COTA Victoria volunteers know that small acts can have big impact. Meet Meena Lalwani. A COTA Victoria volunteer since 2015, Meena currently works as our receptionist. ‘I love the people and flexibility. Volunteering provides mental and physical rewards as well as the chance to meet new friends. ‘Volunteering for me is not only taking instructions […]
May 16 to 24 is National Volunteer Week, and the theme for this year is Better Together. Volunteering brings people together. It builds communities and creates a better society for everyone. This theme perfectly encapsulates the spirit of COTA Victoria. Here, volunteers and staff work seamlessly together across all areas of our work. Bringing together
As a financial advisor, Stephen’s skillsets have proved to be invaluable in his work as a volunteer for Senior Rights Victoria. Based in Rowville, Victoria, Stephen has volunteered with SRV since April 2021. Stephen assists with case work involving analysis of financial data, drafting letters for clients and completion requirements for closed files. For Stephen,
I began my radio career as a cadet at 2AY Albury. After a three-year break studying theology, I returned to radio as the Breakfast Announcer for 3NE Wangaratta before moving on to BCV Channel 8 in Bendigo. There I produced and presented a daily children’s program, read news bulletins and did live commercials and booth
Australia’s census was recorded on 10 August this year. While some questions are still missing from the census, one important question that has been included since 2006 collects data about how many people volunteer. In the twelve months leading to the 2016 census, almost four million people across the country volunteered. Volunteering activity changes throughout
John Doutch’s persistence kicks off a remarkable volunteer career John Doutch’s remarkable career as a volunteer had a rocky start. In 2003, just six months after retiring, he found himself asking (in his unique style): ‘S**t, what am I going to do today?!’ Fortunately, John spotted an advertisement for a COTA Victoria positive ageing course.
It’s official – volunteering is good for your health. A recent review of more than 150 international studies found that volunteers enjoy improved life satisfaction, increased happiness and reduced symptoms of depression. Most of us who volunteer our time for community organisations don’t think deeply about the personal wellbeing benefits. Still, it’s great to know
Volunteers are vital for the success of our programs and services across Victoria. In recognition of International Volunteer Day on December 5, we talked with three of our long-serving volunteers about their work with COTA Victoria. In 2015, Anita Smith came to COTA Victoria with an idea to address what she believed was a serious
After a long career in banking, I wanted to do something for the community, so in 1996, I joined 3RPH. Part of Vision Australia, 3RPH (1179AM) is a radio station for the local blind, low vision and print disabled communities. Listener numbers were small back in those days, but today the audience continues to grow
COVID-19 restrictions are having a huge impact on volunteering in Victoria. Many of those who usually volunteer regularly are now unable to do so, while others are volunteering for the first time to assist vulnerable community members during COVID-19 restrictions. If you’re currently volunteering, or waiting to return to your role, you need to understand
