Meet the staff: Alex Forster

May 16, 2021

Alex’s values align with our own, which is why she was such a great match for In Great Company. Now, she is the one pairing up like-minded seniors and volunteers, and the stories that come of her wonderful match-making do not disappoint. 

Portrait of a woman outside

What’s your name?  

Alex Forster 

What’s your background in life and in work? 

I grew up on the Gold Coast where I completed my schooling and tertiary education, graduating from my Bachelor of Communication at Griffith University in 2013. Whilst completing my studies, I volunteered at a
number of community organisations, including FSG Australia and Redkite.  

Before starting at In Great Company, I worked with The Smith Family for six years and held a variety of roles, from on the ground program coordination, to working on growth and sustainability projects. I decided to further my studies
last year and completed by Graduate Certificate in Project Management at Southern Cross University.  

My husband and I have also recently renovated our first home before welcoming our son in June 2020.  

What are some of your hobbies and interests? 

I enjoy staying active and have recently started playing hockey again after a five-year break from the sport. I also enjoy pilates and going for walks with my two dogs Olly and Barry. I love going out to
eat and my favourite brunch spot at the moment is my local café Hudson and Rosie’s Table.  

How long have you been in this role?  

I have been working part-time in the team for three months. I am really enjoying the role so far, the work life balance it provides and working in such a supportive team environment.  

What attracted you to Feros Care/In Great Company?  

I really resonated with the core values and culture of Feros Care and In Great Company. This was something I was looking for in a role/organisation now that I have a young family.  

What is the most satisfying part of your role?  

Hearing the good news stories and acknowledging the fact that we have been able to make that connection for someone and bring joy to their day. It’s the little things in life that make a difference and
I recognise this more now that I am working with In Great Company.  

Can you please share with us one of your favourite examples of a time you matched a client with a volunteer? What was the outcome?  

I recently had a senior who was looking for a younger volunteer to learn more about the world from a more youthful perspective than their regular friendship circle. I thought this was such an interesting take on our volunteering program. I
was so happy when I had the opportunity to match them with a younger person with similar interests and they already have a deep connection and enjoy their visits together.   

How valuable do you believe The In Great Company service is? 

I don’t think on the surface you realise how valuable this service is until you hear the feedback from the volunteers and clients on what a difference it is making in each of their lives. This is such a
rewarding program, and I am so lucky to be a part of it.  

Any last words or thoughts?  

I will leave you with a quote I received from one of our lovely volunteers about her first meeting with her match. “She is amazing! One of the best people I have ever met. We are very similar, love spirituality and deep
conversations. Just wanted to say thank you for matching us, I am beyond happy.”  

If you’d like to become a volunteer with In Great Company and make a senior’s life less lonely, you can do so here.