I worked here for about five years, and then I decided I would semi-retire, and about 18 months later heard through the grapevine that there was archiving to do that needed help because of the royal commission. So, I reached out and said I was looking for a bit of volunteer work to help me out with Centrelink, and they welcomed me back as a volunteer.   

“I like the fact that I’m my own boss. I enjoy the work, it’s a nice environment, and it’s lovely working with the administration team.”

Michele

Volunteering gives me that freedom to have a little bit of input and maintain my skills, but it’s also flexible. My husband is retired, so if we want to go on holidays, I just let people know I won’t be in those days. I can also do some work from home if I don’t want to come into the office.

I still feel a part of the community, I very much feel like part of the team, and I just really enjoy it. I will be of “retirement” age shortly, but I don’t feel that I am quite ready to retire from the office environment completely.  I anticipate continuing with my archive volunteering a couple of days a week while I can and the Organisation are still happy for me to continue in the role.

I feel that it keeps my mind active, it’s lovely coming in and having conversations and banter with different people. I would recommend it to others, I think it’s important just to still keep in touch with people and have something to look forward to, a purpose to get up in the morning and get on and do something that you know will help make a difference.”