Today, on National Sorry Day, 4Cs acknowledges the strength and resilience of Stolen Generations survivors, their families and communities.
This year marks 29 years since Bringing Them Home, and we stand with survivors and their families in calling for swift, meaningful change. Many survivors are now in their 70s, 80s and 90s, and time is running out to ensure justice and healing.
This year’s theme, From Sorry to Action, reminds us that acknowledging past harm is only the beginning. Real healing comes through action, justice and ongoing commitment.
Meet Ruth, one of our incredible 4Cs Garden Care Volunteers🌟
When Ruth retired at 61, she knew she wanted to stay active and connected to her community. After COVID delayed her plans, she joined our Garden Care volunteer team and six years later, she’s still making a difference every week.
Twice a week, Ruth helps older people maintain safe, beautiful gardens they can continue to enjoy and take pride in.
“The before and after is amazing,” Ruth says. “You can see how much it means to people when they come outside and see their garden looking cared for again.”
For Ruth, volunteering is about much more than gardening.
“It’s a real two-way street, you help others, but you get so much back too.”
This National Volunteer Week, Ruth’s story is a reminder that volunteering creates connection, purpose and community not only for the people receiving support, but for volunteers too.
Thank you to Ruth and all our incredible volunteers for the care, kindness and joy you bring to our community every day. Maybe this is your year to volunteer. 💚
Meet Rabbir, one of our wonderful 4Cs Social Inclusion Volunteers🌟
Rabbir began volunteering with our Social Inclusion program while studying Community Services at TAFE in December 2025. Fluent in Bengali, Hindi and English, he’s quickly become a favourite among clients, staff and fellow volunteers thanks to his warm and gentle nature.
A self-described “people person,” Rabbir wanted to connect with others, gain experience, and give back to the community.
Rabbir now supports older clients experiencing loneliness and isolation helping them feel welcomed, comfortable and connected through meaningful conversations.
From assisting clients onto the bus to listening to their stories, Rabbir’s positivity makes a real difference.
For Rabbir, volunteering has been just as rewarding as it has been meaningful. “Just give it a try. It’s so rewarding. You meet amazing people, hear their stories, and help them feel less alone.”
As part of this year’s theme, “Your Year to Volunteer,” we’re celebrating volunteers like Rabbir and the incredible impact they make in our community. 💛
Celebrating Our Volunteers – National Volunteer Week 2026 🌟
Yesterday, we gathered at Flower Power Enfield for our Volunteer Thank You Lunch to celebrate the incredible people who give their time, kindness and care to support our community.
From helping maintain gardens to supporting social outings and connection, our volunteers make a real difference in the lives of people who may otherwise feel isolated or alone. Their generosity brings companionship, joy and a sense of belonging to so many.
To all our volunteers - thank you. Your impact is felt every single day, and we are so grateful for all that you do. 💛
At 4Cs, we’re proud to come together each year to celebrate the incredible contribution volunteers make across our community.
This year’s theme, “Your Year to Volunteer,” is a reminder that everyone has something to offer and that volunteering can make a real difference, both to the community and to the volunteer themselves.
Volunteers are at the heart of what we do. They bring kindness, skills, time, and energy that help strengthen connections, reduce isolation, and support people to feel included and valued.
“I take such joy in marking National Volunteer Week at the 4Cs because our Volunteers are an integral part of our work in the community. Whether they tend to the garden, support in a community program or help a senior on a 4Cs outing, every act of volunteering matters. With social isolation and loneliness rising, the helping hand of a 4Cs volunteer makes all the difference to people. It also makes a positive impact to the volunteer themselves, so as the theme says this year – this could be Your Year to Volunteer, do come and join us”, said 4Cs CEO, Esta Paschalidis-Chilas.
To all our volunteers past and present thank you. Your passion, dedication, and heart help build a stronger, more connected community. We appreciate you more than words can say. 💛
📺 As part of Neighbourhood Centre Week, we were delighted to welcome Channel 10 reporter Daniel Doody to 4Cs to shine a light on the power of community connection.
The story which aired on Channel 10’s lunchtime news yesterday highlighted how neighbourhood and community centres across NSW are bringing people together, helping tackle social isolation, rising cost of living pressures and creating places where people feel supported, connected and welcomed.
At 4Cs, Daniel met some of the incredible women from our groups, alongside 4Cs CEO Esta Paschalidis-Chilas and Romana, hearing firsthand how programs like sewing classes, English lessons, digital workshops and social groups are helping women build confidence, friendships and new skills.
For many women, especially those starting a new life in Australia far from family and familiar faces, 4Cs has become a safe and welcoming space to connect with others, improve their English, share stories and feel part of a community.
A heartfelt thank you to all the wonderful ladies who shared their stories so openly and honestly. Your voices captured exactly what community is all about. 🌼
We also want to thank Daniel and Channel 10 for taking the time to visit and tell these important stories. As Daniel so beautifully said, 4Cs is “a home away from home” and we couldn’t think of a better way to describe the spirit of our centre.