This National Volunteers Week (18–24 May), we’re celebrating the incredible people who generously give their time, care, and energy to make a difference every day.
This year’s theme, ‘Your Year to Volunteer’, is a reminder that everyone has something to offer, there are so many ways to connect, contribute and give back.
ACH Group extends a heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers. We’re so grateful for everything you do.
To celebrate, we’re highlighting our youngest and oldest volunteers, two inspiring examples that volunteering truly spans every age and stage.
Introducing Ellie
Ellie, who at 16-years-old is ACH Group’s youngest volunteer.
Ellie spends two-hours a fortnight with residents at Healthia, our residential care home in Elizabeth North.
We spoke with Ellie and asked her to share some of her thoughts and highlights on volunteering.
“Volunteering has made me better at not being so Gen Z,” she laughed.
During her time with residents. Ellie has formed a strong bond with Paul, thanks to their shared competitive streak and love of long-distance road trips – even though she has only recently started driving.
“I’ve really got to know people and make genuine connections,” Ellie said
“Volunteering has opened my eyes to different perspectives, been rewarding and taught me so much.”
While still in school, Ellie hopes to study occupational therapy when she graduates.
Introducing Moira
For the best part of 60 years Moira Oldfield has been “helping out around the place” but it took until her 85th birthday to officially be recognised as a volunteer.
Moira joined ACH Group’s Sing for Joy Choir in 2025 and would generally show up early to help set up and stay late to pack down.
Her efforts were recognised by Sing for Joy choir coordinator Kirstie De Leeuw who suggested Moira become an ACH Group volunteer.
“It was actually really lovely to be asked to make the volunteering official,” Moira said.
“I’ve always been happy to help out because I like being useful, but it is nice to be a volunteer.”
At 86 years old, Moira is ACH Group’s oldest volunteer.
ACH Group volunteer coordinator Charlotte Carmody said formalising volunteering roles were important for an abundance of reasons.
“First and foremost, it is for that sense of belonging and community that volunteers often develop,” she said.
“More than that by becoming a volunteer, people gain access to our reward and recognition program and opportunities for training and upskilling.”
ACH Group is always welcoming new volunteers. If you’re interested, ACH Group Volunteer Services Manager Charlotte Carmody would love to hear from you.
Learn more about volunteering opportunities with ACH Group.