AMCS long-serving volunteers recognised at Parliament of Victoria

August 2026 

AMCS and AVWA Partner to Recognise Long-Serving Volunteers 

Some of the most meaningful connections in our community begin with something simple – making time for another person.

Recently, AMCS long-serving volunteers were recognised at the Parliament of Victoria for the years they have dedicated to supporting older people in our community. The recognition took place in partnership with the Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association (AVWA), with the Hon. Luba Grigorovitch MP, Minister for Volunteers, acknowledging their contribution and commitment.

For us, recognising long service is about more than the number of years someone has volunteered. It is about what those years represent – the time given, the visits made and the relationships that have been built along the way.

Among those recognised were Bronislawa Bartkowic and Iwona Jaskulska for 17 years of service, Gihan Tadros for 13 years of service, Joseph Sammut and Sophie Holod for 12 years of service and Selby Julianna for 11 years of service – reflecting the incredible long-term commitment of our volunteers. 

Many of these relationships have grown through our Volunteer Visiting Program, which connects volunteers with older people who may be experiencing social isolation or would simply benefit from regular companionship. Wherever possible, we match people through shared language, culture, interests and experiences, helping create a connection that feels familiar and comfortable. Today, 225 volunteers are part of the AMCS volunteer community, generously giving their time to support older people and our wider community.

The visits themselves can be simple – a conversation over a cup of tea, sharing stories, going for a walk or spending time together. Just an hour or two a week can make a meaningful difference and as the visits continue, trust and familiarity develops, and a regular visit can grow into a genuine relationship.

And that relationship can mean something to both people. For participants, it provides companionship and an opportunity to stay socially connected. For volunteers, they find it rewarding to listen, learn, share experiences and form connections with people they may otherwise never have met.

This is what sits behind the years of service recognised at Parliament – not simply hours volunteered, but the generosity of time shared with another person.

We are proud to see our long-serving volunteers recognised, and we are grateful for the commitment they continue to bring to our community. We also thank the Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association for its partnership and the Hon. Luba Grigorovitch MP, Minister for Volunteers, for recognising the important contribution of volunteers across Victoria.

Hear from our volunteers and participants
Every connection has its own story. Hear directly from our volunteers and participants about their experiences with the Volunteer Visiting Program and what these relationships have come to mean to them.  Hear our Volunteer Stories 

Make a difference with your time 
Inspired to get involved? Just an hour or two a week can make a meaningful difference in the life of an older person, and we welcome your enquiry.

Learn more about volunteering with AMCS