Nicole was a former In Great Company team member – and she loved it! Learn more about her background, interests, and her first impression of the IGC volunteer program.
What is your name?
Nicole Browne
What is your current role?
Administrative Assistant for Social Programs which includes the Virtual Social Centre and In Great Company.
How long have you been in this role?
I joined Feros Care in November 2020 as a Customer Liaison and came across to Social Programs in April 2022. So, I have only been working for 3 months with In Great Company.
Tell us about your background.
Much of my working life has been fitted around my family. I come from a hospitality and wine industry background having lived in Margaret River for some time. I worked in the cellar door on a wine estate, giving customers wine tastings and taking
guests on tours around the estate.
Coming to the Gold Coast I spent time in the events sector. I worked as a volunteer coordinator for Swell Sculpture Festival for 3 years from 2018 to 2021. The highlights of my role were working with over 100 volunteers and artists, learning about
the art works, organisers and directors – putting a festival of this capacity together was really exciting.
I have 2 daughters, Lily aged 17, and Makaylah aged 21, whom my partner Vince and I are extremely proud of. We are a close-knit family having no extended family in Australia. We have done a lot of traveling around Australia, New Zealand where I am
originally from, and Europe where Vince is from, which is our favourite thing to do as a family.
Tell us about the most recent exciting trip!
Our most recent exciting family trip was last year in the Whitsunday Islands. We flew up from Brisbane to Proserpine where we hired a catamaran boat. Vince and Makaylah had a lesson to learn how to use the boat, and then off we went by ourselves!
It was really windy and scary, but we had a fantastic time and can’t wait to do it again.
Another family trip we had in October 2020 to Fraser Island was exciting as well. We drove a 4-wheel drive on the beach then caught the ferry from Rainbow Beach. We just camped and explored the island for a few days.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I love hiking and yoga for exercise. I do yoga about 3 to 4 times a week and go for a studio lesson once a week. I love yoga because it brings my mind and body together and makes me feel stronger.
The arts and music are also some other interests that get me out and about. I love writing and am learning how to keep plants alive! I have to say that my favourite activities are camping, travelling, and an outside fire at night with a glass of wine.
What attracted you to Feros Care/In Great Company?
I like the idea of playing a positive part in the lives of our senior community. The aged care industry has given me insight into what is to come for us all, for me I think I have become more deliberate in how I spend my time. I feel more considerate
towards people around me – especially seniors.
What is the most satisfying part of your role?
Hearing about the positive stories, and the friendships made through In Great Company. It is not only the clients that gain so much but the volunteers often express the difference made in their lives.
How valuable do you believe the In Great Company Volunteer service is?
Extremely! I believe it saves lives. No matter who we are or how old, we all want to be heard, seen, and thought of. We want to be a part of the community in some way and feel valued – it can be difficult to generate that feeling alone. This
volunteer service offers our clients a time to look forward to, time to feel valued and heard. It brings them back into the community.