Volunteer Spotlight: Jasmine and Jean

We always look forward to National Volunteer Week (held this year from 19 – 25 May) because it is an opportunity to celebrate our stellar volunteers.

Jasmine Varghese is just one of our many dedicated ‘vollies’. She is a frequent visitor to our Brookview Aged Care community to meet up with resident Jean Black. We asked Jasmine and Jean to tell us about their connection.

JASMINE

Tell us a bit about your life before you became a volunteer?

I worked as an architect for 10 years, which was fulfilling, but I felt a deeper calling to contribute more in line with my personal values. This led me to shift into community services in 2024, where I could make a more direct impact in the community.

What made you consider becoming a volunteer?

With my career change to community services, I saw volunteering as the perfect way to give back. Aged care stood out to me because of the rich life experience and wisdom seniors have to offer, and I wanted to be a part of that.

What is your favourite thing about visiting Jean?

Jean’s enthusiasm is infectious, and I love her artistic talent. She takes great pride in her appearance, always matching her earrings and shoes. She’s a proud, dignified lady, and her presence truly reflects the meaning of self-care.

What do you and Jean talk about?

Our conversations are filled with stories of Jean’s life—how she learned to paint, her first job, and her creative ventures in baking cakes. We also chat about her artistic hobbies, like knitting and stitching, and the women who have inspired her over the years. It’s always a learning experience.

How are you and Jean similar?

We both love to talk and share a passion for art. Jean’s natural artistic talent amazes me, and we bond over the power of creativity to connect us to ourselves and others.

How are you and Jean different?

While my art is more structured from formal learning, Jean’s creativity is a natural gift. She didn’t need much formal training—her art flows effortlessly. I admire her calmness and patience, qualities I hope to cultivate in myself as I learn from her life experiences.

What have you learnt through your volunteering experience?

Volunteering has taught me the importance of patience, empathy, and active listening. Through Jean, I’ve learned to slow down, appreciate the present, and recognise how quickly time passes. These moments become memories, so I try to make them count.

What does being a volunteer mean for you?

Volunteering means being present and making a difference, even in small ways. It’s about connection—whether through a simple conversation or shared moment. Volunteering has deepened my sense of community and reminds me that humanity transcends all borders—there are no boundaries of colour, gender or background when we’re there for each other. It’s about making the world a better place, one small act at a time.

JEAN

Tell us a bit about your life before you lived here?

I grew up with a loving family in the western suburbs. I raised three children with my husband Ray. I also worked as telephonist and spent time making wedding cakes, gardening, knitting. What I love most of all is learning and I spent 23 years with the U3A.

What is your favourite thing about Jasmine?

Jasmine is so friendly and has a lot of patience. She is easy to talk to.

What do you and Jasmine talk about?

We talk about whatever comes in my head, my life. I like to know the truth so I will often ask about all sorts of things when we talk.

How are you and Jasmine similar?

We are both interested in people, and that is interesting to me.

What would life be like without Jasmine?

I would miss her very much. I feel like Jasmine has learned a lot with me and I have with her.

If you are interested in becoming a Baptcare volunteer, we’d love to hear from you! Call us on 13 22 78 for a chat about ways you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.