Community wraps in scarves for Aunties & Uncles Day celebrating warm-hearted volunteer mentors
Community members wrapped themselves in brightly coloured scarves for CareSouth’s Aunties & Uncles Day on Friday 25th July 2025. Aunties & Uncles Day raises awareness of CareSouth’s Aunties & Uncles mentoring program. This grassroots early-intervention program connects volunteer mentors with young people in their community in need of extra support.
Local organisations help spread the word
Organisations across Shoalhaven and Eurobodalla rallied behind Aunties & Uncles Day by wearing brightly coloured scarves to help spread the word about the Aunties & Uncles program and encourage new volunteer mentors to join. Nearly 300 people wrapped themselves in scarves to celebrate CareSouth’s Aunties & Uncles Day.
Teams at Treetops Adventure Nowra, Shoalhaven Family Law, South Nowra Early Learning Centre, Headspace Nowra, Grand Pacific Health, NowChem, Shoalhaven City Council, Think Regional, Nowra Community Food Store, Probev International, Macey Insurance Brokers, Bay Office Supplies and Berry Vet Clinic all took part in Aunties & Uncles Day.
From wearing scarves, to posting on social media and starting conversations in their social and professional networks, our passionate community partners, staff and volunteer mentors helped raise awareness of this life-changing program.
“This year’s Aunties & Uncles Day campaign was called Warm Hearts. It perfectly reflects the program’s volunteer mentors who are compassionate, warm-hearted individuals. They make children in their communities feel safe, snug and supported – just like a cosy scarf,” says Karen Hooper, CareSouth Carer Engagement & Support Team Leader.
Aunties & Uncles volunteer mentor shares her story
CareSouth’s Aunties & Uncles volunteer mentors help the young people they are matched with to navigate challenges, build resilience and develop key social and emotional skills. This support strengthens family connections and provides stability for children, reducing their risk of isolation and the escalation of issues within family units.
Lisa is a CareSouth Aunties & Uncles volunteer mentor who signed up to the program three years ago alongside her husband and two children. They have mentored two young people.
“The young girl we mentor has become such a special part of our lives. When she’s with our family, the focus is entirely on her and what brings her joy. Whether it’s a picnic, doing arts and crafts, paddleboarding, or playing with our dogs, we love giving her the space to just be herself and feel supported,” says Lisa.
Lisa shares that the Aunties & Uncles program has enriched her own family in unexpected ways. “It’s been incredible to watch my teenage children step into their roles as mentors. They’ve learned to appreciate different cultures and life experiences, and it’s helped them grow into more compassionate and understanding people. This program isn’t just about giving – it’s about sharing. I truly believe we receive just as much as we give,” she adds.
Celebrating the program’s life-changing impact
An evidence-based evaluation of the Aunties & Uncles program revealed participating children show improved mental health, increased physical activity, more time outdoors, and a stronger sense of community connection.
According to CareSouth’s Executive Officer, Renee Knight, “Aunties & Uncles volunteer mentors give families a safety net of extra support. These mentor connections often extend beyond the three-year duration of the mentorship, building long-term community ties that empower families and strengthen the social fabric of the region.”
According to Lisa, the teenage boy her family mentored, who has since graduated from the program, will always hold a special place in their hearts. “He may have officially finished with the program, but he’ll forever be family to us. That connection doesn’t end – it stays with you,” says Lisa.
“CareSouth’s Aunties & Uncles Day is a wonderful recognition of the value that our communities see in this program, which has been running for over 30 years. We are thankful to everyone who wore a brightly coloured scarf for Aunties & Uncles Day, you have helped us to build a better future for local children in need,” says Renee.
CareSouth is seeking more Aunties & Uncles volunteer mentors in Shoalhaven and Illawarra. By dedicating just a few hours each month, Aunties & Uncles volunteer mentors make a world of difference to the children and young people they support.
To enquire about becoming an Aunties & Uncles volunteer mentor, visit our Aunties & Uncles page or call 1300 554 260.