Build Belonging Through Culture, Connection & Friendship with ACVVS
• Share your time, stories and cultural connection
• Quiet companionship or a listening ear can make someone’s day
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander volunteers are especially encouraged to apply
What is ACVVS?
The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) connects volunteers with older people who may be socially isolated, creating regular friendship, companionship and meaningful connection.
St Vincent’s is looking for volunteers who share our commitment to compassion, excellence, justice and integrity, and who want to bring those values to life through genuine connection with older people.
Mary is a proud Aboriginal woman whose successful career included being a much-loved science teacher. Mary is now in a welcoming not-for-profit aged care home in Roseville and would benefit from the support of a regular visitor who can help fill the gaps when her family can’t visit.
Visits do not need a set agenda. Friendship might grow through stories, shared memories, culture, family conversation or simply sitting together in comfortable company.
Connection could look like
• Sharing stories about family, community and culture
• Listening, yarning or spending quiet time together
• Enjoying music or another familiar interest
• Creating a regular, trusted presence
The kind of person Mary may connect with
Someone calm, patient, respectful and culturally aware. We are particularly seeking an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander volunteer for this match.
The practical bits
• You must be 18 years or over.
• A Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check is required and is organised and funded by St Vincent's.
• Visits are approximately one hour, at least once a fortnight, with a minimum of 20 visits over 12 months.
• We are looking for someone who can visit consistently and build an ongoing, respectful connection.
Why this connection matters
Connection to culture, identity and community can be deeply important in later life. A regular visitor can support belonging while offering the simple gift of friendship.
At St Vincent's, we value inclusion and diversity. We are committed to creating an environment that is welcoming, safe, fair and inclusive, and we invite people from all backgrounds to join our caring community.