VollieCare

08/05/2026

Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote for Zak in The The Advertiser's South Australia’s Best Pet competition. We are incredibly excited and proud to announce that Zak has officially been crowned South Australia’s Best Pet for 2026. 🐾🏆

Through VollieCare's Pet Therapy Program, Zak and his owners, Mardi and Adrian, have become a much-loved part of the ICU team at Flinders Medical Centre. Zak brings comfort, distraction, and moments of relief to patients and their families during some very difficult times.

His impact also extends to the staff, bringing smiles, laughter, and a brief moment of respite during busy and challenging days.

A heartfelt thank you to Mardi, Adrian, and all 23 of our dedicated Pet Therapy owners for so generously sharing your beautiful dogs and your time to brighten the lives of patients, families, and staff across Flinders Medical Centre, the Repat, and Noarlunga Hospital. 💙

06/05/2026

Meet Jeanette, Betty and Ginni—the wonderful trio working behind the scenes to put together Nurture Boxes.

Jeanette has been volunteering with VollieCare for 18 years, Betty for 12, and Ginni for 7. While each of them began their volunteering journey for different reasons, they all share a common goal: to make a small but meaningful difference for patients and their families.

Through the feedback they receive from those who have experienced the Palliative Care journey and received a Nurture Box, they know they are doing exactly that.

Ginni reflects, “My experience of working with VollieCare has enriched my life. Over the years, I’ve met so many interesting co-workers, each one unique, and it’s been fascinating to see the different ways they approach their work to achieve the same goal. I know that small things can make a difference to how one feels.”

05/05/2026

Meet George, a dedicated and compassionate ICU Volunteer

Five years after retiring, I realised something was missing from my daily life. For 45 years, I had worked closely with people in a manufacturing environment, and I missed that connection.

I decided to join an organisation where people were at the heart of what it does. It was the best decision I’ve made since retiring.

Over the past 14 years as a VollieCare volunteer, I’ve volunteered in the Café Bar, Cancer Centre, and served on both the Volunteer Board and Executive Committee.

I feel incredibly proud and privileged to work alongside so many amazing people.

I now support patients and families in ICU where the medical staff treat us as part of the team. It’s a genuine pleasure to work with such dedicated and supportive people.

I look forward to continuing my role in ICU for many years to come.

03/05/2026

Thank you Variety - the Children’s Charity SA for your support of our Paediatrics trolley

Up to 5,000 children visit the Flinders Paediatric Ward each year.

We’re proud to support VollieCare’s Paediatric Trolley, delivering free food, toys and games to brighten their day 💛

Supporting children who are facing traumatic injuries and illness, together we’re helping make hospital stays a little easier.

01/05/2026

Looking for something to smile about today. Well here it is.

This is Harry, one of our paw some Pet Therapy dogs who spends his Tuesday bringing smiles and comfort to patients in Tobruk Ward, Kokoda, Laurel Hospice and Marjorie Tripp at Flinders Medical Centre

22/04/2026

Zak has been nominated as a finalist for pet of the year. Vote now!

We’d really appreciate your support in voting for Zak as The Advertiser’s 2026 Pet of the Year.

For nearly three years, Zak has been visiting the ICU at Flinders Medical Centre twice a week, offering comfort and emotional support to patients, their families, and the incredible staff.

He’s become a much-loved part of the unit—nurses often seek him out, especially on tough days, and you’ll often find them sitting on the floor enjoying a well-earned Zak cuddle.

Patients light up when he visits, finding reassurance in his calm and gentle nature. Zak has been there during some of the most difficult moments, including end-of-life care and challenging conversations, providing quiet comfort when it’s needed most.

He truly is one of a kind, bringing joy and support to so many people in their hardest times.

We’d love for you to support his nomination as a finalist. Simply use the QR below and click on his photo to vote - it’s that easy! Voting closes 28 April.

(You need to be a subscriber to The Advertiser to enter)

27/03/2026

💙 Volunteer Spotlight 💙

For the past year, Liana, one of our Wellbeing Volunteers, has been making a meaningful difference at Flinders Medical Centre, particularly on the Kokoda Ward.

At the start of my day, I bring my trolley to the ward, which is full of comforting items such as books, magazines and activity packs. After checking in with the Nurse Unit Manager, time is spent visiting patients who may benefit from a friendly face, a listening ear, or simply some company.

A highlight of my role is also assisting the Occupational Therapy team with upper limb group rehabilitation sessions — supporting patients as they work to regain strength and dexterity and seeing the progress they make along the way.

