National Volunteer Week 2026, running from 18 to 24 May, celebrates the incredible contribution volunteers make to communities across Australia. This year's theme, 'Your Year to Volunteer', is a timely reminder that small acts of generosity can make a lasting difference.
Through Cooking and Companion Connections, Council matches friendly local volunteers with eligible Bayside Care and Support (BCAS) clients for regular social visits. The program is simple, flexible and powerful: it's about sharing time, conversation, and connection - sometimes over a meal, sometimes over a cup of tea, and always with kindness.
For Patty and Fiona, their connection has become something they both genuinely look forward to.
Patty lives locally and receives support through Bayside Care and Support. She was paired with Fiona through the Connections program and now sees her every fortnight.
"Sometimes Fiona brings me lovely food," Patty said. "But I receive delivered meals through Council now, so I've told her not to worry about bringing food, I just love seeing her."
For Patty, the visits have made a real difference.
"Fiona is very easy to talk to and she brightens me up," Patty said. "She gives me a reason to get out and about. She's made me much happier. I feel more confident, more relaxed and more connected."
After every visit, Patty's response is simple and heartfelt:
"I'm thrilled. I just love her coming."
Patty's confidence hasn't gone unnoticed. Her friends at the Black Rock Activity Centre (BRAC), which she attends weekly, often comment on her glow.
"They ask me, 'How come you're so bright and cheerful lately?'" she said. "And I tell them, it's Fiona. That's what she's done for me."
Why choose to volunteer?
For Fiona, volunteering was about reconnecting with her community.
"I saw the program advertised in Let's Talk Bayside and it sounded perfect," she said. "I wanted to be more involved locally."
What she didn't expect was how much the connection would mean to her as well.
"It's such a nice feeling to help someone," Fiona said. "I really believe we've lost some of our sense of community - especially since COVID - and that's contributing to people feeling anxious and depressed. This is a small way to help build that sense of connection again."
The program's flexibility is one of its strengths.
"Every visit is different," Fiona explained. "It's nice for older people to have something to look forward to that's outside their usual circle of family or appointments."
Volunteers at the heart of community wellbeing
Cooking and Companion Connections is one of the ways we are actively working to reduce loneliness and strengthen wellbeing among our ageing community.
The program connects volunteers with eligible Bayside Care and Support clients who live in Bayside or Glen Eira and who have a My Aged Care referral for social support (individual). While eligibility requirements apply, the heart of the program is simple: helping people feel seen, valued and connected.
"For me, it's a win‑win," Fiona said. "It doesn't require a big-time commitment, but it makes a huge difference. I'd hate to think of my parents feeling lonely, and this is such a lovely way to give back."
As National Volunteer Week reminds us, volunteering doesn't have to be complicated to be powerful. Sometimes, all it takes is showing up.
Make 2026 'Your Year to Volunteer'
Whether you're looking to volunteer, or you or someone you care for may benefit from extra social support, Cooking and Companion Connections offers a welcoming, community‑centred way to connect.
Sometimes, all it takes is a friendly visit to change someone's day - or their life.
