Greenwood Cottage is a place of much positivity, recreation and warmth

but that’s not due to the physical environment of the facility; it’s the people – especially the wonderful volunteers who make Greenwood Cottage one of southern Sydney’s most loved spots for older people living in the St George region.

The Cottage offers a day centre program providing social opportunities and services including transport, meals, activities and outings. It is not a residential aged care facility but somewhere for older people who live in and around the suburb of Bexley to connect, interact and create memories together.

Being in an area of Sydney that’s culturally and linguistically diverse, it’s little wonder that the volunteers of Greenwood Cottage come from all corners of the globe also. From China and Chile to Singapore, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines, the volunteers work side by side The Benevolent Society staff to engage clients in a safe and welcoming home-like environment.

Thanks to the contribution of volunteers, the home carers of clients are also provided welcome respite for the day while their loved one enjoys themselves. Clients form true friendships and a significant sense of knowing that there are kind people in their community, outside of their immediate circle, who care for and about them. For older people in particular, many who live independently at home, are less mobile and who may feel a little isolated, this is of critical importance.

“I hope there’s a place like this for me when I get older,” says Greenwood Cottage volunteer, Kathleen Murray.

“Those who visit Greenwood can sometimes feel lonely at home, which doesn’t surprise me. What does surprise me however is the indescribable feeling I get in return just for volunteering some of my time. "

“I feel so very special when clients thank me or simply flash me their great big smiles for helping them achieve tasks they thought weren’t possible. It’s a feeling that’s like no other and the result of experiences with our clients that I genuinely enjoy. I feel happy when I visit Greenwood Cottage. I feel valued, and I’d strongly encourage anyone considering a volunteering role to just do it! It’s so rewarding,” adds Kathleen.

Kathleen Murray received the first Greenwood Cottage Volunteer of the Month Award for her efforts organising Chinese New Year festivities for our clients this year.

Cultural celebrations are always a hit at Greenwood Cottage. Other activities include dementia therapy activities such as laughter workshops, as well as outings to places like art galleries, museums, local clubs and to parks for barbeques. The volunteers even help to transport clients from their homes to the Cottage in the courtesy mini bus.

Their support spans a myriad of other tasks that support The Benevolent Society’s staff who run the Cottage.

Volunteers are not required to commit to any specific time period but some of our volunteers have been with us for more than a decade, others just a few months. Volunteering is a great way to stay connected, find purpose and refresh or learn new skills. For some people it can also be a pathway to employment or a career change, gaining credible work experience.

The current team of volunteers, including Kathleen Murray, Zenaida Pearson, Jo Ubilla and Flora Wong, are considered the angels of Greenwood Cottage and The Benevolent Society cannot be more grateful for their support!


*Names and images have been changed to protect members of the family