All for a good cause
Meet the active group of 85 resident volunteers at Brentwood Village who put their heart and soul into helping the village and the wider community.
Brentwood Village isn’t just a scenic place with beautiful surroundings, amazing amenities and great staff — it’s truly special because of the incredible residents who call it home. Among them is a dedicated group of 85 resident volunteers who put their heart and soul into making the village a fantastic place to live while also helping out the wider community.
To show appreciation and celebrate their incredible work, the village recently hosted a wellbeing morning tea. The resident group shared how volunteering has enriched their lives by keeping them mentally sharp, socially connected and emotionally fulfilled.
The village heroes
At Brentwood Village, volunteering takes on many forms. A group of residents drives the village-owned buggy, making life easier for those who need a hand getting around. Others run the village library, ensuring everyone has their favourite books within reach. Then there’s the resident-run tavern, where volunteers create an inviting and fun space for chatting and socialising.
Residents drive the buggy to help others getting around in the village
Tom and Susan, a volunteer couple, have taken on different responsibilities within the village. While Susan dedicates her time to welfare, keeping an eye out for neighbours who might need a bit of extra support, Tom, a former navy officer, oversees the daily flag-raising at the village and leads ceremonies on ANZAC Day and Memorial Day. He’s even started a men’s group aimed at building connections and providing support for the male residents.
The resident-run tavern is a fun place for chatting and hanging out
For those with a creative flair, the village magazine, The Brentwood Times, is produced by a team of seven volunteers. Every month, they put together resident stories and features, keeping everyone in the loop with community news. There’s also an art gallery team made up of six artistically inclined residents who organise themed exhibitions every two months at the community centre, giving fellow residents a chance to showcase their artwork. Meanwhile, the computer club, led by tech-savvy residents, helps others get comfortable with the basics of technology and navigating the digital world.
Giving back to the community
There is also a resident committee called the Brentwood Residents Activity Group (BRAG). This group not only brings people together for fun and social connection but also channels that energy into giving back.
Residents run a food drive for Coast Shelter, a charity that supports people in need on the Central Coast. Their most recent donation included a huge amount of food and $1,400 in cash. The annual Wesley Aunties and Uncles toy drive also spreads holiday cheer to underprivileged kids. Hermione, who has managed the toy drive for 8 years and a breakfast club at a local high school for 15 years, says “Volunteering has given me a real sense of purpose in retirement.”
Residents who run a food drive donated a huge amount of food and $1,400 in cash
Finding fulfilment
One of the speakers at the morning tea, Wendy, shared an endearing story of how she found her calling as a volunteer radio presenter. “Before moving to Brentwood Village, I was inspired by a radio segment featuring a retiree who found fulfilment volunteering as a presenter. Motivated by his story, I reached out to my local station and eventually landed my own radio show.” When she later moved into Brentwood Village, she discovered that the very person who inspired her was a resident at the village — a full-circle moment that speaks to the power of community and shared passions. Wendy, who has been volunteering with Radio 50 for over 14 years now, said, “Staying active and involved has kept me socially connected and energised.”
For many residents, volunteering isn’t just about giving back—it’s about staying connected, finding purpose and building relationships. Whether it’s organising events, supporting local causes or just helping a neighbour, the volunteers’ dedication has kept the community vibrant and full of life.
The resident volunteer group has proved that retirement living is all about finding time to do the things you’ve always loved but never had the chance to fully explore.
Learn more about Brentwood Village.
For more information about the lifestyle and support offered at our retirement villages, call our customer service team on 1800 550 550 or send us an email here.
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