SCC elevating volunteering to new heights of professionalism

July 24, 2024

Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) has made a historic commitment to volunteering by becoming an official supporter of the National Strategy for Volunteering (NSV).

This milestone not only marks a new chapter in our 50 + year legacy but also reinforces our dedication to empowering volunteers and enriching the lives of our residents and clients.

And to support that decision, SCC has appointed its inaugural Volunteer Manager, Vanessa Ogborne, emphasising our profound appreciation for their invaluable contribution.

With extensive professional experience across a variety of disciplines in the health and aged care sector, Vanessa said her appointment and SCC’s support of the NSV, would enable her to ensure volunteers are supported, trained, and recognised for their selfless service.

"SCC has long embraced the involvement of volunteers across different capacities, and now we are enhancing the role to be more professional," Vanessa said.

"This involves dedicated management and ensuring that volunteering is not merely an add-on but a structured and valued part of our operations.

“We deeply appreciate the dedication and generosity of all our volunteers and are committed to fostering an environment where they can thrive and make the most meaningful impact.”

Raised largely by her grandparents, Vanessa’s life has been shaped by them and given her a lifelong passion for working with older people.

“While I didn’t always know what I wanted to do with my life, I knew whatever I did, it would be with older people,” she said.

“They have always been a huge part of my life and played an important role in my upbringing.

“They are wise, and have so much to share, all the great lessons in life I’ve learned have been from older people from making the best scones to selecting the right life partner.

“And while volunteering is important in all aspects of daily life, it is even more so within older communities.

“It not only supports older people to live their best life, but I also think on the other side of that, gives older people a purpose and a sense of self-worth.

“Many of those people in aged care still have a need to give back to the community, so it’s providing volunteering opportunities even in later life to still feel like they are a contributing citizen    giving back to their community.

“I’m very excited to see where volunteering will go in the next few years and beyond.”

If you or someone you know would like more details about volunteering with SCC email: volunteer@sccliving.org.au