25/05/2026
Volunteering brings belonging, community and connection.
To mark the end of National Volunteer Week 2026, it’s time to share a story that captures the heart of being a volunteer.
At MiCare, we bring people together to build stronger communities, deeper connection, and more meaningful care. We take the time to understand each client’s interests, hobbies, and personality, then thoughtfully match them with a volunteer who shares common ground. By starting with connection, we spark genuine friendships and create bonds that grow naturally from the very first meeting.
This is Walter’s story:
“I am originally from Zimbabwe and have lived in Melbourne for 4 years. I speak both English and Shona (a major Bantu language spoken by most of the population in Zimbabwe.). I joined the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme with MiCare in July 2025.
My church program encourages volunteering, and I have always enjoyed spending time with older people. I am fascinated by their stories. For me, I take it as a learning experience - being there for someone else. I feel I have the time to spare to support someone feel less lonely.
It has had a huge impact on me. Volunteering offers a different kind of meaning! Meaning, that is not linked to any financial and purposeful gain, but from the heart. I was paired with Anna, originally from Germany. Anna used to work for a big auto company in Germany. She loves to chat and go for a walk.
I visit Anna once a fortnight at her care home, and we share a walk if the weather is good. When I started visiting her, she would often say to me that she can’t remember much. Now, she is sharing more and more from her past and those memories bring a lot of joy. Anna has led a very full and rewarding life. I particularly remember her telling me about her childhood and early memories and life – I am inspired by her stories and her humbleness.
Everyone should give volunteering a shot; it is very fulfilling. By only sharing a little bit of time, visits make an enormous difference in someone’s life. And MiCare makes it easy – it was such a smooth start to Volunteering. It must have been easy, because I don’t really remember the process! The Volunteer Coordination team helped me build a meaningful friendship with Anna, and there is help along the way if I need it.”
MiCare believes we thrive, grow, and understand ourselves more deeply when we connect with others. We aim to replace isolation and surface-level interactions with empathy, courage, and real community. Because when we show up for each other, we strengthen wellbeing, create belonging, and bring our shared humanity to life.
If Volunteering sounds like something you would like to do, please message us for more information.