A Welcoming Smile at Uniting

A welcoming smile permanently on her face, it’s easy to see Rosemary loves chatting to the residents at Uniting Wesley Gardens Belrose - and making them feel right at home. Softly spoken with a warm, gentle approach, Rosemary also has an incredible drive to make things happen. Which makes for a great recipe for the perfect volunteer.

“Staff are very busy and don’t have the time to stop and chat all day. But we’re here to help make life a little more special,” says Rosemary.

Since 1993, she has organised volunteers to run an annual garage sale, assisted with running the coffee shop and organised Easter, Mother’s Day and Christmas events. Over the years she has also helped raise over $160,000.

“Being a Leo, I’m a fabulous organiser and it’s good to be able to give. The residents love going to the coffee shop, it’s a great meeting place for them. The residents get coffee and desserts at a special price. For the coffee shop stock I go to Coles and get specials, that’s the only way to save money,” Rosemary explains.

But it’s not all task orientated (as fantastic as that is). It is not always easy for a decision to be made to enter into aged care and it can affect the person as well as their loved ones. Rosemary has had several relatives enter into care at Uniting Wesley Gardens Belrose.

She has always shown great compassion and helped many people through difficult times.

Rosemary often takes residents who don’t have families close by on shopping trips, so that they are able to buy clothes.

“Lots of families live far away and don’t see their loved ones often. I feel the residents do miss them, and we try to be there for them, even if it is something simple like going shopping for clothes,” says Rosemary.

Rosemary has a reputation for making everyone feel special and is well loved both by residents and staff. She has been nominated for numerous awards, including the Carol Penning Awards in 2015.

“I don’t need accolades, it’s just what I do. You can inspire people, and we always need volunteers,” she says.

It’s people like Rosemary that show through their actions what Uniting stands for. She’s compassionate, respectful, bold and definitely imaginative. Rosemary is someone all volunteers aspire to be.

Click here to find out more about Uniting's retirement villages.

Do you want to volunteer with Uniting?

If you have the time or a special skill to share, contact Uniting and get in touch with their friendly team on 1800 864 846 or ask@uniting.org. They'd love to hear from you!