From Young to Young at Heart: RSL LifeCare Champions Intergenerational Volunteering

As Australia marks National Volunteer Week 2025 (19–25 May) under the theme “Connecting Communities,” RSL LifeCare is shining a light on the powerful and diverse ways its volunteers are helping to bring people together – across generations, cultures, and communities.

Among them is Rashmi Balakrishnan, a volunteer at RSL LifeCare’s Galston Community, whose initiative blends creativity, family and community spirit. Rashmi, alongside friends and family members, crafts sensory mats for aged care residents – textured, handmade items that stimulate memory and calm for people living with dementia.

Inspired by “twiddle blankets,” the project became even more meaningful with the involvement of Rashmi’s aunty, Mrs Unni, an 80-year-old knitter who rediscovered her passion after years away. Now a key member of the group, she pours care and craft into each mat, bringing comfort to others, and deep connection to her own community.

“It’s not just about making something – it’s about doing something together that helps others,” says Rashmi. “We’ve built a little team, and we all feel part of something bigger.

RSL LifeCare supports more than 436 active volunteers across NSW and the ACT, connecting people with roles that are personally meaningful and uniquely rewarding. From lively rooftop concerts and intergenerational dance sessions to resident-led art exhibitions, behind-the-scenes access to Vivid Sydney, therapeutic gardening circles, joyful pet companion visits, and themed birthday festivals. RSL LifeCare offers volunteers a front-row seat to some of the most creative and community-driven aged care experiences in NSW and the ACT.

Volunteers can also take on uniquely impactful roles – it’s what sets RSL LifeCare apart – its deep-rooted connection to Australia’s veteran community, from championing veterans’ rights through advocacy and social outreach, curating history as custodians of war museums and vintage Op Shops to assisting with ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day commemorations or working with horses in the Spur Equine Program.

These roles are designed to enrich both the lives of residents and the wellbeing of volunteers. In fact, studies show volunteering reduces loneliness, improves mental health, and builds a sense of purpose, especially vital as Australia faces rising levels of social isolation, particularly among seniors.

The economic and social value of volunteering across NSW and the ACT is immense, estimated at $219 billion annually. But at RSL LifeCare, it’s the local impact that truly counts: stronger neighbourhoods, deeper relationships, and everyday moments of joy. RSL LifeCare volunteers make a tangible difference in local neighbourhoods, building friendships, providing support, and enhancing quality of life right where people live.

This National Volunteer Week, RSL LifeCare volunteers were celebrated with morning teas, lunches, and afternoon teas – along with a heartfelt performance by the Lumen Christie College Choir, thoughtful gifts of flowers and candles, and handwritten notes from residents.

“Volunteering at RSL LifeCare is about more than service – it’s about creating human connections. Whether it’s through a lovingly crafted blanket, or showing up to support a veteran, our volunteers are vital in building the kind of communities we all want to live in. There’s something truly special about the way people come together here,” said RSL LifeCare CEO Janet Muir.

“Last financial year, 48,304 volunteer facilitated activities took place in our residential care homes, a testament to the dedication and compassion of our selfless volunteers.”

RSL LifeCare offers inclusive and flexible volunteer opportunities to suit every lifestyle, ideal for retirees, students, creative groups, professionals, and families looking to give back together. Volunteering at RSL LifeCare isn’t one-size-fits-all, it’s a family where personal skills and passions are not just welcomed, but valued and deployed to make a difference.

To learn more about how you can get involved, visit: https://rsllifecare.org.au/latest-news/latest-news/volunteering-opportunities-with-rsl-lifecare/

Case studies, interviews and video content are available to media on request, showcasing the richness of RSL LifeCare’s volunteer network and the people behind the impact.

MEDIA: Tanya Raffoul | 0447 789 965 | [email protected]