Danny is pictured with Service Leader Linda and Regional Area Manager Craig receiving his National Volunteer Week certificate.
For Danny, 68, volunteering at Centacare’s Aspley Social and Community Hub isn’t just about giving his skills and time, it’s about giving back to the community that once made a real difference in the lives of his own parents.
Danny is one of 93 very special people we celebrate at Centacare this National Volunteer Week (18–24 May 2026). Whether it is offering a listening ear to those who are in prison or in hospital or creating opportunities for older people to get the most out of life, Centacare volunteers work alongside employees to make a difference in the most critical areas of need in our community.
As a boy, Danny migrated to Australia with his parents. “We moved from Northern Ireland to Zillmere in 1972. I’ve been here ever since,” said Danny. “I love this community and it holds many special memories of time with my parents.”
Later in life, when his mother was living with dementia and his father was finding it difficult to manage on his own, Danny turned to Centacare’s Aspley hub for support. His mother began attending the hub two days a week.
“It was a godsend,” Danny said. “It gave Dad some respite, but more than that, Mum had a place where she belonged. Even on the hard days, she could just be herself.”
Danny’s parents were married for more than 50 years, and after his mother passed, his dad also began attending the Aspley hub, where he found comfort and companionship.
Following the loss of his parents and his retirement in 2023, Danny knew it was time to give back to the community that had cared for them. “Centacare did right by us. I knew it was my turn,” he said.
Danny now volunteers two days a week at the Aspley hub, supporting older people to stay socially connected and engaged in their community. What began as driving the bus has grown into a much broader role, supporting activities and spending time with clients.
“Every day is different,” he said. “The clients decide what they want to do, it could be a barbecue at Redcliffe or just spending time together having a chat.”
“I think nowadays we don’t always have the same sense of community as we used to,” he said. “We may not know our neighbours or have family around but everyone needs connection and that can be really hard for older people.”
It is this, along with Danny’s Catholic faith that calls him to care. He describes a big part of his role as simply being present and offering companionship. “I’ll always pull up a chair and enjoy a chat. Some of our clients live alone and can feel isolated. It’s these moments of connection that matter more than ever.”
“I get so much out of volunteering at the hub too,” adds Danny. “It’s like a family here and we all look out for one another.”
Danny is pictured with Service Leader Linda and Regional Area Manager Craig receiving his National Volunteer Week certificate.
Danny’s commitment to helping others extends beyond the Aspley hub – he also volunteers with Meals on Wheels and at The Prince Charles Hospital.
“It’s about kindness,” he said. “We all have something we can give.” For those considering volunteering, Danny’s message is clear. “Don’t be frightened and think you can’t do it. Everyone has something to give back.”
Across Centacare’s services, volunteers like Danny play a vital role in ensuring people are not just cared for but cared about. Find out more about volunteering at Centacare.