Betty never counted the years, only the friendships

Betty Rogers has spent 30 years turning visits into friendships.

"It's just sort of a way of life for me," she said.

For Betty, 30 years with the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) through IMPACT Community Services is less about the milestone and more about the people she has met along the way.

Over three decades, Betty has visited so many older people that she has lost count.

"They're all just lovely people. Just became friends."

Today, Betty visits Dulcie, a 99-year-old who eagerly awaits her visits.

"She's so thrilled to see me every time, and it's just lovely."

As her friend's eyesight has deteriorated, Betty has become her storyteller, reading books aloud and discussing the memories they spark along the way.

A familiar saying, a mention of chooks or an old recipe can quickly send the pair down memory lane, turning their visits into what Betty jokingly describes as their own private book club.

"When we come across a saying that we used to use years ago and never hear anymore, we stop the book and have a discussion about that," Betty said.

"It's a mutual thing. It works both ways."

Betty still remembers her first match, Nell, but one of her longest-lasting connections was with Val, who she visited for 15 years.

During that time, the pair built a friendship that led to many special memories, including helping Val reconnect with her brother, who lived in a different aged care home.

The siblings hadn't seen each other for four years.

"They both cried. I cried. It was so emotional."

After that first reunion, Betty helped organise several more visits over the following years.

Looking back, Betty never imagined a decision made 30 years ago would lead to so many meaningful friendships.

She first joined the program after hearing about volunteer visiting while completing a motel cleaning course through IMPACT.

"I thought, well that sounds like me, so I joined," she said.

What began as an opportunity to give back soon became an enduring part of her life.

Reflecting on her decades of volunteering, Betty often thinks about how life can change as people get older.

"The saying, 'do unto others as you would have them done unto you'," she said.

"Can you imagine going from a whole house into that little tiny room? If somebody would come and sing with me or read to me or talk to me, I feel it would be very good."

At 83, Betty remains grateful for her independence and the opportunity to continue supporting others.

"It's very rewarding to have a special person that you go and see."

While Betty is being recognised for three decades of service, she remains characteristically humble about her contribution.

"I've just had a good time for 30 years."

For Betty, it's never been about the years. It's been about the friendships.