National Volunteer Week is our annual chance to publicly thank the dozens of volunteers who give their time, skills and warmth to GNA programs across the country. This year we want to share a few of their stories.
Why volunteers matter
Paid staff form the backbone of every program we run, but volunteers add something different: time without an agenda. The afternoon someone spends having a cup of tea with a participant, or driving an elderly client to a hospital appointment when family can't, often becomes the most-talked-about moment of the week.
Three stories from our volunteers
Margaret — Perth
Margaret, 68, has volunteered with GNA for three years. Every Tuesday she runs the social-bingo group at our Mirrabooka community hub. "I retired from teaching and the silence almost killed me. Now Tuesdays are the highlight of my week — and the bingo callers all roast me when I make a mistake."
Anh — Melbourne
Anh is a final-year occupational therapy student who volunteers on Saturdays helping our community participation team. "I'm learning more about real-world disability support in one Saturday than in a whole week at uni. The participants treat me like family."
Daniel — Brisbane
Daniel drives our Brisbane community bus on Thursdays for the seniors' outing program. "I lost my dad to Alzheimer's. I couldn't do anything for him. Now I help eight or nine people every Thursday get out of the house — that's my way of keeping him close."
How to volunteer with us
We welcome volunteers across all our locations. Most volunteers commit a half-day a week, but we have shorter and longer options depending on what you're looking for. All volunteers complete:
- An NDIS Worker Screening Check
- A short orientation program
- Optional training in areas you're interested in (dementia, autism, mental health first aid)
Get in touch
If you'd like to volunteer — or to nominate someone whose voluntary work deserves recognition — call 1300 133 633 or email volunteers@gnaservices.com.au. We read every message.
