RSL Care Volunteer a Finalist in the Longman Awards

RSL Care Fernhill volunteer Pastor Jim Baker was announced as a Finalist in the Senior Volunteer Achievement category of the Longman Awards in recognition for his years of community work.

The Longman Awards are presented by Federal Member for Longman, the Honourable Wyatt Roy MP, and are designed to praise and publically acknowledge the work of “local champions and unsung heroes” of the Caboolture community.

Mr Roy organises and hosts an annual gala to recognise Longman Award recipients from throughout the region, with an emphasis on volunteerism and community endeavour.

Pastor Baker was so pleased that contributions in aged care were being recognised.

“In 2002, I became a volunteer with RSL Care Fernhill’s Special Care team assisting the Diversional Therapist singing the old hymns of yesteryear,” he said.

“In 2005, I was approached by the residents in the Independent Living Units asking if I would do a chapel service on Sunday mornings for them.  For the past 11 years I have conducted services every Sunday and assisted with bringing residents from Special Care to attend his services in the chapel.

“I also volunteer once a month in our RSL Care Day Respite Centre at Caboolture giving their customers a spiritual service with hymns.  These mornings are valuable to the people that attend as most have no other means of attending such services because of their isolation in the local community.”

Diversional Therapist, Alma Massie acknowledges the wonderful contribution Pastor Baker makes at Fernhill.

“Jim has a very special connection with all the staff and residents here; his care and support is valued and appreciated by everyone. We are so proud of him for achieving this accolade,” she said.

“Caboolture has a wonderful team of volunteers who spend hundreds of hours a year helping the residents and staff making the site a more friendly and enjoyable place to be.”

Click here to find out more about RSL Care's aged care services.