From V8 Supercars pit crew to local driving superhero, Bruce Robertson is just one of Comlink Australia’s employees who has shown that a diverse career background and a great attitude is the perfect combination to succeed in the aged care industry.

“Bruce has been with us for eight years and started as a volunteer driver, and he had never imagined that he would end up working full-time in the aged care sector. Having been in pit crews for some well-established drivers in Australian V8 Supercars, worked offshore on oil rigs and on construction sites, Bruce entertains our clients with his stories of being a dare devil but also has a great sense of compassion. It is a personality like Bruce that creates a rich and diverse cultural framework for our organisation” – Liam Mayo

A qualified mechanic who has his skydiving license and spends his weekends on his jet ski or motorbike, Mr Robertson states that he thoroughly enjoys spending time with clients as he drives them to appointments or activities.

“I don’t use an alarm clock to get out of bed, as I am actually looking forward to going to work every day. There is a great deal of satisfaction in this work as you know that you are making a real difference in people’s lives and they are clearly grateful to you for that.”

To apply for a role as a Client Driver at Comlink Australia visit our careers page or email eoi@comlinkaustralia.com.au

To our Sunshine Coast clients, Julie-Ann Harris has been a part of the Comlink Australia volunteer family for almost a decade. Julie is a dedicated and passionate driver and social events host. Best known for her bright and smiling face joining clients on many unique and exciting social events across the Sunshine Coast over the years.

Julie is one of our 177 volunteers that support Comlink Australia in a variety of roles such as events hosts, social support, drivers and Community Visitor Scheme volunteers. Not only are all these volunteers making an incredible impact on our community, studies have shown that volunteering also has a profound effect on a person’s mental health and wellbeing [1].

“I became a volunteer as I wanted to support those people in our community who needed assistance to be social. I find volunteering a very rewarding role as I can see the difference I am making to peoples lives each time they are involved in social events and meeting new friends,” said Julie.

Julie has recently been nominated for 2021 Sunshine Coast Volunteer of the year award in the category of seniors and aged care for work with Comlink Australia clients. Comlink Australia is very proud of Julie and wish her all the best at the awards ceremony later this month.

“We are so grateful to have Julie as a part of our Sunshine Coast team. She truly understands the importance of social connections for our clients and always goes above and beyond to support them,” shared Cane Seymour, Sunshine Coast Community Coordinator for Comlink Australia.

“The thing I love most about volunteering is getting to see our clients smiling and enjoying themselves at one of our many social outings.” Said Julie.

Volunteer with Comlink Australia

Do you want to feel good and make a difference in your community? We are currently on the lookout for volunteers to help with our care and social services. Volunteering is flexible and starting is easy. Get in touch with us on 1300 761 011 or learn more about volunteering with Comlink Australia.

References:
[1] The Value of Volunteering

Judy Thelning, Social Support Volunteer, has dedicated an incredible 10 years of volunteering for Comlink Australia, offering friendship, companionship, a welcoming smile and most importantly, an incredible contribution to the community. Judy is a of a special group of volunteers who have been a part of our organisation for a long time and play a vital role in delivering services. In fact, 27% of our volunteers have been with Comlink Australia for five or more years. 

After working 22 years in the touring industry when Judy retired, she was keen to stay active and give back to the community. “I felt I wanted to offer my experience and services by giving back to people,” said Judy. 

Judy has taken on an event hosting volunteer role and accompanies clients to an array of social and wellbeing activities in the North Brisbane region. Part of her role is ensuring events run smoothly as well an ensuring clients feel included and enjoyable time. “My role is very enjoyable and rewarding. I meet so many amazing people, from clients to staff. I also feel my role gives me a great sense of importance and enables me to give my heart and soul to people that need it most,” said Judy. 

Like many of Comlink Australia’s volunteers, Judy feels like she is making a genuine difference to the wellbeing of older adults by helping them stay socially connected to others and their community. “Watching a client come along to a social activity for the first time and meet new people and friendships blossom, particularly for people who may have not had many social connections is priceless,” Judy shared. 

