Denise Sadler is just one kind soul sharing her skills, and has been volunteering at St Andrews Village two days a week for the past seven years. Ms Sadler initially went along to the aged care facility to help her mother at mealtimes. 

When her mother passed away, she just kept turning up to help others with their food, do craft, play bingo and take them on outings. 

“Everyone is friendly, sometimes you feel like you’re a part of the furniture,” Ms Sadler said. 

“There’s a lot of trust from others.

“It’s not hard ... and you get to know and speak to their families.”

Volunteer co-ordinator Marjorie Warren said she valued her volunteers, who did everything from pastoral care to laundry to painting with residents – sometimes simply holding a resident’s hand could bring a sparkle to their eyes. 

“What they give to our residents is immeasurable,” Mrs Warren said. 

“They give 100 per cent...they come for the love of it and the enjoyment.

“They are the icing on the patty cake.”

With May 11-17 marking National Volunteers Week, locals are called upon to recognise the unpaid work of volunteers and put up their hands as well. 

Volunteer week comes just a week after a visit to Tamworth from NSW Governor David Hurley, who lauded the value of 

volunteering. 

Governor Hurley said it was a crucial part of our national fabric and encouraged young people to give their time for the good of the community.