Meet Di
“We’ve all been children, and some of us will be lucky enough to also grow old. I’ve learned that both these stages of life can teach us more about who we are than anything else that happens in between.”
– Di
My name is Di. I’m an Italian-Brazilian-Australian citizen working full-time in the construction industry. In my spare time, I enjoy travelling, learning languages, hiking, studying philosophy, and volunteering with MCCSA’s Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) program.
I learned about the ACVVS program on social media in 2020. I was intrigued when I heard that individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, living in aged care facilities or their homes, were feeling lonely or isolated due to a lack of social interaction. When I reached out to MCCSA, the team warmly welcomed me and provided me with training, tools, and guidance to help me flourish in this role.
Through the ACVVS program, the people I visit and I have connected despite the age gap. We share the experience of being migrants, together with inspiring stories of overcoming challenges. I feel blessed when they tell me their stories, because they are full of value, wisdom, adventures, and passion.
I’ve had many memorable moments, but one that stands out was realising that I share the same birthday with the person I’m currently visiting. We joke about it, and last year we celebrated our birthdays together with our families. It’s nice to have built this unexpected friendship.
On a personal level, this program has helped me become more compassionate and understanding towards people in general. It has shaped the way I see aging and made me realise many things about life and its meaning. We’ve all been children, and some of us will be lucky enough to also grow old. I’ve learned that both these stages of life can teach us more about who we are than anything else that happens in between.
Professionally, I had an opportunity to observe the development of a new aged care technology. It was great to be able to provide insights about this product from my perspective as a visitor. When I think about the future of aged care facilities, I find it quite entertaining to imagine what will happen when millennials become residents in these places.
Behind the scenes, the MCCSA team has supported me every step of the way, providing valuable training to help me interact effectively with individuals who have diverse needs. My coordinators are passionate about the program and genuinely care about the residents. They have always been approachable, giving me the right tools to be the best volunteer I can be. The team recognises our efforts through various events and gatherings. These opportunities have allowed me to connect with an extraordinary community of unique volunteers.
I’m grateful for being involved with the ACVVS program and MCCSA. The people I’ve met through this experience have inspired me, and I’m motivated by the dedication of the organisation and its volunteers. We’re a great team, making a positive impact on our community. I hope my story inspires you to learn about ACVVS and join us as a volunteer. It will be a life-changing experience!