National Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering. The week-long event recognises the vital support that the millions of volunteers in our country provide to their communities and encourages people to consider volunteering.

The official theme for National Volunteer Week 2023 was The Change Makers and this year over 90 people attended Doncare’s annual event at Manningham Function Centre.

Doncare has been predicated on volunteerism since its inception in 1969 and whilst it’s volunteer workforce has diminished considerably since the pandemic, it was fantastic to gather the Social Support for Seniors volunteers, community support workers, counselling and clerical volunteers, DAWN mentors and op shop retail workers to celebrate the amazing contribution the organisation’s volunteers make to transforming the lives of vulnerable families in the community.

Today, I want to take a moment to recognize and thank each and every one of you for your hard work, dedication, and commitment to Doncare. You are the change makers, the ones who are making a positive difference in the world around us. Your selflessness and generosity inspire us all to be better and to do more for others. At Doncare, you, our volunteers, are the backbone of our organisation. Without your tireless efforts, we would not be able to provide the range of services and programs that we do. From providing emergency relief and support to individuals and families in crisis, to delivering meals to those who are isolated and vulnerable, your contributions are truly life-changing.

Ellen Matusko, CEO

Board Chair, Andrew Asten acknowledged Joan Middleton for her 25 years service, as well as Farzad Maghami who has dedicated 20 years. Both women volunteer in Doncare’s Social Support for Seniors program. Clerical volunteer, Lois Savage and retail assistants, Ann Wang and Lyn Cowley from the op shops were also presented certificates for 15 years of service. Find out who joined Doncare’s Honour Roll

During the event CEO, Ellen Matusko paid tribute to Ron Kitchingman OAM. In March, Ron retired from Doncare’s Board after voluntarily serving as a director for 14 years.

“Ron has been a constant source of wisdom for current and past directors and staff” Ellen said. “It was when Ron was elected for his third term as councillor that he met the late Doreen Stoves AM PSM JP and after completion of his term at Manningham council, she invited him to join the board. 14 years later, we would like to thank Ron for his passion and dedication. Read more about Ron’s distinguished history spanning 57 years.

Doncare would like to congratulate all of the wonderful individuals who were nominated for the prestigious Volunteer of the Year Award including Community Support Worker, Lynne Lloyd (runner up); DAWN Mentor, Louise Theunissan; Malcolm Ferguson and Diep Van from the op shops; Maggie Falconer from Social Support; SaSSing Choir Music Director, Lyn Thomas (runner up) and Counselling volunteer, Lyn Flynn.

Announcing 2023 Volunteers of the Year

This year’s worthy recipients of the Volunteer of the Year award were Malcolm Ferguson and Diep Van from the Op Shop program. Read more..

Doncare’s Honour Roll 2023

25 Years

• Joan Middleton (Social Support)

20 Years

• Farzad Maghami (Social Support)

15 Years

• Lois Savage (Clerical)
• Ann Wang (Op Shops)
• Lynette Cowley (Op Shops)

10 Years

• Rhonda Watts (SaSSing and ER)
• Angela Bonato (Op Shops)

5 Years

• Leticia Renteria Pena (DAWN)
• Cheryle Hawkins (Social Support)
• Ian Smith (Social Support)
• Suzy Moustakas (Social Support)
• Alex Jahn (Op Shops)
• Bruce Young (Op Shops)
• Catherine Camerino (Op Shops)
• Fiona Edwards (Op Shops)
• Kaye Davies (Op Shops)
• Maggie Yong (Op Shops)
• Maree Quattrocchi (Op Shops)
• Maria Skidmore (Op Shops)
• Rodney Fried (Op Shops)
• Sallie Hobson (Op Shops)
• Waffa Takla (Op Shops)