Celebrating 30 years of CVS.

Ona Leveris has a special place in her heart for her friend Ann.

“She’s important, the same as family,” she said. “She’s very sweet with us, she’s number one.”

The sprightly 99-year-old Ona lives at Southern Cross Care Greystanes in western Sydney, where Ann Kapocius has been volunteering her time through the Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) operating in Sydney Local Health District.

Ann was the District’s first CVS volunteer. Both she and Ona share a love of their Lithuanian heritage and culture, supporting their community, and catching up over the latest news.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute. I’ve been visiting as much as I can. I know [Ona] enjoys my visits,” Ann said.

CVS is a federally funded support program where volunteers visit older people living in aged care facilities, providing friendship and companionship, particularly for those who are socially isolated. 

Regular visits from volunteers can help improve the residents’ quality of life and reduce feelings of isolation from their culture and heritage. Residents develop social connections, particularly if friends or relatives are unable to visit.

The District has more than 150 volunteers, visiting over 200 residents in 75 aged care facilities speaking 28 languages. 

This year CVS celebrates its 30th anniversary.

A special celebration was held at The University of Sydney Great Hall to acknowledge and thank the District’s CVS volunteers. Each was provided a certificate, recognising their hard work and dedication, and enjoyed a high tea. 

Guests also experienced performances by the Brolga Dance Academy, founding director of the Sydney Guyun Guzheng Arts Academy, Julia Luo, and the Sydney Male Choir.

“It sounds easy, coming to visit, but there are challenges that the volunteer has to overcome. How they deal with the situation often shows how clever and committed they are to make the resident happy. I’m really blessed to work with this group of people,” Valerie Chu, one of the District’s CVS Coordinators, said.

Valerie has been with the CVS team since 1998 and enjoys empowering volunteers throughout their visiting journey.

“We create inclusive environments for the volunteers, so everyone feels that they belong. They feel like a member of the CVS family,” she said.

The team recruit, train, and support volunteers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and match them with residents of the same cultural background and language.

They also provide volunteers with support, training, and even a means to visit their friends.

“I really rely a lot on Valerie and Jeannie [who are the District’s CVS Volunteer Coordinators]. They both support me. I like their seminars and get-togethers, and it gets me out of the house. I need a bit of an outing as well and to me that’s another plus,” Ann said. 

Valerie had a special message for the District’s CVS volunteers.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all the volunteers for their kindness compassion and willingness to give without expecting anything and willing to take on challenges and obstacles. I do admire them and am so blessed to work with this great group of people,” Valerie said.

CVS has been operating in the District since 1993 in partnership with residential aged care facilities across Sydney.

For more information about joining the CVS team as a volunteer visitor, or to refer a resident, please call the District CVS Coordinator on 02 9515 9800 (Monday to Friday during business hours) or send an email to SLHD-CVS@health.nsw.gov.au