Volunteering

Since 1994 Community Care has provided a range of services to support older people and people living with disability. The volunteer team is an essential component of the services as they engage in diverse roles and promote sustainable independence. They partner and facilitate opportunities for each participant to remove any barriers they face and to ensure they can maintain the good things in life.

If you have a passion to make a difference in the lives of people, minimise social isolation and contribute to improving their quality of life, we would like to hear from you. 

Volunteering is an activity which takes place through not-for-profit organisations or projects and is:

• of benefit to the community and the volunteer
• by free will of the volunteers and without coercion
• without financial gain
• for designated volunteer positions only.

Being a volunteer can be a valuable and enjoyable experience, providing the opportunity to meet people and help others.

People volunteer for a variety of reasons, including to:

• give back to the community
• use skills to help others
• gain work experience
• learn new skills
• meet new people
• have a sense of purpose.

Rewards of volunteering

One the greatest rewards of volunteering is knowing that your service make a difference in the lives of others. 

As a volunteer in Community Care, you will be supported with orientation, training opportunities and ongoing support.

There are opportunities to interact with other volunteers and attend events throughout the year.

The City of Parramatta recognises that volunteers have the right to claim reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses such as the cost of public transport or petrol costs when using own vehicles.

Philip Marsh is a highly committed member of the Community Care Volunteer Team. Over the past seven years, Phillip has distinguished himself as an exemplary volunteer in the role of Meals on Wheels driver. His friendly attitude and genuine compassion have gained the admiration of both staff and fellow volunteers.

Additionally, Phillip contributes his time as a Recreation Support Volunteer with the Social Inclusion Service, where, together with staff members, he supports social activities for participants living with disability. His readiness to exceed expectations, coupled with his adaptability and respectful personality, leaves a lasting impact on both staff and participants.

Phillip was awarded Senior Citizen of the Year 2025 in recognition of his commitment to volunteering with City of Parramatta’s Community Care services.

Jocelyn has been supporting elderly people and people living with disability for the past decade as a community connector volunteer with social inclusion services at City of Parramatta.

She has provided computer and smart phone literacy services, helped build social skills for eating out and attending social events, and provided support using public transport and in-home support via Meals on Wheels^TM.

She continues to builds healthy connections, inclusion and social skills so the elderly or people with a disability can gain independence and have a better quality of life.

Each year, the City of Parramatta invites the local community to nominate an outstanding resident or organisation who have provided an outstanding contribution to the lives of our citizens or have provided a noteworthy contribution to the Parramatta community.

Jocelyn Dodd, who has been volunteering with City of Parramatta’s Community Care services for more than a decade, was nominated and named Senior Citizen of the Year 2023.

Citizen of the Year Awards Nomination

Do you know a volunteer in our local area who deserves to be recognised? The City of Parramatta Citizen of the Year Awards provides a great opportunity to celebrate local heroes for the contribution they deliver to our community.
For more information, visit: cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/citizen-of-the-year-awards or contact our Citizen of the Year Awards team at citizenoftheyear@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au or by calling 02 9806 5000.