History of the Waratah Respite Centre

The Waratah Respite Centre was first opened in 1987 as an Adult Day Care Centre in Azalea Avenue, Coffs Harbour. In 1991 the service relocated to the current Waratah Respite Centre which was built with Home and Community Care (HACC) funding. HACC services were designed to assist older, frail people or those with disabilities continue living at home for as long as possible.

In 1993 funding was acquired through the National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP) to provide evening respite for carers of adults with disabilities.

In 1994 following extensive community lobbying and fundraising our six (6) bed “Maureen Guthrie Cottage” was opened to provide carers overnight respite. The Cottage was furnished with the assistance of our long term Management Committee member Mr Des Kingdom and Coffs City Rotary Club.

In 2005 extensions to include staff amenities were undertaken. This extension was the result of several years of fund raising by the very proactive Management Committee and a substantial donation from a community member.

Waratah Respite Services has a long & proud history of delivering flexible respite options for older people, those living with dementia or other disabilities, and their carers living on then Coffs Coast & surrounds. Our unique service model offers Centre based social support groups and overnight respite in cottage style accommodation. Throughout the years the service has impacted positively on the independence, wellbeing and socialisation of our clients and enabled them to avoid premature placement in residential aged care.

Today we offer centre based social support and respite care in Coffs Harbour and Woolgoolga as well as flexible overnight respite in our Maureen Guthrie Cottage for older people, those living with dementia and their carers.

Mission Statement

Our Mission

To be leaders in flexible respite options; assisting carers and the person they care for to enjoy the best possible quality of life.

Our Vision

A community where carers can choose to maintain their loved ones at home for as long as practicable and desirable through the availability of a range of flexible, person centred respite options.

Our Values

At Waratah Respite Services we value and promote:

supporting individuality, choice and “quality of life” decisions
person centred care targeted to individual needs
active engagement of families/carers
a culturally appropriate service
acting at all times in the best interests of the service user
equity of access
a safe and reliable service
flexibility
compliance with regulatory requirements
professionalism.

Volunteer Enquiry Form – please use QR Code below

About Us

Waratah Respite Services is a not-for-profit organisation that provides flexible respite services in Coffs Harbour and the surrounding districts since 1987. We offer centre based social support and respite care in Coffs Harbour and Woolgoolga as well as flexible overnight respite in our Maureen Guthrie Cottage for older people, those living with dementia and their carers.

At Waratah we promote independence, wellbeing and socialisation. No person is turned away from our services for financial reasons; no person is discriminated against due to their age, disability, sexual status or preference, cultural, indigenous or linguistic background.

Description of Tasks

Assist staff to deliver our Social Support Program, Quizzes, bingo, craft etc. Assist with morning & afternoon tea, lunch.

Relevant Information

Ongoing education and support provided.
Training in First Aid will be offered.
Lunch provided for all volunteers.

Special Requirements

Police check (we will provide), COVID-19 vaccinations and booster, current flu vaccination.
Experience in Aged Care or Caring for someone preferable but if anyone is interested in aged care we will interview.

Days and Location

Monday- Friday 9am- 3pm

Coffs Harbour, Community Village

Applications

For more information, please email volunteers@waratahrespite.com.au or contact Roslyn Hamlin on 02 6648 3610