Like many organisations in our community, Sundale is able to offer personalised ongoing care and support to their customers thanks to their band of dedicated volunteers.

“We have the most incredible volunteers, some of whom have been working with us for more than 30 years,” said Community and Customer Experience Manager, Rochelle Coombs.

“In total, Sundale has 150 volunteers, 90 of which are on the Sunshine Coast. Our oldest volunteers are in their 90s and our youngest is just 14. 

“We tend to find that people who volunteer have had close relationships with their own grandparents, elderly relatives or friends and are aware that many people in aged care facilities are quite lonely. So they extend their warmth and friendship in the form of volunteering. It is really quite wonderful.”

Each year Sundale hosts a number of gatherings for their volunteers to thank them for their support, including a Christmas lunch.

“This year we hosted our Christmas lunch in November, before the December silly season fully descended on us,” Rochelle said.

“The Nambour RSL provided a beautiful lunch and we provided entertainment as well.

“When we heard that the cinema was going to reopen in Nambour, we knew that gift certificates for our volunteers to go to the movies at the newly opened Nambour Cinema and Events Centre would be a much appreciated gift. 

“Everyone is so excited to have a cinema in Nambour again, and we were keen to support the new owner Luke.

“One of the most rewarding things about being involved with an organisation like Sundale is that we are given opportunities every day to forge closer relationships with our residents, staff, volunteers and the broader community. Our annual Christmas luncheon is a celebration of all of those things.”