We find out how NINA volunteer Maureen got involved in volunteering and what it has brought to her life.

Please tell us a little about yourself?

I’ve lived in Thirroul for 35 years and am in the process of moving interstate to be closer to family. I retired 10 years ago.

Why did you start volunteering and how did you come to be volunteering at NINA?

After I retired I was at a loose end, I wanted some structure to my week. I went to a Volunteering Expo and started volunteering for Wollongong Council Community Transport. When Covid hit the Council stopped all their transports for some time, then I saw a piece in The Flame saying NINA needed volunteers so I started volunteering for them about 4 years ago.

What volunteering work do you do at NINA?

I drive clients on the Individual Transports. I pick them up from their place and take them to where they need to go – mostly medical appointments but not always, sometimes to the shops or even the hairdresser. I also sometimes help at NINA’s social support groups. The Thirroul group is local to me, and I go along to help with the morning tea prep and have a good old chat with the lovely clients. The groups are a really nice social gathering, for the clients and the volunteers!

How do you juggle volunteering with other commitments?

The communication with the NINA team is really good. I tell them when I’ll be away or have other commitments and they make sure not to roster me on for anything. I have assigned days that I drive for NINA so they work with what availability I offer them. Then I know I have the other days in the week for whatever else I need to fit in.

What have you got from being a volunteer?

After working all my life I wanted volunteering to carry on providing that structure to my life. I like that my volunteering commitments provide a framework for what I’m going to be doing next week. I’ve got a sense of purpose. I have enjoyed meeting people and going to new places, everyday is different! I have found little undiscovered nooks of my local area that have been right on my doorstep but would never have known about them if it wasn’t for driving the NINA clients around. You quickly see the importance of this work as sometimes you might be the only person that a client might see all week. It feels good to feel wanted and valued.

Would you recommend volunteering to others?

I highly recommend volunteering as it opens a window to other people’s lives and needs and for yourself, it’s stimulating to be out and about. And the staff go to no ends to fit in with your lifestyle. It can be a reason to get out of bed in the morning and embrace the day! The whole time that I volunteered for NINA I have never had any trouble with the clients, they are so grateful for the NINA services, as they say all the time: ‘They don’t know what they’d do without NINA!’ Volunteering with NINA has been a rewarding gift and I’m sorry to be leaving but as age is creeping up I feel the need to be closer to family.

For more information, visit NINA from Monday–Friday (8.30am-4.30pm) at 18 Walker Street, Helensburgh. Phone 02 4294 1900 or check the website.