Barbara Batts, 19, started recently as a part-time receptionist and activities aide at the aged care facility in Bega.

Ms Batts said she volunteered to acquire some job skills and expects it will lead to career options.

“I’ve been learning about the organisation, meeting the residents and other staff and learning about administration,” Ms Batts said.

Like most 19 year olds, Ms Batts is tech savvy and looking forward to using those skills as well, starting with creating a map of the Hillgrove House labyrinth.

“With the new extension that will be finished later this year, a map is definitely needed, not just for staff, but also for residents and visitors,” she said.

Recently appointed facility manager at Sapphire Coast Aged Care, Sue Atkins, said the organisation’s residential arm could not survive without volunteers.

“We have 170 residents at Hillgrove House and Casuarina in Bega and at Imlay House at Pambula,” Ms Atkins said.

“Volunteers work in many areas across the facilities and all have different hours and activities.

“For example, a group of local ladies come in every Friday to wash and set the residents’ hair.

“They have been doing it for years and for some residents the hair-do is the highlight of the week.

“Musicians are also generous with their time and talents.

“Nita Quinn, Margaret Sirl, Ken Miners, Jeff Johnston, Ross Lowe, The Wobbles, Lori Hammerton and many more come along to entertain each week and create some activity for the residents who love music.”

Ms Atkins also named the bus drivers who take the residents on outings and the craft, art and activity volunteers who bring along something to show, run an activity, help out with special days or just be there to help with anything that’s going on.

“As we have a garden party and celebration ball scheduled for later this year, we have about 30 special events volunteers on the job.

“Individual volunteers help with reading, letter writing, chatting, socialising and we also have animal visitors – dogs, puppies, kittens birds  and even miniature horses that are brought in by their owners to visit or for show and tell.

“The Hillgrove House auxiliary is well known for raising money by catering and creating Anzac Day wreaths and they have been doing it for 40 years.”

Ms Atkins said new volunteers are always welcome and she hoped the recent focus of Volunteers Week will prompt some to put up their hands.

“We need people who play cards, including euchre, and scrabble players to have a game with a small group of residents, gardening volunteers to assist residents with their own small gardens, bus drivers, scrap-bookers who can help make life story books for residents, people with computing skills  to make slide shows and someone to make individual music programs for residents – building on musical memories.”

If you can help with activities for the residents, phone Jim Butterworth, Kathy Miller or Sue Atkins on 6492 7777 or Anne Main at Imlay House on 64958600.

Hillgrove House is also seeking financial donations or offers of help, big or small, to fund extensions.

Donations can be made at Hillgrove House or at Westpac Bega BSB 032 682, account 151 258. All donations over $2 are tax deductable.