Meet our volunteers!

Isabelle

“I am a retail assistant at Sacred Heart Mission Northcote”! 

Petra

“I currently volunteer at the Dining Hall Café as a barista and at the Women’s House as a Meals Attendant. My roles mainly involve preparing and serving coffee and food, as well as helping keep the spaces clean and welcoming. One of my favourite parts is getting to chat with both my colleagues and the people attending the programs. Sometimes a simple conversation can really brighten someone’s day”. 

Beth

“I volunteer as a visitor to the residents with my therapy dog Earl”.  

Yael

“I volunteer as part of the Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme (ACVVS), supporting older people who may be experiencing social isolation or loneliness. My role involves regular visits, offering companionship”. 

Isabelle

“I started volunteering in early 2025 as a way to connect with community more, and to not so secretly fuel my little trinket obsession. At that time I was unemployed and looking for some volunteering that would keep me connected to other people, provide me with the social energy I need to motivate my days, be gentle on my mental health, and most of all be joyously fun”. 

Petra

“I had my first volunteering experience when I was very young. My mum signed us up for a community project where we cleaned up a local field and planted trees in place of the rubbish. I still remember how ecstatic and fulfilled I felt afterwards, and how rewarding it felt to help my community thrive. As I got older, I was drawn to supporting people facing disadvantage, which eventually led me to Sacred Heart Mission”. 

Beth

“I retired a year ago & wanted to give back to the community. After I went through the application process I was matched with Stella as we both worked in musical theatre. At first it was just one on one with her but other residents wanted to pat the dog all the time. Tammy asked me if I would do a general wander & chat to whoever was open to it. What I do now is wander all over & chat & save the last 15 minutes for Stella in her room before I walk her down to lunch”. 

Yael

“I began volunteering in October 2025 with a quiet desire to give something back. There is something meaningful in simply being present with someone who might otherwise feel alone. This work has taken on a personal resonance, offering a sense of connection that feels both grounding and shared”. 

Isabelle

“My favourite thing about volunteering is that I get to chat to people all day! Conversations about our days, their specific collection obsession, trying to work out what certain items are used, and learning how to brine olives from Helen. I love finding out about little parts of their life through the items they are buying – their style, their interests, their holiday plans”.  

“It has also been so healing volunteering in an environment that is so friendly, silly and compassionate. I have been unlearning many negative beliefs I held about myself in the workplace from my hospitality jobs. At Sacred Heart I feel very seen and cared for, I get to be my own silly chaotic self, and always come home full of energy and joy”. 

Petra

“There are so many beautiful sides of volunteering, but my favourite is probably being able to make someone’s day a little better. I remember one person at the Café telling me, “You made me smile today. I haven’t smiled in a long time.” and that really stayed with me. It reminded me that even small acts of kindness or simply being present and listening can have a meaningful impact on someone”. 

Beth

“My favourite part is that I’ve got to know so many of them & their stories. Last week a lady kissed me on the hand & said I just love it when you come. I almost cried! I know their names & call out to them. I haven’t been able to visit this week as my dog is unwell & I really missed it”. 

Yael

“My favourite part of volunteering is the genuine friendship that has developed. I look forward to my weekly visits, and the connection we have built is incredibly special. Peter and I have been working on his memoir together, which has been a beautiful way to bond. Hearing his stories and helping bring them to life has been both meaningful and enriching”. 

Isabelle

“Do it”!!!!

Petra

“I’d definitely encourage them to do it. Volunteering is incredibly fulfilling, not only because you’re helping others, but because of how much you grow as a person too. You meet people from all walks of life, gain new perspectives, and become more empathetic and responsible along the way. Your contribution can make a real difference, both for the community and for yourself”.

Beth

“I would say to anyone wanting to volunteer just go for it. IT is extremely rewarding”.

 Yael

“If you are considering volunteering, I would encourage you to take that step. It is not about having special skills or a lot of spare time, it is about showing up with kindness and a willingness to connect. The impact you make may seem small, but to someone else it can mean everything. In return, you gain perspective, connection, and a sense of purpose that stays with you long after each visit”.