Judy also values the personal connections she has been able to make through her volunteering journey saying the thing she loves most about volunteering is the people. “I’m so grateful for our incredible team of staff and all the wonderful clients I get to meet,” she said.   

Comlink Australia’s North Brisbane Community Coordinator, Jane Szach said that Judy is wonderful asset to their local team sharing, “Judy is a kind and warm person offering wonderful friendship and support to our clients. She is a part of our local craft group as well as a volunteer accompanying clients to social events.” 

This National Volunteer Week Comlink Australia wishes to thank all of our volunteers for their continued dedication to our community.

Volunteer with Comlink Australia

Do you want to feel good and make a difference in your community? We are currently on the lookout for volunteers to help with our care and social services. Volunteering is flexible and starting is easy. Get in touch with us on 1300 785 227 or learn more about volunteering with Comlink Australia.

Judy Ford is a passionate and young-at-heart volunteer driver for Comlink Australia. At the age of 78 Judy continues to prove that volunteering is for everybody as she continues to be a highly valued volunteer for our Bundaberg team. 

Whilst Judy has been volunteering for Comlink Australia for over three years now, she has a long history of giving back to the community. Judy was a high-school science teacher for 34 years in Canberra and when she retired she became a volunteer at a local community organisation before making a sea change move to Bargara, outside Bundaberg.  

Judy was no stranger to Comlink Australia before becoming a volunteer as she actually receives domestic assistance once a fortnight and it was her friend from Comlink Australia who encouraged her to come along to a social event. “That’s when I realised I could put my skills to use and offered my services as a volunteer driver to take clients to social events, shopping and appointments,” said Judy.  

Like many volunteers (and clients), Judy’s favourite thing about volunteering for Comlink Australia is the people. “I really enjoy meeting people. I get to meet so many people and our clients have had such interesting lives so I find that we always have something to talk about,” she said. 

Plenty of additional evidence shows that volunteering creates enormous benefits for you, your family and your community [1]. The benefits of volunteering include:

• Connecting with others from diverse backgrounds
• Volunteering is good for your mind
• Volunteering offers an opportunity to stay physically fit
• Volunteering is good for the spirit

Jodie Beck is the Community Coordinator for Bundaberg and said Judy is a highly valued member of the team. “Judy gives her time so freely to enrich the lives of our clients day in and day out.  We thank Judy for all her continued efforts to achieve what we do within Bundaberg.  Her efforts never go unnoticed and we appreciate all she does with heartfelt thanks,” continued Jodie.  

“I might be 78 years old but I like to stay fit and healthy so I can continue to volunteer as long as possible,” shared Judy. Judy also shared her love of water aerobics, going to the gym, walking and swimming. She said “you’ve got to keep your body fit and healthy just as much as you need to keep your brain active. And for me that’s through volunteering and community activities.” 

From the team at Comlink Australia we say a big thank you to Judy for her volunteering service. Happy National Volunteer Week! 

Volunteer with Comlink Australia

Do you want to feel good and make a difference in your community? We are currently on the lookout for volunteers to help with our care and social services. Volunteering is flexible and starting is easy. Get in touch with us on 1300 785 227 or learn more about volunteering with Comlink Australia.

References:
[1] The Value of Volunteering

The success of Comlink Australia’s client companionship program is largely thanks to the incredible group of volunteers dedicated to offering support, companionship and commitment to clients experiencing loneliness. This National Volunteer Week we want to give a special shout-out and thanks to our volunteers taking part in this program.

Janny MacDonald is just one of our incredible volunteers part of Comlink Australia’s companionship program and has been creating friendships and support through the program for four years. Janny’s history with volunteering stretches back further than her commitment to Comlink Australia; Janny has been volunteering in the community for 22 years.

“When I retired, I felt I like there was only so much I could do around the house and I decided I could offer more by volunteering,” said Janny. Janny was introduced to Comlink Australia by one of her friends, who is also a volunteer for Comlink Australia.

Janny humbly appreciates the impact her role as a volunteer has on clients plus the benefits she personally experiences. “Volunteering has changed my life and I can see our clients feel the same. Clients are always very grateful, sometimes I am the only person they have seen for a week or more. Their smiling faces say it all,” said Janny.

