From writing witty play scripts to holding quizzes, from constructing volcanoes during science lessons to demonstrating how to bake hot cross buns and going on bus trip outings, variety is the spice of life for Merron Southall.
Merron has been volunteering at Uniting AgeWell Kalkee Nangatta one day a week for the last three years. She used to work as a Personal Care Worker at both Kalkee Nangatta and Murray before she retired, but missed everyone so much she couldn’t stay away.
“I absolutely love it,” the 71-year-old retired teacher turned disability worker turned aged care worker says. “I like to think I make a difference to the lives of older people, and I know volunteering certainly enriches my life! It gives me a sense of purpose.”
Merron says volunteering also affords her a complete break from her daily routine. This involves caring for her adult son who is on the autism spectrum, as well helping out with her grandchildren, spending time with her husband, running their home on their one acre lifestyle plot in Bannockburn (half an hour out of Geelong) and a host of other responsibilities in-between.
She was recently the star behind the scenes in the play Puss ‘n Boots, put on by the Nangatta Theatre group (affectionately known as Nollywood) which received rave reviews for its performance at the recent Celebration of Ageing Well ceremony at the site.
Merron wrote the script, as well as the scripts for two other productions that Nollywood has produced. She’s also stage manager and everything else that comes with putting on a production. “It’s great fun,” she says. “Staff and some residents take part in the plays, it’s all a bit of a laugh.”
Laughter is very important in Merron’s life. She loves making people laugh and seeing residents in fits of giggles fills her with joy.
“Volunteering is very rewarding,” she explains. “It’s great to give back.”
If you have a kind heart and some time on your hands, there are plenty of very diverse volunteering opportunities at Uniting AgeWell.