For nearly 50 years, the BCA’s Volunteer Service has been connecting people with opportunities to make a difference across the region. Managed by Rita Quagliata, the service recruits, trains, and supports volunteers from diverse backgrounds—including retirees, jobseekers, new arrivals, and students—helping them find meaningful roles that strengthen both the community and their own wellbeing.
Volunteers contribute across a wide spectrum of programs, with the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) standing out as a long-standing initiative. Funded by the federal government, the scheme provides companionship and support for older Australians, extending beyond residential care to those receiving Home Care Packages. Since 2023, the ACVVS has emphasised Person-Centered Care, aligning with Aged Care Quality Standards to support resident autonomy and emotional wellbeing.
Rita says that volunteering with the BCA offers more than just a way to give back. “It gives people a sense of pride, fosters feelings of joy and contentment, provides a sense of meaning, boosts self-worth, reduces stress, depression and anxiety, and cultivates a strong sense of belonging,” she says.
Stories from volunteers underscore this. One migrant volunteer found purpose and belonging through the program, ultimately leaving a legacy to the BCA; another volunteer’s simple joy at receiving a BCA shirt highlighted the personal significance of recognition and support.
The service continues to evolve, engaging diverse communities, including First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse groups, while fostering connections that reduce isolation. Rita’s vision for the future is clear: expand volunteer roles, strengthen long-term participation, and raise awareness of the transformative power of volunteering.
Through its dedication to service and community engagement, the Volunteer Service enriches lives, strengthens social bonds, and ensures that individuals and the wider Burdekin community thrive together.
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