108 Bargara Rd
Bundaberg East, Qld, 4670
For five years, Ursula Lueg has been brightening the lives of older Australians as a volunteer with IMPACT Community Services through the Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme (ACVVS).
The Australian Government-funded program connects volunteers with older people experiencing social isolation, whether in their own homes or in residential aged care, offering companionship through regular visits.
With many older Australians experiencing loneliness, programs like ACVVS play a vital role in building connection and community across Bundaberg and the North Burnett.
For Ursula, it was her friend and former IMPACT ACVVS Coordinator Heather Hinsbey who first encouraged her to get involved. At the time, Ursula was hesitant, unsure if she had the time to commit.
Now, five years on, she says the experience has given her far more than she expected.
“It helps me to stay open,” Ursula said. “I'm not just concentrating in my own little world.”
“I personally have a few neighbours I visit for myself, who are elderly people.
“I will just knock on the door and say, are you okay? Do you need anything?”
Through her volunteering, Ursula has found connection in more ways than one, not just within her Bundaberg community, but also with her German heritage.
A year after falling in love with Australia as a German tourist in 1979, Ursula decided to make our country her home. Her German roots make Ursula a perfect match for local German seniors who wish to speak their first language during visits.
Ursula’s first match was with a German woman who had lost her husband and was struggling with loneliness. Ursula visited her at her home, where they’d often settle in the backyard with coffee and a bite to eat.
Next, she was matched with Yvonne, a woman living in a residential aged care facility. Ursula said that Yvonne’s poor hearing made it challenging to connect at first, but Heather soon came to the rescue with a hearing device.
“I put it on and you could see her eyes lights flicker,” Ursula said.
“I could ask her questions. She was so sweet.”
When Yvonne passed away, it deeply affected Ursula. That’s where IMPACT’s training plays a crucial role, helping volunteers understand their boundaries, navigate grief and care for themselves.
Ursula pushed through this tough chapter and came out stronger. She now visits James, a mutual dog owner and lover.
She said that James asked her to bring her dog, Charlie, along to their catchups, and the rest is history.
“There isn't a much easier way to connect than through a dog,” Ursula said.
“I say we’re going to visit James and Charlie looks up, hops in the car and knows exactly where we're going because he gets beautiful little treats.”
To those considering volunteering, Ursula’s message is crystal clear: it’s worth it.
IMPACT asks that volunteers visit once per fortnight at a minimum. Ursula said that while young people are busy with their work and social lives, ACVVS can easily fit into their schedules and teach them valuable life lessons along the way.
“Young people would learn to respect and see that older people are not just old,” Ursula said.
“They have a wealth of experience and humour, and they're not taking things so seriously anymore.”
Whether volunteer visitors and seniors play board games, listen to music or reminisce about days gone by during their time together, it’s time well spent.
Funded by The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, the Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme is for everyone, young, old and in-between.
Anyone with as little as an hour a fortnight can make a difference.
To become a volunteer visitor and help bring connection to someone in your community, visit www.impact.org.au/support-and-wellbeing/volunteer
IMPACT Community Services is excited to welcome Peter Proctor as the new Coordinator of the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) in Bundaberg.
Peter brings over 20 years of experience in community service, having worked across diverse areas including family support, mental health, migration, disability, carers and government. Most recently, he served as an aged care assessor, a role that deepened his understanding of the needs of older Australians.
“Taking on this role is a great opportunity to continue working in the aged care field, but this time with a focus on friendship and connection,” Peter said.
“Supporting volunteer visitors to make friends and build meaningful connections with local older people is very unique, and I’m so happy to take on this opportunity.”
IMPACT has delivered the ACVVS program for 33 years, providing companionship to older adults who may be experiencing loneliness or isolation, whether they live in aged care facilities or in their own home.
Volunteers are matched with individuals and visit regularly, offering conversation, connection and care. The program is flexible, allowing volunteers to choose when and how often they visit.
Peter steps into the role following the retirement of Heather Hinsbey, who coordinated the program for 16 years. Heather’s dedication and heartfelt leadership helped build ACVVS into a trusted and valued service in the Bundaberg region.
“Heather’s work created a supportive environment that benefited countless residents and volunteers. I’m honoured to continue her legacy.”
Heather will continue to be part of the program as a volunteer, sharing her kindness and wisdom with the community she’s served so well.
Peter is especially encouraging younger people to get involved in the program.
“Volunteering with ACVVS is a powerful way to give back and learn from older generations,” he said.
“If you’ve got an hour a week and a willingness to connect, we’d love to hear from you.”
To learn more or sign up to become a volunteer, email acvvs@impact.org.au or contact Peter on 0457 356 373 or 4236 3654.
What does it take to change lives? Sometimes, all it takes is an opportunity.
Four years ago, Debbie Bailey moved with her husband to Bundaberg from the Gold Coast, leaving behind her family and the life she knew.
In a new town without friends to turn to, she reflected on the times she had visited her father in nursing homes and the loneliness she had seen among so many of the elderly there.
