Helping hands, knowing smiles and a life well lived. Come on a journey with us, and let us show you what In Great Company is all about.
Read our stories and share the experiences of real people living their lives to the fullest.
Meet the volunteer: Judi Broad
With three grown-up children, Judi found herself with a few too many blank spaces on her schedule. In Great Company has filled the void perfectly. In her chat with us, Judi gives us great insights into what she loves about giving back to the community, and about the small things that have the biggest impact.
Meet the volunteer: Lachlan Templar
Lachlan was looking for a way to get out more and meet new people – as even in his age group, loneliness is extremely common. Over the last two years, he’s developed an amazing friendship with Reg and his wife, Glenyse, and loves hearing stories of what life used to be like.
Meet the staff: Timmity Murray
Timmity is a Volunteer Coordinator with In Great Company, and is passionate about the power of social connection allowing older people to live their best lives. Find out more about Timmity and what she loves about her role and In Great Company, plus more about her hobbies and interests outside work.
Our top 25 ideas for fun activities with seniors
Maybe you’ve been volunteering for awhile and you’ve run out of ideas – or maybe you’re new to In Great Company and would love some inspiration. Here are 25 ideas that could be perfect for your next activity with a senior, especially if you’re both looking to learn, grow and have fun at the same time.
Shirley’s heart-warming adventures with volunteer Nick
Shirley was feeling lonely after losing her late husband Ernie. Thankfully, volunteer Nick has put a smile on her face with his unique ideas for getting out and about. From surprise fishing to art gallery expeditions and swimming, here’s what Shirley has been up to – and what she loves about In Great Company.
Meet the volunteer: Nick Isles
Nick saw an ad calling for volunteers. He clicked on it, and the rest is history. With such an interesting life story behind him, he loves spending time with Shirley as they talk about their lives and interests. Read more about what inspires Nick, and his wise words for other volunteers.
Meet the volunteer: Chantelle Ellem
As a business owner and mum to two beautiful girls, Chantelle is a busy person – but not too busy to regularly volunteer her time with In Great Company. Find out what drove her to begin volunteering in her community, and what she loves about her time with her new friend June.
Meet the staff: Lisa Teppo
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.
Mariyah’s life-changing volunteer experience
When she first knocked on Elaine’s door, volunteer Mariyah Hoosenally couldn’t have known that soon she would have to be kicked out of that same house at the end of the day, she’d come to love spending time there so much.
Meet the volunteer: Andrew Wells
Would you have thought that In Great Company has up-and-coming actors in its midst? Andrew Wells has been a volunteer with us for many years, and he is now adding movie star to his resume. Learn more about him!
Volunteer superstar wins award
Congratulations to In Great Company’s volunteer Jacky Wilkosz, who won the 2022 Feros Care Volunteer of the Year Award!
Culture and friendship with Fran and Mary
Fran Deakin never thought she would be learning how to make Vietnamese spring rolls as part of her In Great Company companionship program. But her volunteer, Mary, has brought her right out of her shell, teaching her new skills and encouraging her to try new things.
Meet the volunteer: Joanne Cox
Sometimes all we need is someone to eat a lovely seafood lunch by the marina with, or to accompany to the hairdresser. That’s exactly what In Great Company volunteer Joanne Cox has become for 91-year-old Lillian Russell. Below, Joanne shares her experiences volunteering for In Great Company.
Meet the volunteer: Vicki Newman
Vicki Newman knew she wanted to give back to her community and help those who suffer from loneliness connect. When she saw In Great Company mentioned on a Channel 7 Sunrise segment, she felt like she had a calling.
Easing loneliness can go both ways
There is a loneliness epidemic across Australia with 1 in 3 seniors reporting feeling lonely. IGC volunteer Beryn shares how volunteering has helped her just as much as it has helped the senior person she visits.
The mutual benefits of being in great company
There’s a lot of talk about volunteering and just how life-changing it can be. But while we know it can have hugely positive benefits on people in need – how about the positive impacts associated with simply being a volunteer?
Meet the volunteer: Natalie Wynn
Natalie Wayne ended up at In Great Company by chance – but now, she could never go back to not visiting her senior friend, Layne, every week. Their relationship has blossomed, and Natalie says she’s so grateful she signed up.
Loneliness beyond the pandemic
Seniors have endured the worst of loneliness during the pandemic – however, even with things going back to semi-normal, they still need to know they are valued, they are not forgotten, and they play a vital role in our community. This is where In Great Company comes in!
The power of companionship
Elisabeth Barrett had been alone for 12 years when In Great Company visitor Beryn entered her life. Their relationship motivated Elisabeth to get back to the things she loved: like crafts or music! Now she encourages everyone to join the volunteer program!
Meet the staff: Nicole Browne
Nicole has been with Feros Care for a while, but she’s only transitioned to In Great Company 3 months ago – and she’s loving it! Learn more about her background, interests, and her first impression of the IGC volunteer program.
Meet the volunteer: Antonio Morgan
Antonio and Ilona might seem like an unlikley pair, but In Great Company matched them on their interests, and their relationship couldn’t be greater. We sat down with Antonio to find out more about his journey to volunteering and his experiences visiting Ilona.