Make a difference through volunteering

Support people in your community while gaining new experiences, friendships and skills.
Volunteer man with elderly lady

A few hours can make a difference in someone's day.

For more than 65 years, volunteers have been at the heart of Mecwacare.

What began in 1959 with a small group of volunteers supporting older people in Malvern has grown into a community of more than 500 volunteers across Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Whether you’re looking to give back, share a skill, meet new people or gain valuable experience, volunteering with Mecwacare is a rewarding way to make a real difference in someone’s life.

Why volunteer with Mecwacare?

As a volunteer, you’ll help older people and people living with disability feel connected, valued and supported.

In return, many of our volunteers tell us they gain a sense of purpose, friendship and fulfilment through the relationships they build.

When you volunteer with Mecwacare, you’ll also receive:
  • Ongoing learning and development opportunities
  • Training and guidance from an experienced and supportive team
  • Flexible opportunities to suit your interests and availability
  • A welcoming and diverse volunteer community
  • Recognition through our annual volunteer appreciation events

There are many ways to get involved, depending on your interests, skills and availability

Our volunteering opportunities include:

  • Support and companionship
  • Social support in our aged care homes
  • One-to-one visiting through the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS)
  • Pastoral care
  • Dog companion visits
  • Community support
  • Transporting people to appointments and outings
  • Assisting with community programs and activities
  • Practical support
  • Gardening
  • Retail support in our opportunity shops

Have a special interest or talent you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you. Whether it’s playing an instrument, teaching origami, leading a craft activity or sharing another skill, there are many ways to enrich the lives of the people we support.

View volunteering opportunities

Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme

A friendship can make all the difference

Some older people have limited opportunities for social connection. Through the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS), trained volunteers provide regular visits, companionship and meaningful conversation.

Funded by the Australian Government, the program helps older people build connections, reduce loneliness and stay engaged with their community.

Mecwacare recruits, trains and supports volunteers to participate in the program and create lasting friendships with older people receiving government-subsidised aged care services.

Become a volunteer or refer someone to the program:

Phone: 0475 669 017 
Email: ACVVS@mecwacare.org.au 

Learn more about ACVVS

Stories from our volunteers

Finding confidence through volunteering
After long-standing struggles with bullying and anxiety at school, Braydon found confidence and a sense of belonging through volunteering.
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Celebrating our volunteers
As part of National Volunteer Week 2025, mecwacare was delighted to host a special High Tea on Tuesday, 20 May at the elegant Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club.
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Creating lasting friendships through volunteering
Daphne receives regular visits from Gurveer, a ACVVS volunteer. Their weekly visits have fostered a meaningful bond built on shared culture and mutual care.
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Sandra shines at the Stonnington Awards
Sandra has been volunteering with mecwacare for 17 years. She attended the 2023 Stonnington Volunteer Awards after being nominated.
Read more
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