Bridging The Loneliness Gap

By Amanda Wright

Loneliness is an epidemic few talk about, but for many aged care residents, it’s a daily reality. In facilities across Mackay, Sarina, Proserpine, Bowen, and Mirani, there are countless individuals who spend their days without a single visitor.

The Mackay Community Visitors Association (MCVA) has been working to change that since 1990, but now, they need help. The organisation is calling for volunteers to be a source of friendship for residents who often have no one else.

MCVA President Justin Englert says a little time can make a world of difference.

“There’s something incredibly powerful about being the reason someone smiles that day.

"Many residents have family who live far away or are no longer in their lives, and a regular visit from a friendly face brings them comfort, conversation, and a sense of belonging.”

Volunteers are the heart of MCVA, giving their time to sit, chat, read, or simply share a cup of tea with residents who would otherwise be alone.

In the past year alone, MCVA volunteers made more than 4,500 visits to aged care residents across the region. Each of those visits represented a moment of connection, a reminder to someone that they haven’t been forgotten. But with demand for the service growing, more volunteers are needed to ensure every resident who needs a visitor has one.

The impact of volunteering isn’t just felt by those receiving visits—it’s transformative for those who give their time as well. Many MCVA volunteers say they get just as much joy out of their visits as the residents do, forming friendships that enrich both lives.

MCVA also facilitates welfare checks through the My Aged Care program, ensuring that vulnerable older adults have someone looking out for them. Those in need can contact My Aged Care directly to request a welfare check by MCVA staff.

The association welcomes not only those who can give their time but also financial contributions, with tax-deductible donations helping to sustain and expand this vital service.

For parents looking to foster kindness and empathy in their children, MCVA encourages an “adopt a grandparent” approach, where volunteers can bring their kids along on visits.

Coordinator Tracey Geaghan says this experience is incredibly meaningful for residents.

“So many of them light up when they see children. Many have long-term memory recall and remember their own time as parents," she said.

"The laughter, the chatter—it brings them so much joy.”

Beyond the emotional benefits, volunteering has been widely recognised for its positive effects on physical health. Studies have found that those who engage in regular volunteer work tend to have lower blood pressure, improved heart health, and even a stronger immune system. Acts of kindness release oxytocin, a hormone that reduces stress and promotes feelings of happiness and connection. Regular volunteering can also contribute to increased cognitive function, helping to ward off conditions such as dementia by keeping the brain active and engaged.

For older volunteers, staying socially and physically active through community work has been shown to improve mobility and decrease the risk of chronic illnesses. For younger participants, volunteering can boost self-confidence, enhance social skills, and provide a strong sense of community belonging.

Volunteers decide the length and frequency of their visits, making it a flexible and rewarding way to give back. Whether it’s an hour a week or a fortnightly check-in, every moment spent with a resident makes a difference.

MCVA is looking for caring individuals ready to brighten someone’s day, one visit at a time.

For more information, visit www.communityvisitorsmackay.org.au or contact MCVA President Justin Englert.

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