One of Janny’s clients, Gwen, is 101 years old and thoroughly enjoys her visit with Janny on a regular basis. Gwen lives alone and each time her and Janny get together there are always plenty of smiles and laughs. Janny said “Gwen is an amazing lady who loves to talk, we will never run out of subjects. It’s nice to know I’m making a difference and I can see that each time I visit with Gwen.”

Happy National Volunteer Week to Janny and all of our Community Visitor Scheme volunteers.

Volunteer with Comlink Australia

Do you want to feel good and make a difference in your community? We are currently on the lookout for volunteers to help with our care and social services. Volunteering is flexible and starting is easy. Get in touch with us on 1300 785 227 or learn more about volunteering with Comlink Australia.

Jeanette and Bob are Sunshine Coast clients receiving Home Care services with Comlink Australia. Bob is living with dementia and Jeanette shares,

“Comlink Australia have made such a difference to our lives. Without Comlink Australia, Bob would be in a nursing home or in care. I just couldn’t do it without Comlink Australia.”

Comlink Australia visit Bob and Jeanette a couple of times a week providing domestic assistance, Allied health services and maintenance. Each week Jeanette always looks forward to seeing the familiar faces from Comlink Australia and Bob’s physiotherapist. “We always know who’s coming and that’s really important for Bob,” said Jeanette.

Comlink Australia supports Bob and Jeanette to live independently in their own home providing freedom, flexibility and choice to tailor their services to meet their individual goals. Jeanette said, “Comlink Australia has not just made me independent but Bob too. And made such a difference to our lives.”

“We’ve used Comlink Australia transport for years and have been very impressed so we knew the service with Home Care would be just as good. And we were right! We are so glad to be a part of the Comlink Australia family.”  

Comlink Australia have been supporting Valma and John to live independently in their home for almost two years now. The transition from using Comlink Australia for transport to adding Home Care services has seen the couple enjoy a more enjoyable and supported everyday home life.

Being on a Comlink Australia Home Care package has helped John and Valma feel more confident in their own home receiving domestic assistance, home maintenance, social support and transport services.

Valentine’s Day- what a wonderful day to celebrate love! Sunshine Coast Comlink Australia clients Norma and Arthur will be celebrating their 60^th wedding anniversary this year.

Celebrating a long and successful marriage, Norma says she feels so lucky to have Arthur by her side. “We always get out of the house together and enjoy each other’s company- we have a wonderful friendship,” said Norma.

Norma and Arthur met back in the United Kingdom at the young age of 17. It was the last college dance of the season and Arthur had caught Norma’s eye across the dance floor. Feeling confident and keen to get to know this young gentleman, Norma made her way over to ask Arthur to dance. And just like that, they have been together ever since.

They have two daughters and 11 years ago the couple joined their daughters and moved to Australia. “We absolutely love where we live and feel so grateful to enjoy this wonderful place with our children, grandchild and even our three great-granddaughters,” said Norma.

Nine years ago, the couple experienced a very challenging time with Norma battling cancer. Through this difficult time Arthur was by her side every day as Norma received treatment. “I told him I wasn’t going anywhere yet! Everyday I feel so blessed to have this wonderful man in my life”, said Norma.

So what’s their secret to a successful marriage? Norma shares that her and Arthur feel it is important to keep the spark alive and choose each other every day. “We are there for each other every day, through thick and thin. Doing life together and getting through things together is what keeps us happy. We really do enjoy each other’s company,” said Norma.

Norma and Arthur have been Comlink Australia clients for over a year now and enjoy social support activities such as attending Kawana Companions. Norma shared, “Comlink Australia are so wonderful for the community. We just love going to social events and enjoy the company of other clients.”

We love hearing about success stories! Teresa and Enid have created a beautiful friendship after meeting five years ago and it all started with Comlink Australia’s companionship program. Comlink Australia understands the importance of maintaining social connections at every stage of life, which is why we’re so passionate about bringing people in our community together through our Community Visitors Scheme (CVS).  

