With celebrating the 2026 National Volunteer Week theme of ‘Something for Everyone,’ a heartwarming generational bridge is in action at Goodwin Aged Care Services.

Every weekend, the halls of Goodwin House in Ainslie brighten as 16-year-old student Sophia Malinao steps in to volunteer alongside Activities Coordinator Gaki Zangmo.

Gaki, who hails from Bhutan, views volunteers as indispensable partners in reducing loneliness, particularly noting the unique impact young people make. “When a young visitor enters, the atmosphere becomes brighter. Their energy encourages conversation, laughter, and participation,” says Gaki. Guided by her Buddhist background of kindness and compassion, Gaki notes that this intergenerational connection is vital to creating an inclusive environment.

Through early exposure to her mother’s professional world, Sophia, whose mother Anne Malinao is the Customer Liaison Officer at Goodwin House, witnessed this care environment firsthand and observed the beautiful bond between the residents and staff. “I always saw the beautiful bond between the residents and staff and immediately wanted to be a part of such an incredible group. Goodwin, especially, is a place that welcomes anyone with open arms,”says Sophia, whose decision to spend her weekends volunteering was inspired directly by her mother’s passion.

“My mum has been the biggest supporter of Goodwin for years. Her love for it has been so distinct, I started to feel it too.”

Assisting Gaki with Saturday bingo, Sophia has quickly become an essential thread in the social fabric of the home.

Proud mum Anne believes these interactions bring irreplaceable vitality. “A young volunteer brings the freshness of youth,” she notes. “It brings out our residents’ playful inner child, especially during ball and board games. I am so glad that my daughter experiences the realities and complexities of life as we get older here at Goodwin, and that she does this with so much compassion and care.”

Ultimately, the rewards flow both ways. Sophia, an aspiring doctor, has found great fulfilment in volunteering at Goodwin. “I learned that regardless of age, everyone needs somewhere where they belong… we thrive best with loved ones around us,” she concludes.

Through shared weekend undertakings, Gaki, Anne and Sophia continue to demonstrate that at Goodwin House, belonging is what makes community feel like family.

Want to volunteer at Goodwin?

Find out more: goodwin.org.au/careers/volunteering