a move away from what we call formal volunteering. That’s where someone regularly volunteers at the same place every week—like my mum, every Tuesday at Meals on Wheels.

What we’ve seen is a corresponding increase in informal volunteering, where people volunteer a bit more irregularly—when they can. And all those pressures that were mentioned—like work, family, financial stress—they have a real impact.

So organisations now have to be flexible. More flexible, more inclusive—so people can choose to volunteer with them. They might stay, or they might move on to something else next month. It’s really tricky. One of the biggest things we’re doing is working with organisations to help build that flexibility and inclusiveness into their volunteer opportunities. That way, they can attract and retain volunteers—who, as Rebecca said, we absolutely love and rely on.

Nikolai Beilharz:
That idea of a regular volunteer is interesting. For many people, the reality is they can help one week but not the next, because of other obligations. But I imagine that brings challenges too, because organised groups might need a president, a treasurer, or someone dealing with media. Those roles need consistency.

Hamilton Calder:
Yeah, exactly. That’s the tricky part. We work with organisations to identify: What are the core roles—the ones that require someone regular? And then, which roles can be a bit more flexible—maybe once a month, or suited to groups or younger people?

It’s also about thinking differently about who in your local community can help out. A great example was reported by ABC back in January—Port Wakefield CFS was really struggling for numbers, and the local Filipino community stepped up. They were already working in the gardens and had a strong presence in town.

Similarly, down in Naracoorte, there’s a beautiful migrant community that’s saved the local CFS. So it’s about tapping into these amazing communities that already have volunteering at their core.

Nikolai Beilharz:
This might be a tough question, but is there an argument for consolidation or merging some groups? One listener mentioned animal welfare groups—there are many doing similar work. Same with food services. Is there a case for fewer, more coordinated efforts?

Hamilton Calder:
Yeah, that is a tough one. Historically, we had larger organisations handling broad issues, but now there are more niche or specialised groups. It’s complex—and a bit wicked—because all these organisations want to do good and give back.

What we try to do is support the entire sector with tools and resources that make it easier to engage volunteers. If we can make life easier for volunteer-involving organisations—big or small—then they can focus more on spending time with their volunteers and delivering services.

Nikolai Beilharz:
We also heard from listeners about how time-poor many people are. One said they’ve just finished raising kids and now spend 30 hours a week looking after parents—on top of working full-time. Volunteering becomes almost impossible. And then there’s the issue of police checks and child-safety requirements—which are vital, of course—but can that become a barrier?

Hamilton Calder:
Yeah, sometimes it’s a real hurdle, and sometimes it’s a perceived hurdle. It’s also about induction. What we do is help organisations assess what checks are appropriate for the roles they’re offering.

For example, I recently went through a Working with Children Check—it took five days. It’s about getting clear information out there and supporting organisations to ensure the right balance: community safety without overburdening volunteers.

One of the most exciting programs we have—thanks to strong support from Minister Nat Cook—is a schools-based volunteering initiative. We’ve partnered with 13 schools across SA to recognise student volunteering.

Just a couple of weeks ago, we held awards in each school to recognise the students who volunteered the most. Some students did between 300 and 700 hours of volunteering in a year! That’s phenomenal.

We want local communities to see young people as a powerful volunteer asset. They’re building lifelong habits of community service, and we should be embracing that.

Nikolai Beilharz:
Hamilton Calder, thanks so much for your time and for addressing this issue.

Hamilton Calder:
Thanks, Nikolai. We really appreciate the opportunity to talk about it.

Youth Volunteer Story: How Volunteering Helped Keyan Find Belonging

From Nervous Newcomer to Confident Leader: Keyan’s Volunteering Journey

This year, during National Student Volunteer Week (NSVW), we took the time to celebrate the positive impact of student volunteers across the country. We’re proud to spotlight Keyan, a dedicated student volunteer at Northern Adelaide Senior College (NASC) who has turned a simple café opportunity into a transformative life experience.

A Chance to Step Up

When Keyan first joined the NASC Café as a volunteer, he had never held a job, never used a coffee machine, and wasn’t sure what to expect.

“I went into the café with zero work experience. I’d never even applied for a job before,” Keyan shared. “It took me 2–3 weeks just to start wrapping my head around it.”

But what made all the difference was a leader who believed in him.

Cheryl, the café manager, offered Keyan the opportunity and support he needed, and then gave him space to grow.

“The fact that I was given that shot proved that I could improve.”

From Learning to Leading

As the weeks went by, Keyan began to build both skill and confidence. He mastered the coffee machine, memorised the menu, and soon found himself mentoring others.

“Now I know the coffee machine like the back of my hand. I’ve memorised most of the prices. I don’t even need to look at the clipboard — I just know.”

“When Cheryl’s not there, I step up. I’ve even run entire shifts.”

His leadership came naturally. One day, walking into the café just for a drink, Keyan noticed four student volunteers overwhelmed by a busy rush. Without hesitation, he jumped in, organised the team, and got things back on track.

“By the next morning, Cheryl congratulated me. That meant a lot.”

Personal Growth Beyond the Café

Keyan, who lives with autism, says volunteering has helped him develop in ways he never thought possible.

Before volunteering:

He was quiet and reserved.

Making friends was hard.

Confidence in applying for jobs was low.

Now:

He chats comfortably with teachers and students.

He’s built strong friendships.

He’s even helped inspire others to join the café team — including his sister.

“A few teachers have said I’ve ‘blossomed’ since working in the café.”

“The café is one of the reasons I get out of bed. It brings structure, unpredictability, and excitement. It’s controlled chaos — and I thrive in that.”

Taking the Next Step

While he once doubted whether he could get a job, Keyan never gave up. And recently, he landed his first paid role at Coles as a trolley assistant.

He now applies the confidence, customer service, and problem-solving skills he developed in the café to the workforce, feeling more prepared than ever.

“Even if I’ve just met someone, I can strike up a conversation. That never would have happened before.”

The Power of Volunteering

Keyan’s story is more than just a student success. It’s a reminder of the life-changing impact of volunteering when young people are given opportunities, guidance, and a space to grow.

“Cheryl has been an incredible mentor. She knows how I function and what I need to do the job. That made all the difference.”

We’re proud to celebrate Keyan and all the students like him, who are not only gaining new skills but also building confidence, community, and purpose through volunteering.