So, when she spotted an IMPACT Community Services’ advertisement for volunteers to connect with elderly people in Bundaberg’s aged care homes, she saw an opportunity to achieve two goals – connect with lonely people and build new friendships for herself.
"I just love that I can give back to people,” Debbie said recently as she attended a morning tea to recognise IMPACT’s team of Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) volunteers.
“I don’t feel my age…I still feel young, and that’s how these people feel too. Getting involved and spending time with them helps you appreciate how much they still have to offer, as people, just like you and me. That’s what I get out of volunteering.”
Not only did ACVVS provide an opportunity for Debbie but also her granddaughter, Lilly, who had followed her grandparents to Bundaberg after finishing school.
Together, Debbie and Lilly decided to volunteer at Grace Haven. For Lilly it was the start of a new journey. Having enjoyed her volunteering role, she enrolled in an Aged Care course with IMPACT.
She was then able to build on the relationships she had at the facility on her work placement, which was part of the course, eventually securing a job immediately on the course completion.
"IMPACT changed Lilly’s life. It's hard for young people to know what they want to do, so if it wasn’t for this, then she might have never known," Debbie said.
Debbie also praised the dedication and commitment of IMPACT staff, who go beyond to provide support.
If you want to become a volunteer, visit the ACVVS page on our website or call 1800 179 233.
Raymond Toms began his journey into aged care with trips from Fiji to Australia, where he volunteered up to twice a year for three months at a time through IMPACT Community Services’ Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS).
His time as a volunteer not only brightened the lives of residents but also deeply impacted his own life and career. The ACVVS gave him a chance to form meaningful connections, explore new paths, and make a genuine difference in the lives of older people.
Visits were filled with heartfelt conversations and shared stories.
“The highlight of my experience,” he recalled, “was seeing their smiles and knowing I’d made a difference.”
The connections he formed and the life stories he heard were invaluable, giving him a new perspective on life and grounding him in ways he hadn’t anticipated.
Inspired by his volunteering experience, Raymond pursued a Diploma in Aged Care Nursing in Fiji. However, when he sought employment in Australia, he discovered that his qualifications didn’t meet Australian standards.
Undeterred, he returned to Fiji, completed a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), and then earned a Certificate III in Aged Care from a college in Sydney.
This determination paid off, and Raymond has now been working in the aged care industry for four years, with each step rooted in his volunteering experience.
Raymond’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact volunteering can have on young people. “Just do what your heart tells you and go for it,” he said, encouraging others to follow his path.
“It’s incredibly rewarding.”
Volunteering not only provided him with invaluable experience but also shaped his career and personal growth.
For young people wanting to make a difference, the ACVVS offers a chance to create meaningful connections and discover new life paths.
Raymond’s journey shows that volunteering can open doors to unexpected opportunities, fostering a sense of purpose, growth, and community along the way.
Interested in volunteering? Contact IMPACT Community Services Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme Coordinator on 0448 035 891 or 07 4153 4233 to find out more and start making a difference today! Volunteers are needed in the Bundaberg, Childers, Monto, Gin Gin, Gayndah, Mt Perry, and Biggenden areas.
IMPACT Community Services held an end-of-year event for the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) on 6 November 2024, celebrating volunteers from Bundaberg, Childers and Gin Gin. The event brought together these dedicated individuals to thank them for their remarkable contributions throughout the year.
In January – September 2024, ACVVS volunteers provided over 5,600 visits to older people in Bundaberg, Gin Gin, Childers, Gayndah, and Monto, offering companionship and connection to those who might feel socially isolated.
At the celebration, IMPACT recognised the dedication of volunteers with service awards, honouring those who have generously given their time to ACVVS for 1, 2, 5, and 10 years. All other volunteers received appreciation certificates, with some having served more than 10 and even 20 years.
IMPACT Managing Director Tanya O’Shea, Health and Support General Manager Nancy Oosterhof and ACVVS and ACVVS Coordinator Heather Hinsbey expressed their gratitude at the event.
"Our volunteers are the heart of this program. Their dedication has brought joy and comfort to hundreds of older people in our community,” Heather said.
“Through simple acts of kindness - sharing a conversation, playing a game, or just being there to share a cup of tea, our volunteers create connections that truly uplift the spirits of those they visit.
“Our volunteers also play a vital role in sharing stories across generations, preserving valuable life lessons and experiences that might otherwise be lost.”
This annual event serves as a special thank you to our volunteers, acknowledging the significant difference they make in the lives of local seniors. Each visit fosters meaningful relationships and enhances the wellbeing of those older people in our community who may suffer from loneliness.
The End of Year Celebration for our Gayndah and Monto volunteers will be held separately.
For more information on how to get involved, please contact IMPACT on or 4154 4233 or visit the ACVVS page on IMPACT's website.
Last week, IMPACT Community Services' ACVVS volunteers were celebrated with a special (belated) National Volunteers Week morning tea, acknowledging their invaluable dedication to enriching the lives of the elderly, who often confront isolation and loneliness.
The event also featured an information session with special guest speaker Anne Kerby from Bundaberg Regional Council’s Disaster Management Team.
