Community
22 May, 2026
Your year to volunteer
VOLUNTEERS across the district have been celebrated this week as part of National Volunteers Week, with volunteers in Camperdown’s three op shops encouraging residents to choose this year as their year to volunteer.
National Volunteers Week runs from May 18 (Monday) to May 24 (this Sunday), celebrating the contributions made by volunteers across the country.
Sunnyside House volunteers Trish Hughes, Jenny Keane and Jan Archibald are among those who donate their time to support Camperdown’s Sunnyside Aged Care facility.
All three said they chose to volunteer at Sunnyside’s Op Shop as a way to give back to the community after retirement.
“I was quite young when I decided I was going to come,” Ms Keane said.
“We need to make sure it keeps going.
“I’ve always had a soft spot for old people.”
Ms Archibald said she also felt a connection to the elderly, wanting to do what she could to support the aged care facility.
“I’ve worked with elderly people in aged care, and I’ve done a lot of volunteering at other organisations as well for many years,” she said.
“I feel that, as long as I can still do it, I’ll do it.”
Another thing the trio agree on is the camaraderie within the op shop, whether it’s with fellow volunteers or with the customers.
“You learn something new every time you come on – by chatting with a customer or any other way,” Ms Hughes said.
“If you’ve got time to volunteer, do it.”
Ms Keane said she has a lot of fun volunteering at Sunnyside.
“We all have fun, plus I like the customers,” she said.
“I really do enjoy it.
“We’re doing it for Sunnyside.”
Ms Archibald said her favourite thing about volunteering at Sunnyside was knowing her efforts were supporting the community.
“It’s mixing socially with customers as well as people we work with – it’s good camaraderie and we all get on,” she said.
“We know where it’s going, too.
“During the day, we know it’s going to the nursing home, and that’s our aim.”
Camperdown’s St Vincent de Paul Op Shop took the opportunity this week to thank all its current volunteers for the work they do, while encouraging residents to put their hands up to help out.
Like many other volunteers, Simon Bialek and Vicki Gatt both wanted to give back to their community after retirement.
Mr Bialek said he loved being able to use his skills in a new setting.
“I get an opportunity to use my previous skills as a retired electrician to do the testing and tagging,” he said.
Maureen Larkins, another volunteer at St Vincent de Paul, said many volunteers signed up because they enjoyed helping others in any way they could.
“We know our deeds we do in the shop go to a good cause – to the poor and those without anywhere to live,” she said.
“It’s really worthwhile.
“You may come one morning or afternoon a week.
“Some of us work two whole days, some work every morning – the time’s up to anyone.
“If anyone had three hours spare in their week, it’s great to come here.”
Ms Gatt said she enjoyed the warmth of the op shop.
“It’s a place where we do come to have fun – there’s a lot of banter and fun out the back,” she said.
“It’s a lovely, caring environment to come and volunteer in.”
Lifeline volunteer Pam Smith has been enjoying volunteering at the Lifeline Op Shop in town, saying it keeps her busy.
“My husband and I were out of a job because of COVID-19, and I found Lifeline through are-able,” she said.
“They said they were looking for volunteers here – I’ve been here four or five years.
“I really haven’t had much to do with Lifeline itself – only seeing the ads on television – but it’s a really good cause.
“You get to meet people in the area – I moved here nine years ago, and I got to meet various people from the town of Camperdown itself as well as out of town.
“The other volunteers are nice as well and are good company.”
Mrs Smith said residents who are considering volunteering should do so as it gives people the chance to get to know others in the community.
“I hadn’t volunteered before – I used to live on the other side of Melbourne,” she said.
“It’s very rewarding for yourself - soul, mind and more.”
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