Graham and Kay

National Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering and will be held this year on May 15-21 with the theme 'The Change Makers'. PQSA would like to recognise and celebrate the hard work and dedication of our valuable volunteers and their contribution to our clients, employees and entire organisation. Our Volunteering Program offers services including Home Handy Person, Gardening, Dog Walking, Home Visiting/Shopping and Phone Support.

Read more about a couple of our long-standing volunteers, Graham and Kay. Please share their wonderful stories!

Graham Klose - celebrating 20 years as a PQSA volunteer

Why did you become a volunteer with PQSA?
I was going to the Family Support Dinners as my wife had recently sustained a Spinal Cord Injury and the manager at the time asked if I’d be interested in volunteering… and the rest is history…

What do you enjoy about your volunteer work?
So many aspects of volunteering I enjoy, such as helping others with disabilities with their gardens, the relationships and connections I make with the clients, volunteers and PQSA staff. I got as much out of it as I put in. It really helped me, and my wife also, as she was able to volunteer as well. I also loved seeing clients' gardens improve from my help and the joy it brought to them.

What have you learnt?
Knowing there is support out there, especially when you’re going through a really stressful and traumatic time - to have that support is priceless.

Would you recommend volunteering with PQSA to others?
Definitely recommend. You won’t be just doing it for others, you’ll be doing it for yourself too!

Kay Rush  - celebrating 10 years as a PQSA volunteer

Why did you become a volunteer with PQSA?
When I started 10 years ago, I had to volunteer as part of my Centrelink requirements but after starting I enjoyed it so much that I took on more roles and clients than I had to. I just enjoyed it so much!!  

What do you enjoy about your volunteer work?
I used to live in an apartment, I couldn’t have a pet and didn’t have a garden, so it actually gave me that outlet that I really missed. It also has increased my self-confidence; I was a lot shyer before volunteering and now I feel like I can talk to anyone. What I enjoy most is meeting and spending time with clients and their pets.  

What have you learnt?
I’ve learnt a lot about disabilities, disability services and the NDIS. I’ve also learnt as a dog walker about animals and their different personalities and quirks which I love!  

Would you recommend volunteering with PQSA to others?
Most definitely. I love volunteering with PQSA, it brings me a lot of joy!