One of the volunteers, who didn’t wish to be named, contacted the Wauchope Gazette to say that the local community were very concerned that Bundaleer Care Services have dismissed Bundaleer volunteers due to their age being 80 years or older, causing much sadness and disbelief.

“It has been reported that it was due to no insurance cover and a risk of being sued, but was it because the insurance cover is too expensive?  If so, why not try another insurance company?” asked the volunteer.

“On inquiry, other volunteer groups have stated that there is no age barrier.  Whilst ever that person is healthy and able to work with those groups, they are welcome to do so,” she added.

“There are posters around town advertising that Bundaleer needs to raise $850,000 towards equipment and furnishings for the planned new nursing home,” said the volunteer.

“Is this the way to go when our loved, healthy, respected, elderly community members have had their interests taken away from them and been sent home, whilst the Bundaleer residents and staff will miss out on the friendly faces that come to visit and support Bundaleer?" she asked.

Managing director and Chief Executive Officer, Gareth Norman said Bundaleer is in a very difficult position with respect to volunteers who are over 80 years of age.

“Sadly, we cannot obtain any insurance in respect of them, although we have tried with a number of insurers. This saddens us deeply as it means that we can no longer use their services, which we have, and continue to, value greatly,” he said.

“Bundaleer and our clients have benefited wonderfully over the years from a huge number of volunteers of all ages and we (and they) hope this will continue. Bundaleer cannot be put into the position of being uninsured in respect of the involvement of any volunteers, both in terms of injury to volunteers themselves but also to any clients who might also be involved. 

“The Board of Bundaleer is similarly not going to expose itself to risk arising from uninsured volunteers. We ask a lot of our directors, but to ask them to take on that risk, perhaps personally, is utterly unreasonable,” he added.

Mr Norman said he hoped that the insurance industry would change its views with respect to volunteers who are over 80 years of age.

“If they do, we would be happy pay the insurance and have these wonderful people continue to assist us and our clients. We understand that this is what ‘community’ means, even if insurers don’t,” he said.

He invited all the volunteers, past and present, to become Friends of Bundaleer and continue their long and happy association with the organisation.  Friends receive a monthly magazine to stay up-to-date, and can visit their friends in the care homes and take part in open events and activities.

“To our volunteers who are over 80 years of age and can no longer volunteer for Bundaleer, we say thank you and hold you in our highest regard,” added Mr Norman.