As we celebrate National Volunteer Week from 19 to 25 May 2025, we express our gratitude to the volunteers who selflessly give their time to those in need, ensuring that those they visit are heard, seen, and acknowledged.
This year's theme, ‘Connecting Communities,’ celebrates the power of volunteering to bring people together.
Here at Catholic Healthcare, we have seven hundred volunteers who provide support, comfort, and friendship to older people within Catholic Healthcare and other aged care providers.
In line with Catholic Healthcare’s mission to promote the dignity, life, and spirituality of older people through connected and inclusive communities, National Volunteer Week highlights how volunteering builds strong communities and enriches lives by fostering lasting relationships.
The saying, ‘If you want something done, ask a busy person,’ rings especially true when we see our two inspiring volunteers in action.
Catholic Healthcare’s volunteer manager, Liz Faber, who also volunteers in her own time, oversees a team of eight coordinators and more than 400 volunteers in her day job. One of them is Caroline Chaplin, a busy owner and director of a company, who has been making weekly calls to two Catholic Healthcare clients living in regional areas for the past four years.
Catholic Healthcare Volunteer Manager and volunteer – Liz Faber
Liz is the mother of three amazing kids with disabilities, aged 7 to 18. Her life is whole and varied, but volunteering has always been something she returns to. ‘It's been a constant in the many different chapters of my life,’ she said.
Her motivation runs deep and has been inspired by her volunteer parents. ’For me, the main goal is simple: to make someone else’s life easier, even in the smallest way.’
Currently, Liz gives her time to Vinnies, serves as Vice President of her son’s school Parents and Friends Committee, and is waiting to be rematched with an older friend through the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS)—a role she deeply values.
‘It’s my favourite volunteer role,’ she says. Spending just an hour a week—or even a fortnight—sitting with someone, listening to their stories, is grounding. It helps me turn off the noise in my head and just be present.
One of her most memorable moments was watching the emotional transformation in the elderly friend she visited, ‘Just being there—listening without any obligation or rush—helped shift their mood over time. They started to light up more with each visit. It reminded me how much a simple presence matters.’
For anyone considering volunteering, Liz offers this encouragement:
‘Do it. There is a volunteer role for everyone. You don’t have to give a whole day or make a long-term commitment. If you’ve got even one hour a week or fortnightly, think about ACVVS. If visiting in person isn’t possible, Catholic Healthcare also runs a phone call program. You will get something out of it—it’s fulfilling in ways you can’t predict.’
When asked what volunteering has unexpectedly taught her, Liz said, ‘Just how powerful being present can be. Sharing a cup of tea or listening to music with someone can bring so much joy.’
And the quote that motivates her? ‘A friend is one of the best things you can be and the greatest things you can have.’
Phone Volunteer – Caroline Chaplin
Caroline, an ACVVS phone volunteer, generously gives of her time to bring joy and meaning to others' lives, but she will tell you that she gains just as much from volunteering as she gives.
Caroline said, ‘Working with Catholic Healthcare as a volunteer has brought me great joy. I've received feedback that the two delightful ladies I call also enjoy the friendship and regular contact.’
Deciding to volunteer after her mother died four years ago, Caroline realised how lonely her mother had been during her last few years and how grateful she was for Caroline’s phone calls. She thought it would be lovely to meet someone who could connect her to the elderly community.
Caroline said, ‘I was hoping for someone to remind me of my mum and help fill that void with a once-a-week phone call. To my delight, I’ve met two brilliant women whom I now consider my friends. It’s been an honour to share their lives and stories.’ Caroline added,
‘Even though I am technically volunteering to help them, I truly believe I have gained more from these relationships than they may ever realise.’
If you, or someone you know, would like to make a difference by becoming a Catholic Healthcare volunteer, email volunteer@chcs.com.au or visit the Volunteers page on our website, here.