
Considering volunteering with us? Here’s what you should know
RSL LifeCare is fortunate enough to work with over 600 volunteers across its 28 NSW and ACT sites, and each person brings their unique skills to our communities. RSL LifeCare’s Volunteer Co-ordinator, Carolyn Lancaster, explains why our volunteers are so vital and what to expect if you think this is a role you would like to do.
Q: Why is volunteering so important?
A: Despite the best efforts of our staff, the necessary visitor restrictions introduced as part of the COVID – 19 lockdowns had a significant impact on our residents. Many of our residents are still feeling a bit isolated, and they don’t always have much connection to the broader community. A visit from a volunteer can make them feel part of the area and help them maintain their sense of identity. It also lets them know that someone cares about them and gives them someone with whom to talk. Our volunteers come from all walks of life and bring skills and experiences ranging from pastoral care to music and games to simply being a friendly ear over a cuppa. We also have volunteers who bring their pets in for regular visits, which is very popular with the residents.
Q: How do I know if volunteering is right for me?
A: Volunteering is always a matter of choice. If you are drawn to providing social support to someone who may be feeling lonely and have an hour to spare once a week or fortnight, this may be a good fit. We ask our volunteers to commit to visiting for a minimum of six months. If you find it is not for you after trying it, we understand. We try to work with you to find an opportunity that suits you and your lifestyle. To get more information, please visit our website volunteering page.
Q: Is the process to become a volunteer a complicated one?
A: We work to get interested volunteers a place as quickly as we can. However, it is important to remember that due to COVID, we have additional checks and protocols in place. After filling out an online application from the Volunteering page on our website, you will go through some compliance checks (such as a police check) and some simple online training. Due to changes in processes to protect our residents during the pandemic, it may take a few weeks to arrive at your first volunteer experience, but you will be very welcome once you do!
Q: Sign me up! I’m interested! What do I do next?
To get more information, please visit our website volunteering page.
Blog Posts

3 Mar 2023
Message from our CEO celebrating International Women’s Day
Good morning everyone, Today, on International Women’s Day, we take the opportunity to celebrate the contribution made by the...

6 Jun 2022
Vale Walter Williams OAM
RSL LifeCare staff and residents alike have been deeply saddened to learn of the passing of long – time...

5 May 2022
Giving our nurses a voice to lead
Today, on International Nurses Day (IND) we shine a light on our nursing staff and their vital work. Our nurses...
4 Apr 2022
RSL LifeCare Veteran Services – one team supporting veterans and their families
The delivery of Veteran Services has been core to RSL LifeCare since its beginnings over 100 years ago. Now,...

3 Mar 2022
How the RSL Veterans’ Employment Program helps veterans find work
Transitioning to a different career is not always easy for veterans returning to civilian life. The RSL Veterans’ Employment...
11 Nov 2021
RSL LifeCare Annual Report 2021
I am pleased to advise that the 2021 RSL LifeCare Annual Report is now available. This annual report is...
10 Oct 2021
Rapid Antigen Test kits now available to Aged Care providers.
The Department of Health is offering Rapid Antigen Test kits to aged care providers across NSW in high-risk Local...

8 Aug 2021
Aged Care Employee Day is a day to thank everyone at RSL LifeCare.
7th August is Aged Care Employee Day. This is a day for us to thank every person who works...

7 Jul 2021
World War 2 code breaker Marion Painter features in Sky News documentary
ANZAC Village, Narrabeen resident Marion Painter has featured in Sky News documentary, The Alliance, about her time as a...

6 Jun 2021
Aged care workers should be vaccinated on site.
AGED care provider, RSL LifeCare, have applauded the Australian Government for their decision to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for staff...

3 Mar 2016
Laughter is the best medicine
Laughter releases endorphins, giving us the ‘feel good factor’ Acts as aerobic exercise and is like ‘internal jogging’ Unleashes...

5 May 2016
A healthy diet for a healthy heart
Valentine’s Day saw people thinking of love and things of the heart and we thought it would be a...

10 Oct 2016
Pets and Positive Ageing
Animals play an important role in our lives. As Community Staff, we are blessed to see the bonds that...

More from the blog
Latest News
George Carpenter’s Inspiring Dedication to Preserving Military History
George Carpenter, an 87 year old resident of RSL ANZAC Village in Narrabeen, has been volunteering at the RSL LifeCare War Museum for three years...
Read moreFrom Stables to Retirement Living: Tim Cooke’s Life Journey
"My journey kicked off when I was just 14 years old. The year was 1963. I waved goodbye to school and hello to an apprenticeship...
Read moreJourney Through 102 Years: The Life of Helen Lea
"My name is Helen Lea, and I've been lucky enough to reach the grand age of 102. I've always felt pretty good for my age....
Read moreHonouring Malaya & Borneo Veterans: A Story of Sidney Peter Bryant
Today, on August 31, we commemorate Malaya & Borneo Veterans Day and take a moment to pay tribute to those who served in the Malayan...
Read moreFederal Government grant awarded to RSL LifeCare
RSL LifeCare has been awarded a $50,000 grant by the Australian Government to support the development of a business case to establish a Veterans’ and...
Read moreRSL LifeCare a finalist in Best Graduate Development Program – Australian HR Awards 2023
August 2023 – RSL LifeCare’s Graduate Registered Nurse Program has been announced as a finalist in the Australian HR Awards 2023, Best Graduate Development Program...
Read moreRSL LifeCare successfully moves to the second stage in becoming the provider for a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in both the Tweed-North Coast region and Queanbeyan.
RSL LifeCare has welcomed the opportunity by the Federal Government to submit a business case to deliver a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in these critical...
Read moreAppointment of Elizabeth Cosson AM CSC to RSL LifeCare Board
I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Elizabeth (Liz) Cosson AM CSC as a Director of the RSL LifeCare Board as of Monday...
Read moreFree laptops give veterans access to employment and education opportunities
RSL LifeCare Veteran Services, in collaboration with Optus and ASI Solutions, are providing laptops to veterans and their families to access education courses and employment...
Read moreMeet Alan Buxton – RSL LifeCare resident and World War II veteran
103-year-old RSL LifeCare resident Alan Buxton has led a life of courage and service. His father served in World War I, and Alan followed in...
Read moreMessage from our CEO celebrating International Women’s Day
Good morning everyone, Today, on International Women's Day, we take the opportunity to celebrate the contribution made by the incredible women of RSL LifeCare and...
Read moreState-of-the-art Nowra Veteran Wellbeing Centre now open to veterans and their families
RSL LifeCare has officially opened its purpose built, state-of-the-art facility to permanently house the Nowra Veteran Wellbeing Centre, providing an expanded range of health and...
Read more