Over time Comlink Australia volunteer Teresa and Comlink Australia client Enid have become very close friends and they have a lot in common. Sharing a sense of humour, a love of animals and of course enjoy catching up over a good coffee and a slice of cake!

“We love to try different café’s about town and we have certainly found a couple of favourites over the years,” said Teresa.  

Comlink Australia volunteers play an integral role in supporting CVS clients to feel connected and reduce instances of loneliness for older adults experiencing social isolation. Since retiring as a support worker, Teresa felt drawn to reconnect and give back to the community and that’s how she became involved with Comlink Australia’s Community Visitors Scheme. “I have been very blessed in the years that I have been a volunteer in the CVS Program. I have had four different clients and they have all been such wonderful people,” said Teresa.  

Teresa and Enid feel very grateful to have had one another to turn to during the COVID-19 period of increased social isolation. During this time, they were able to get out and about and walk Teresa’s dog together in their village. The two spent many of walks chatting and making exciting plans of activities to do together in the future, including a visit to Australia Zoo, which they were finally able to take recently.  

Teresa has found the CVS a very rewarding program to be involved with. “I hear some really inspiring stories about how people have gone through great highs in their life and also really big lows and yet you see how in each case they have blossomed and grown and moved forward. I get a lot of joy from sharing people’s lives,” said Teresa.  

And Comlink Australia certainly appreciates the time, commitment and care Teresa has given back to the community by volunteering with Comlink Australia.  

Say G’day to Brian.

Brian has been volunteering with Comlink Australia for over two years and we think he is pretty awesome!

Brian is currently working with clients on the Emerald Program and tells us “I love that I get to be a part of the special projects that can make a meaningful difference to clients lives.”

On the weekends you’ll find Brian hanging out with friends, enjoying the outdoors and volunteering with Rotary.

During COVID he has learnt to use video conferencing like a pro and in case you were wondering, he is definitely a dog person (who adores his one-eyed King Charles Cavalier Smoo).

I’ve been a Comlink Australia client for 13 years since my husband had his first stroke. All I can say is that without them we wouldn’t have been able to do anything. They have been a godsend to me.

Ever since I have been with Comlink Australia I haven’t been able to fault one person. They are always cheerful.

Comlink Australia take me to the doctors, hospital, shopping, and they help with travel, gardening and cleaning.

When I was in hospital I was discharged late in the day and I was so worried about how I would get home. I thought it was too late to call Comlink Australia but when I did, they came for me straight away. What better service could I have had!

My husband I were very close, and we worked together for many years. He was a family man, loved fishing and we very much enjoyed travelling together. He passed away a couple of years ago and I miss him dearly.

I have always been into needle work and for a long time I have enjoyed cross-stitch. I went to Tafe and learnt from a master framer to frame my own work. These days my hands won’t do what I want them to do and it’s much harder for me to do needle work.

When I go shopping with Comlink Australia they always help me on and off the bus and when we arrive home they carry my shopping right to my kitchen bench and leave with a warm goodbye.

Patsy Home Care Package client Comlink Australia

I’m 85 years old and I’ve recently had a bit of bad luck with my health lately, but I am so glad I have my Home Care package with Comlink Australia and I am so happy with them.

Throughout my cancer radium treatment, the transport team have been taking me to appointments as well as the girls from the home care team visiting every week to help me. To tell you the truth I don’t think I could have done without them.

Comlink Australia staff are marvellous and the team who come and help in the house are wonderful, the drivers are so kind, and I can talk to them as if I’ve known them all my life. Throughout my treatment the drivers have always been on time and never late and they always put my mind at ease as I knew I could trust them. I feel like they are a part of my family too.

I have four children and their partners, and I feel as though I not only have them, but I have Comlink Australia too and I don’t feel alone.

I had been married for 62 years and when my husband and I arrived on the Sunshine Coast over 20 years ago we both had perfect health. But things have changed and since my husband passed away recently it has been a very sad time for my family and I. But thanks to Comlink Australia they did everything they could for us, and they helped me out so much that I never felt alone.