What I enjoy most is hearing patients’ stories. Many have lived incredible lives and overcome significant challenges. Taking the time to sit, listen and connect reminds me just how important human connection is, particularly in hospital where patients can sometimes feel isolated or far from home.

The inspiration to volunteer came from personal experience, having seen how important it was for a family member to have meaningful interactions during long hospital stays. Knowing that volunteers helped ease those lonely moments sparked a desire to give back and help others feel less alone.

My experience with VollieCare has been incredibly positive. I have learnt so much and had the pleasure of meeting many kind and appreciative people along the way. I feel grateful to be part of this role, as it is truly rewarding to know that, in my own small way, I am helping to make a difference in the lives of others.

Thank you to all of our volunteers who give their time, compassion and presence to support patients every day. You truly make a difference. 🌟

If you or anyone you know is interested in becoming a volunteer with VollieCare and would like to know more, you can do so by contacting us on 8204 3009 or applying to become a volunteer through our website www.volliecare.org

23/03/2026

Walking with Purpose: Finding Hope Through the Journey 🚶‍♂️💙

Through my volunteering in the Stroke Unit with VollieCare I meet people at one of the most uncertain times in their lives. I see the questions, the quiet strength, and at times, the struggle to hold on to hope.

As someone who has survived two strokes myself, I understand that place more than most.

This March, I’m taking part in the March On Challenge, walking 192 kilometres — the equivalent of the Kokoda Track twice. While this is a personal challenge, it’s also deeply connected to my journey of recovery and service.

After my strokes left me with vision impairment on my right peripheral side, I found myself facing my own internal battle. While I appeared strong on the outside, I was struggling more than I let on. It took time, reflection, and patience to begin rebuilding — not just physically, but mentally.

Over the past two years, I’ve found my voice again and now share my story to help others navigate their own challenges.

Supporting Soldier On is also close to my heart as a veteran of over 47 years in the RAAF. I’ve seen how important it is to have the right support when life changes unexpectedly.

If you feel moved to support this journey and the work of Soldier On, you’re welcome to visit my website to learn more.

More importantly, hold on to hope—because progress, no matter how small, is still progress.

To help our veterans facing challenges please go to my Website

This March, I'll be marching on to help prevent veteran su***de and save lives. Please sponsor me now

18/03/2026

🎉 A Very Special Celebration Today 🎉

Today was truly a special day at Tarin Kowt Ward at the Repat. Staff came together alongside VollieCare’s Director of Operations, Megan, and volunteer John (her partner in crime!) to celebrate an incredible milestone — Myra’s 90th Birthday.

Myra is a deeply valued member of the Tarin Kowt team and a much-loved volunteer. Her dedication, warmth, and generosity have touched countless lives over the years.

An extraordinary highlight is her 43 years of service with VollieCare, which she celebrated on the 9th of this month — a remarkable achievement and a true testament to her commitment to helping others.

💙 Thank you, Myra, for everything you have given to our community. You are an inspiration to us all.

Happy 90th Birthday! 🎂

11/03/2026

🌼 Wellbeing Support Volunteers - Repat Health Precinct

Do you enjoy spending time with older people and making someone’s day a little brighter?

Are you calm, patient, and a good listener?

We are currently seeking Wellbeing Support Volunteers, with a strong focus on our Dementia and Aged Care wards at the Repat Health Precinct.

This role is all about companionship, connection, and kindness — supporting older patients during their rehabilitation or hospital stay.

💛 About the Role
As a Wellbeing Volunteer, you’ll help reduce loneliness and anxiety for patients by simply being present. Your time, conversation, and gentle encouragement can make a meaningful difference to someone navigating illness, recovery, or memory loss.

These simple but powerful interactions help improve patients’ emotional wellbeing, confidence, and sense of dignity, while also supporting busy healthcare teams.

If you have time to give and a desire for supporting older people, we would love to welcome you to our Wellbeing Volunteer team.

Your presence matters more than you think.

You can complete your online application for here https://app.betterimpact.com/Application?OrganizationGuid=8f150814-311a-4e6d-a18a-93a9b1297328&ApplicationFormNumber=1

17/02/2026

A big thank you to Reynella Neighbourhood Centre Inc for the most recent delivery of blankets for our Nurture Boxes.

Check out the handmade knitted & crocheted knee blankets, mastectomy drain bags for the cancer unit and Tote bags for Palliative Care - delivered to Vollie Care at Flinders MC today.
What a fabulous caring community we live and work in. You are all amazing in your handiwork and it's so good we can all help so many people. Thank you everyone who contributed to making this happen. VollieCare