General News
19 June, 2026
Program expansion to support the elderly
Isolated seniors in the Loddon Mallee are set to receive a much-needed boost of friendship, thanks to an expanded volunteer-led program.
An expanded volunteer program will offer companionship to isolated seniors within the Loddon-Mallee region.
The volunteer-driven initiative by not-for-profit aged care provider Feros Care hopes to break the cycle of loneliness among many seniors by connecting them with local volunteers.
The initiative is part of the Australian Government’s Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme which connects volunteers and isolated seniors at no cost to the recipient or their family.
Feros Care’s general manager of customer experience and volunteers Greg Winfield said applications were now open for those interested in taking part.
“We know companionship makes a huge difference to the lives of seniors,” he said.
“It’s equally rewarding for the volunteers who say they feel great giving back to their community in such a meaningful way.”
Mr Winfield said they’re doubling the size of the program next month which means, in the Loddon-Mallee alone, they hope to grow from 15 to 50 seniors.
But what social isolation looks like for them might be very different.
Mr Winfield said a senior may have family living close by, who they regularly see, but still spend much of their day alone.
“We want to really support people to live well in the home of their choosing. That kind of existence is more existing than living,” he said.
Seniors interested in taking part can be referred either by themselves, from a family member, or someone from their healthcare team like a GP.
“We try and gauge from the senior exactly what it is that interests them and what outcome they’re seeking from the program,” Mr Winfield said.
That might be going out for lunch or coffee, walks in the park, community events like markets, or shared hobbies.
“We’re very clear, when we are seeking a volunteer, what success looks like for the senior. That way we set the volunteers up for success,” he said.
However, Mr Winfield said it doesn’t call for a big time commitment from the volunteer.
“An hour a week or an hour a fortnight is enough to make the difference,” he said.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old but don’t need any other qualifications to take part.
“Fundamentally, it is actually a friendship based program. There’s no qualifications required to be somebody’s friend,” Mr Winfield said.
Volunteers and seniors interested in taking part in the program can find out more at feroscare.com.au/volunteer