Balwyn Evergreen Centre celebrates community connectors this National Volunteer Week

MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release

Date: May 2025

Balwyn Evergreen volunteer Annie Tang putting the finishing touches on her baking for the High Tea.

Balwyn Evergreen volunteer Joe Marchese enjoying a weekly bus outing.

Balwyn Evergreen volunteer Tan Sun selling pot plants during the Open Day.

From baking and bus outings, to pot plants and catch-ups, the volunteers at Balwyn Evergreen Centre are the heartbeat of a connected community.

This National Volunteer Week (May 19 to 25), Balwyn Evergreen Centre, a community centre dedicated to ensuring that older individuals stay active, healthy and socially connected, is celebrating the many ways volunteers give back and how, in return, they gain connection, confidence and community.

“Volunteering is the ultimate two-way street,” said Tina Hogarth-Clarke, CEO, Balwyn Evergreen Centre.

“When people volunteer with us, they are building relationships, grow in confidence and feel a genuine sense of purpose. Our community is stronger because of them.”

“Our organisation was founded by volunteers 67+ years ago and continues to thrive because of them. We are here to help older people stay active, connected and well and that happens because of the time, energy and care our volunteers give. Balwyn Evergreen Centre is a place where people belong, and our volunteers make that possible.

This year’s National Volunteer Week theme, Connecting Communities, comes to life through the stories of Balwyn Evergreen Centre volunteers who bring their own passions, talents and energy to the table.

For Tan Sun, who helps with the Wednesday program as a kitchen hand and previously ran a plant stall at Balwyn Evergreen Centre’s Open Day, volunteering is a family affair. With a love of crafts and greenery, Tan even rallied her husband and son to support activities such as the Christmas pot plant making session.

“Volunteering is an enjoyable experience,” Tan said. “I feel like I’m part of something bigger as I am providing a service to older people. The Balwyn Evergreen Centre community is so warm and welcoming.”

Annie Tang, who helps with the men’s exercise morning tea, is known for her spectacular home baking and for supporting events such as Balwyn Evergreen Centre’s annual High Tea.

“I love bringing a smile to someone’s face with something I’ve made,” Annie said. “It’s such a simple way to show care and I’ve made so many lovely connections along the way.”

Joe Marchese supports Evergreen as a volunteer driver and through the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS). He was recently matched with a client who has since moved into residential care, but Joe continues to go the extra mile on group outings, helping older people stay socially engaged and mobile.

“I love to volunteer and really enjoy meeting new people and hearing their stories.”

Tina added that volunteers like Tan, Annie and Joe are symbolic of the Balwyn Evergreen Centre’s spirit.

“They turn up with ideas, energy and heart. They help us stay responsive and relevant to the needs of our community.”

Balwyn Evergreen Centre welcomes volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, from retirees to students, bakers to gardeners, drivers to friendly visitors. Whether it’s once a week or once a month, there is something for everyone.

To learn more about becoming a volunteer, please contact Balwyn Evergreen on 9836 9681, volunteer@balwynevergreen.org.au, or visit www.balwynevergreen.org.au