Celebrating 50 years of Volunteering
22 May 2026
As part of National Volunteer Week 2026, Alpine Health is proud to recognise the extraordinary contribution of long-time volunteer Sue Nicoll, celebrating more than 50 years of volunteering and community service.
A Whorouly resident and passionate community advocate, Sue has dedicated decades to supporting local people through a wide range of volunteer roles across health, aged care and community organisations.
Sue is an active volunteer at Barwidgee Lodge - Residential Aged Care, where she volunteers her time supporting residents through companionship and as a hairdresser, helping people stay connected, feel valued and maintain important social connections with the community. She is also a founding member of the Aged Care Visitor Scheme Volunteer program through The Centre in Wangaratta, and continues to volunteer through the Aged Care Visitor Scheme today.
Over many years, Sue has also contributed to a range of local committees and community groups, including previously serving on the Alpine Health Community & Health Advisory Committee.
Alpine Health would like to sincerely thank Sue for her generosity, compassion and unwavering commitment to supporting older people and strengthening community connections.
Sue said volunteering had been one of the most rewarding experiences of her life.
“I really enjoy seeing the residents’ faces at the window when I arrive,” Sue said.
“I love being able to connect with them and share stories about what’s happening in the community we live in. I get so much out of volunteering myself.”
As part of National Volunteer Week, Alpine Health also extends its sincere thanks to all volunteers across our services, including our Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC) members, Community and Residential Aged Care volunteers, Gardening Groups, Hospital Op Shop volunteers and the many unofficial volunteers who generously donate their time, care and attention to support others across our Alpine communities.
Sue’s story is one example of the incredible contribution volunteers make every day across our Alpine communities.
Photos: Celebrating 50 Years of Volunteering LtoR: Lisa Townsend - Alpine Health , Denise Burke - Alpine Health, Sue Nicoll - Barwidgee Lodge Volunteer (50 years), Marlene Trezise - Barwidgee Lodge Volunteer (16 years)