Volunteers are the lifeblood of not-for-profit organisations.
Carinity has almost 300 volunteers across Queensland who support our staff in their delivery of aged care, education, community support and youth services.
The hard work and dedication of the unsung heroes of Carinity – our volunteers, chaplains and supporters – were recognised at a special Thank You luncheon held in Brisbane on August 23.
The event, which also celebrated the generosity of our donors and acknowledged the 70th anniversary of Carinity, featured the presentation of awards to some of our outstanding contributors.
Del Baxter, who has devoted herself to creating beautiful gardens at the seniors’ community in Bundaberg, was named the Volunteer of the Year.
Del has worked tirelessly to plant, weed, maintain and replace the gardens at Kepnock Grove and transform outdoor spaces into a lush green oasis for residents to enjoy.
“Del attends the gardens rain or shine. She brings cuttings and seedlings from her own garden to plant and has a high knowledge of plants which she is happy to share,” Carinity Kepnock Grove Clinical Nurse Wendy Wilson says.
“She is happy to include any of the residents in planting, trimming and watering when they wish to join in.”
David Briddock, a volunteer prison chaplain with Carinity’s service for five years, was named the Chaplain of the Year.
“I believe chaplains are vital in prisons as each resident finds themself in a position where they often have the time and the inclination to seek help and support. More than ever, these people need a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on,” David says.
“I find every aspect of prison chaplaincy rewarding, but seeing changes in the inmates who seek to get their lives on track is just the best.”
The Supporter of the Year is Brisbane-based Christian radio station 96Five, in recognition of their support of Carinity’s mission and vision.
For many years the media organisation has granted Carinity local radio air-time to spread the word about raising funds for its chaplaincy programs, in particular .
Maintenance staff from in Rockhampton were awarded the inaugural Team of the Year award, which recognises the significant contribution made by dedicated Carinity staff, focusing on the collaborative effort of teams.
Graham Harvey and his team including Mark Hutcheon provide capital works and maintenance assistance to Carinity sites in Rockhampton, Gladstone, Yeppoon and Mt Morgan, providing the best service outcomes for retirement and aged care residents, school students and other service users.
If you would like to volunteer to assist Carinity and the people we support visit or phone
