Joan finds new home at place she’s volunteered for 60 years

Volunteer and now-resident Joan Chapman: “Sundale has been my life.”

Joan Chapman has been volunteering at Sundale since 1963, and only missed the official opening because of the birth of her daughter.

“I can remember the Nambour site before Sundale was built,” Joan said. “It used to be a cane paddock with the odd cow.”

In August last year Joan moved into Rod Voller Care Centre on the Rotary Garden Village site, but don’t expect her to stop volunteering anytime soon.

“I’ll never not help out. I can’t imagine a life without Sundale.”

A Nambour local and former cubs leader, Joan would organise monthly visits to McGowan and Nicklin Lodges. “The ten-year-old cubs in my company would help with the gardening and bring residents to the dining room.” Joan said.

“Back then wheelchair races down the hallways were common. It was wonderful to watch the young cubs interact with their older friends, the residents.”

This year Sundale celebrates its 60th birthday.

“For the past 60 years, Sundale has played a significant and very rewarding role in my life – my history is here.

“It has been an enormous place of comfort and joy. Now, I’m one of the oldies.

“My husband Graham, was Sundale Chairman for more than 20 years and on the Board for 36 years. I took great pride assisting him throughout that period.

“I was his sounding board, supported him, and gave him the confidence to make the big decisions.

“Graham would often say ‘I’m just popping down to Sundale’, which was code for I won’t be back for a few hours.

“To this day our kids say, ‘I just have to pop into Sundale’ if they are running late.”

Joan started volunteering at Sundale as a 23-year-old, alongside her parents Bob and Jessie Webb who were also foundation volunteers.

“Whenever I had a spare moment, I used to pop in and say hello to the residents, share cups of tea, take them shopping and help organise the library.

“With Hazel Smith, I used to sing in a choir for the residents. We would also perform at the annual Christmas Concert.

“You can’t mention Sundale without mentioning Nambour and vice versa. There have been so many parties, birthdays and celebrations. Sundale has been my life.”

Joan said it was the residents and the relationships she formed which kept her coming back, and volunteering for the past 60 years.

“I have been able to help people and enjoy myself while doing it,” Joan said.

“Acceptance is a big thing and my family and I have received it at Sundale.

“When I think of Sundale I think of freedom, friendliness and love, and I hope that continues.”