Noel, who has trouble sitting still, took on part-time work at the local pub, where he enjoys meeting people and having a chat with the locals.
Jackie, with her strong history of volunteering, was encouraged by her friend to join Meals on Wheels.
Before long, Noel saw how much she enjoyed it and tagged along too.
Through Meals on Wheels, Jackie formed a beautiful friendship with Bernadette, who she now describes as one of her ‘favourite friends’.
Like many older people in the community, Bernadette finds that simple household duties are becoming more difficult.
Jackie says it’s often the little things that make the biggest difference.
“A simple chat and a shared cuppa can really brighten someone’s day,” she said.
Noel also saw the loneliness some people were facing and decided to do more.
He began volunteering with FoodShare and even contacted local growers to help provide produce for it to distribute.
Jackie then spotted a Facebook post about the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme, a federally funded program that has been running for 32 years.
It connects volunteers with older people on a Home Care Package, or living in residential aged care, offering companionship and friendship.
Jackie joined, and before long, Noel signed up too.
Jackie has a long and proud history of volunteering.
She was once 3AW’s ‘Voice of the Suburbs’, where she advocated for her local schools that were at risk of being closed.
Over the years, she has also fostered children and served as a volunteer co-ordinator for an exchange student program.
For Noel and Jackie, these acts of kindness come naturally.
Jackie believes that small actions — such as delivering a meal, changing a light bulb, or sharing a conversation — can mean the world to someone who is feeling lonely.
Together, Noel and Jackie are a loving couple who have embraced Cobram with open arms.
Their generosity and community spirit shine through everything they do, making a real difference in the lives of those around them.
People like Noel and Jackie are living treasures.
Volunteering through ACVVS isn’t just about giving — it’s about receiving too.
You get laughter, wisdom, memories and the privilege of being trusted with a life’s worth of experiences.
Be the person who listens, laughs, and lights up someone’s week.
Volunteer with ACVVS and let connection be the headline of your story.
For more information, call 1300 843 236 or email acvvs@thecentre.vic.edu.au.
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