Volunteers Week 19 - 25 May 2025
As we mark National Volunteers Week (19–25 May 2025), we pause to celebrate the incredible contributions of volunteers in our organisation and across the country.
This year’s theme – Connecting Communities – reminds us that volunteers create relationships that enrich lives and strengthen communities and nowhere is that more evident than right here at The Forrest Centre.
One of our wonderful volunteers, Di Henry, exemplifies the heart and soul of volunteering. A passionate gardener, Di began her journey with us when her daughter-in-law and Loreto Home of Compassion Activities Officer Meagan Linsell invited her to help rejuvenate the garden in the memory support unit.
“Meagan wanted to make the garden bright and fun,” Di recalls. “And she knew I love gardening. I’ve loved coming to Loreto ever since.”
What started as a simple act of kindness has blossomed into a deeply rewarding experience for Di and the residents alike. The garden, filled with vibrant old-fashioned flowers like petunias and gardenias, is more than a place to grow plants it’s a space to spark memories, evoke joy, and create connection.
“The residents come out and comment, tell me stories about their own gardens, and give me gardening advice. It’s beautiful. The smells, the colours; it takes them back.”
But it’s not just about the flowers. It’s the conversations, the shared smiles, and the sense of home that Di helps cultivate.
“The garden makes them feel like they’re at home,” she says. “And so many of the staff have come up and said thank you. That’s been my highlight.”
Di is also a passionate advocate for growing the community of volunteers, dreaming of a ‘Friends of the Forrest’ group, where people of all abilities can contribute in simple ways: sweeping leaves, chatting with residents, or simply showing up.
“It's a rewarding thing. You learn a lot about people's lives. When you stand and talk to them you can be amazed at what they've done throughout their life that you would never learn anywhere else. I really love it.”
This National Volunteers Week, we thank Di and every volunteer who gives their time, heart, and energy to The Forrest Centre. You make our community brighter, warmer, and stronger.
If you’d like to join our growing group of volunteers, we’d love to hear from you. To learn more about becoming a valued volunteer, please contact Mary Potter Nursing Home on 02 6932 3011 and/or Loreto Home of Compassion on 02 6971 5715 to register your interest.
