Lisa is a Volunteer Coordinator with In Great Company, and is passionate about making a difference to the lives of older Australians. Find out more about Lisa and what she loves about her role, as well as what she enjoys doing in her spare time.
What is your name?
Lisa Teppo
What is your current role in the team and how long have you been in this role?
I am a Volunteer Coordinator with In Great Company, looking after Queensland from Wide Bay to Brisbane. I joined Feros Care in June 2021 as a Customer Service Liaison NDIS and joined the In Great Company volunteer program in October 2022.
Tell us about your background? A little bit about your life and work experience.
I’m originally from Northern Beaches, Narrabeen and moved to Pottsville in January 2021. I have 2, actually 3 amazing children, 22-year-old Mitchell, 17-year-old Aimee, and my beautiful female Staffy, Iggy who is 9.
I have worked for several years in Residential Aged Care, including RSL War Veterans where I was honoured to care for returned soldiers, men and women.
In recent years, I spent time with my children and volunteering at their schools in various roles, where I was offered a role working in administration. I worked here for 8 years at Narrabeen Sports High School until my move to the North Coast when
I joined Feros Care.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I love spending time with family, friends and Iggy. Any spare time is spent down by the beach, especially early mornings watching the sunrise. I walk 5 kms with Iggy on most mornings. It has become our morning self-care ritual, our bonding time and
cleansing of the soul!
I’m a keen gardener and love tropical plants. I have a collection of different Rhipsalis and Caladium plants. If I’m not down at the beach, you’ll find me in the garden (my happy places).
I love cooking and baking and entertaining with family and friends.
I also love listening to music, either live or playing my collection of vinyl records. Both my children are great musicians and Mitchell will be touring Europe and America in 2023 with his band.
What attracted you to In Great Company?
For me, it’s making a direct difference to the senior community. Our program is changing older people’s lives every day, making them feel like they matter and giving them purpose.
What is the most satisfying part of your role?
I love connecting our clients and volunteers, hearing how friendships are formed. My position is very rewarding knowing that we are helping to foster happier communities.
How valuable do you believe the In Great Company Volunteer service is?
Before I joined In Great Company, I did not realize how common social isolation and loneliness has become in older people today, and how it causes major health risks. It’s sometimes hard to imagine what a difference spending 1 hour a week can
make in helping maintain their well-being, but it can and I see this every day.