From Office Volunteer to Overnight Carer: Nerine’s Story
14 May 2026
From office admin to overnight trips, Nerine’s volunteer journey has grown alongside her confidence.
When Nerine first volunteered with St George Community, she spent one day a week helping in the office with administration and scanning.
Today, her role has grown into something much bigger.
Alongside her office work, Nerine now supports clients on social outings and overnight trips across New South Wales – helping older people stay active, connected and independent while building confidence in herself along the way.
“I was originally just looking at maybe doing one day a week as a carer,” she says. “But it slowly grew.”
After speaking with staff about taking on more responsibility, Nerine completed additional training including first aid, infection control and aged care support modules before stepping into her new role.
Since then, she has supported clients on outings to museums, concerts and day trips, along with overnight holidays to places including Nelson Bay, Orange, Batemans Bay, the Hunter Valley and the Central Coast.
For Nerine, one of the biggest adjustments was learning the difference between disability support and aged care.
“You’ve got to remember they’re adults,” she says. “You’re there to help when needed, but also to give them independence and dignity.”
She says the role is as much about companionship and connection as practical support.
“You can have really great conversations with clients,” she says. “And when you see the smiles on their faces and know they’ve enjoyed the outing, it makes it all worthwhile.”
Volunteering has also played a major role in Nerine’s own wellbeing and confidence.
Living with significant health challenges over the years, including epilepsy and cancer treatment, she says volunteering gave her purpose and connection during difficult periods of her life.
“If I didn’t have volunteering, I don’t know what I’d be doing,” she says. “It’s a major contributing factor to my happiness and overall wellbeing.”
Over time, she says the experience has helped her grow in confidence and feel valued.
“It’s made me feel like I’m contributing more and more.”
Nerine says the support and flexibility she has received at St George Community has also made a huge difference.
“They’ve always been very supportive,” she says. “You feel like part of a family.”
Read More Volunteer Stories
→ The Story Behind the “Shiny Shoes” Bus
→ Helping Clients Stay Connected: Christine’s Story
→ Behind the Scenes Support: Derrick’s Story
→ 20 Years of Giving Back: Viv’s Story
→ Still Giving Back at 88: Bert’s Story
