Volunteer Carmel has surpassed an incredible 45 years of service

Carmel Windebank has been recognised with a special Length of Service award for 45 years of volunteering to be the difference in our community. 

Carmel started volunteering at The ‘old’ Pines in 1978, after being asked by Fr Augustine Fitzsimmons (who was the chaplain there at that time) if she would be willing to help with the Pastoral Care of the residents. 

She had recently been appointed as a Eucharist Minister (which was a new ministry for lay people) at St John’s Catholic Parish at Plympton and Fr Augustine was keen to get this new lay ministry involved at SCC caring for the elderly people, many of whom had been former parishioners. 

Carmel’s father and husband Ian were both Knights of the Southern Cross so she knew about the Pines Nursing Home (as it was then called) and Southern Cross Care’s reputation for caring for the sick and elderly in the community. 

Living close by and with her children all grown up, she was keen to get involved. 

Fr Augustine took great pride in his newly recruited team of 10 Eucharist Ministers and Pastoral Care volunteers. 

He supported them in their ministry by providing ongoing faith formation, guidance, and cared for them emotionally and spiritually. 

Carmel felt humbled to be invited to serve her community in this way and enjoyed the new friendships she made and the chance to learn new skills that helped her provide appropriate and meaningful pastoral care to the Pines Nursing Home residents. 

Forty five years later Carmel is now residing at The Pines Retirement Village. 

She is the last of the original group of Eucharist Ministers who is still pastorally caring for our beautiful residents. 

There have been many changes along the way, including the redevelopment of The Pines and the building of Bucklands Residential Care across the road. 

Being a calm and resilient person, Carmel has been able to adjust to changes and new situations. She continues on with her important ministry of service with love and care. 

She provides holy communion, visits people when they need a listening ear, or feel lonely, sits with people as they journey towards the end of their life, assists the priests who provide masses at The Pines and Bucklands, and so much more. 

Her gentle and unassuming presence is appreciated by the residents, families and staff alike. She is always cheerful, kind and patient and willing to help where she can. 

She also has a good sense of humour and enjoys having a latte in the Pines and Bucklands cafes with residents and other pastoral care volunteers, and has formed many lasting friendships over the years. 

When asked what keeps her going, Carmel said; “It's the people! They are always grateful and thrilled to see me, I feel needed and valued and they trust me! 

“I love the connections I make with people from all denominations and the stories we share….what better job can you have? 

“I have always been treated respectfully and it is an honour, privilege and a pleasure to serve in this way. 

“It gives my life meaning and purpose and I am very grateful that I can still be useful and help other people.” 

It is with great pleasure that we acknowledge and thank Carmel for her unique and faithful service at Southern Cross Care over such a long period of time. 

To learn more about volunteering with Southern Cross Care, visit our Volunteers page.