Balwyn Evergreen celebrates the heart of its community on International Volunteer Day
- marketing607610
- Nov 21
- 2 min read
MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
Date: November 2025
Balwyn Evergreen, a community centre dedicated to ensuring that older individuals stay active, healthy and socially connected, is celebrating International Volunteer Day by honouring the remarkable people who give their time, compassion and skill to support older people across Boroondara.
From friendly phone calls and social groups to exercise programs, driving, companionship and one-on-one visits, volunteers remain at the heart of everything Balwyn Evergreen Centre does.
There are around 120 volunteers who contribute to Balwyn Evergreen Centre’s programs each year.
Together they help older people stay connected, active and engaged - especially those who live alone or face mobility or health challenges.
Tina Hogarth-Clarke, CEO, Balwyn Evergreen Centre, said volunteers bring a richness to the organisation that cannot be captured in numbers.
“Our volunteers create the warmth and humanity that Balwyn Evergreen Centre is known for. They form genuine bonds, build confidence, share joy and offer stability to people who often need it most. Every gesture - a conversation, a cuppa, a gentle check-in – makes a meaningful difference.”
“International Volunteer Day is a moment to celebrate the full tapestry of our volunteer community. Their diverse backgrounds and talents strengthen our services and help ensure older people feel supported and valued.”
Among those volunteers is Raylene Golder, a familiar face in the Balwyn Evergreen Centre’s Senior Divas social group. While she represents only one thread of Balwyn Evergreen Centre’s volunteer community, her reflections speak to the shared purpose that unites them all.
Established about seven years ago, The Senior Divas is a vibrant group of ladies who love to lunch, laugh and enjoy a guest speaker. Raylene is integral to the success of the group and says she “absolutely loves it”.
For older women in the community, the Divas is a unique social support opportunity and a chance to make new connections in a welcoming environment.
Raylene said “Spending time with people in their third age and hearing their life stories, you realise the importance of connecting with others. It is very satisfying to see them enjoy new and old friendships and know that you have helped them in some way. Volunteering has given me far more than I ever expected.”
Balwyn Evergreen Centre’s volunteers support programs such as social groups, community outings, the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme, the Supported Lifestyle Program and a suite of wellbeing activities that keep older Melburnians active and socially connected. Many volunteers have served for years, while others are beginning their journey after retirement, career changes or a desire to give back to their local community.
As Balwyn Evergreen Centre marks International Volunteer Day, it extends a warm invitation to anyone interested in joining its growing volunteer community.
Whether someone has an hour a week or a little more to give, there are meaningful roles available across the Balwyn Evergreen Centre’s programs.
