Cooinda Court celebrates the volunteers behind the smiles

THE selfless people who quietly give their time, compassion and care to enrich the lives of others were celebrated at Junee’s Cooinda Court Aged Care facility this week.

Residents, staff and volunteers gathered on Wednesday, May 20 to mark National Volunteer Week, with the much-loved community-run aged care home hosting a special celebration recognising the extraordinary contribution volunteers make to daily life at the facility.

The afternoon carried all the hallmarks of country hospitality and community spirit, with residents treated to a delicious roast lunch followed by pavlova for dessert as volunteers joined them around the table.

A roast lunch followed by pavlova dessert helped make Cooinda Court’s National Volunteer Week celebration a memorable occasion for residents and volunteers alike | Image: Cooinda Court Aged Care

Residents and volunteers gathered around the table to enjoy a roast lunch | Image: Cooinda Court Aged Care

But beyond the shared meal and cheerful conversation, the day carried a deeper purpose, honouring those whose generosity continues to bring friendship, comfort and companionship to residents.

Cooinda Court said the occasion was dedicated to recognising the people who freely offer their time and talents to help make the facility feel like home.

“We acknowledge and appreciate their passion, care, kindness and the skills and time they generously donate to enrich the life of our residents,” the centre said.

Residents enjoyed the warm atmosphere and special lunch held in honour of Cooinda Court’s volunteers | Image: Cooinda Court Aged Care

The dining room was filled with conversation and community spirit as residents and volunteers came together for the celebration | Image: Cooinda Court Aged Care

Volunteers were presented with certificates of appreciation and small gifts during the celebration, with the awards handed out by board director Marie Knight, CEO Belinda Colgan and Care Manager Michelle Henson.

The centre said volunteers play a vital role within the Cooinda Court family, helping foster connection and community among residents.

“Our volunteers joined residents for a delicious baked dinner and dessert, thank you Haley, and were presented with a certificate of appreciation and a small gift,” the centre said.

“Congratulations to all and thank you for choosing to be a part of our Cooinda Court family.”

Volunteers Christine Heffernan, Jenette Diggins, Colin Randall, David Hilliard, Libby Whitaker, Jenny Good, Patricia Herbert and Melissa Green were among those presented with certificates of appreciation | Image: Cooinda Court Aged Care

Volunteers Cheryl Carter, Fr Paddy Sykes and Jean Pratt, were also honoured for their valued service | Image: Cooinda Court Aged Care

The celebration also reflected the enduring community spirit behind Cooinda Court itself.

Established in 1989 through the collective efforts of the Junee community, local organisations and government support, the facility has grown from humble beginnings into one of the town’s most valued community institutions.

Today, Cooinda Court provides a secure and welcoming home for residents with a focus on comfort, dignity and connection.

Special moments and shared smiles were at the heart of the celebration | Image: Cooinda Court Aged Care

Staff and residents joined volunteers in celebrating the kindness and generosity that helps enrich daily life at the facility | Image: Cooinda Court Aged Care

That commitment to ageing close to home was strengthened further last year with the official opening of the facility’s new $2.3 million dementia wing.

Opened in March 2025, the eight-room extension increased resident capacity to around 30 at the time and laid the foundation for future expansion, allowing more people requiring specialised care to remain in Junee closer to family and friends.

Cooinda Court’s future was itself the result of a determined community effort.

Image: Cooinda Court Aged Care

In 2019, local MP Steph Cooke announced the facility would be able to purchase its land from the State Government for unimproved value after years of advocacy by the board.

At the time, Ms Cooke described the decision as critical to securing the facility’s long-term future.

“Over many years the Junee community have invested their heart and soul into this building, and now that can continue for decades to come,” she said.

For residents gathered around shared tables this week, however, the focus was less on buildings and milestones and more on the people who help make Cooinda Court what it is.

Whether offering companionship, sharing conversation, assisting with activities or simply brightening someone’s day, volunteers remain at the very heart of the home, and National Volunteer Week offered a fitting opportunity to say thank you.