Anne's presentation focused on Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness (P-CEP), a critical method designed to help individuals, especially seniors and those with disabilities, better prepare for emergencies through planning and access to vital resources and guidance.
Participants were also gifted with an Emergency Kit Starter Pack, complete with a planning workbook, wireless radio, mini first aid kit, headlamp, batteries, and more.
The P-CEP method is a tool that enhances equitable access to effective emergency planning for individuals with extra support needs, such as the elderly and people with a disability. It empowers people with disabilities and the elderly to identify and plan for managing their unique needs during emergencies. Furthermore, it encourages everyone to help remove barriers that heighten risks to safety and well-being during disasters.
Key highlights of the P-CEP method include:
Learn more about Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness on the Bundaberg Regional Council website here.
ACVVS is an initiative funded by the Australian Government, designed to address the social and emotional needs of older Australians residing in aged care facilities, by connecting dedicated volunteers with seniors who may be experiencing social isolation or loneliness. Volunteer opportunities are available in Bundaberg, Monto, Gayndah, Childers, Mount Perry, and Gin Gin. Get in touch today! Call Heather on 0448 035 891 or 07 4153 4233 or visit IMPACT's ACVVS page here.
IMPACT Community Services is calling for volunteers in Mount Perry and Biggenden to join its Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS), a friendship program that connects volunteers with older people who may be experiencing social isolation or loneliness.
The ACVVS, which has been running for over 30 years, provides regular visits to older people living in aged care facilities or at home that provide companionship, support, and meaningful connections that can improve the quality of life and well-being of the older people.
The program currently services the Bundaberg and North Burnett regions but has recently received requests from areas that have never had volunteers, including Biggenden and Mount Perry.
IMPACT is looking for volunteers who live in these areas or are willing to travel there to visit older people who need a friend.
ACVVS Program Manager, Heather Hinsbey, said the ACVVS was a valuable program that made a positive difference in the lives of both the volunteers and the older people.
“Our volunteers are compassionate, caring, and dedicated people who love spending time with the older people and brightening their day,” she said.
“We will match you with an older person who is experiencing social isolation, so you can make regular visits in their home or facility. It’s a wonderful opportunity to make a real difference in someone else’s life, and both the visitors and older people can benefit from each other’s life experiences and wisdom,” she said.
All volunteers are provided with training and support to ensure they are comfortable with their role.
“We provide orientation, police checks, ongoing training, and regular contact and feedback to our volunteers,” she said.
Ms Hinsbey encouraged anyone who was interested in volunteering with the ACVVS to contact IMPACT and find out more.
“If you have some spare time and a big heart, and you want to make a difference in someone’s life, we would love to hear from you,” she said.
To find out more about the ACVVS or to apply as a volunteer, visit IMPACT’s website, or call 07 4153 4233.
This month, we address the current challenges that many people are facing, such as the rising cost of living. Sandy shares practical strategies and tips on managing finances and improving financial fitness.
We also discuss the importance of open conversations about money and seeking support from financial counselors.
Sandy provides insights on how to make small changes that can lead to big impacts over time, and shares ideas on finding joy and creativity within a limited budget. We also explore strategies for tackling debt and making proactive choices to improve one's situation.
Additionally, we touch on the topic of homelessness and discuss practical strategies for individuals and families in these circumstances, such as obtaining quality tents and accessing gym facilities for showers and other amenities.
Join us as we delve into these important topics and provide valuable resources and ideas to help individuals and families navigate through challenging financial situations. Remember, we're all in this together, and together we can become stronger.
The value of reaching out has assumed a special significance in this age of Covid separation and isolation.
And now that restrictions have been somewhat relaxed, it's the perfect time to forge connections to those who need them most.
IMPACT Community Service runs a AGED CARE VOLUNTEER VISITORS SCHEME (formerly Community Visitor's Scheme ) which recruits and organises volunteers to visit elderly people in aged care facilities and also to clients in their own homes who receive a Home Care Package.
These visits provide that all-important regular contact.
ACVVS Program Facilitator Heather Hinsbey, who volunteers herself, said the program made the world of difference for those involved.
“It's not a job, it's a joy,” Heather said.
“Volunteering brings benefits to both the visitor and the person visited.”
According to Heather, there is not one particular type of person that makes a good volunteer.
She said everyone had something to offer.
“Sometimes all the person needs is someone to play cards or games with or help with letter writing or even listen to music together,” Heather said.
IMPACT’s volunteers are currently taking Samsung tablets out to teach some of the elderly how to Skype or use FaceTime to enable them to keep in touch with their friends or family during Covid. The tablets also can be used for podcasts, audible books or games and other tools to assist residents keep in touch with the latest technology, keep their mind active and prevent them feeling lonely or isolated.
“We encourage people to think about volunteering as it’s one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to share the joy of companionship,” Heather said.
If you would like to make a much-needed connection to those in need, contact Heather at IMPACT's Community Visitor's Scheme on 4153 4233 or 0448 035 891 or go to Volunteer Today | IMPACT Community Services
