Commendation - Community
Barbara Kennedy - Recipient of Commendation in the Community category
Nominated by Rough Diamonds – NationsHeart Church
Barbara moved from Melbourne to Canberra in 1981 with her husband and three children. She began volunteering in the mid 1990s with the group "At Home" (now known as "Rough Diamonds").
The program is available to anyone who is at home during the day and seeks social contact. The program's aim is to provide friendship and a sense of belonging and worth through activities and outings, thus building and strengthening links between the aged, unemployed, disabled and lonely, as well as their families and carers, in the Belconnen community. The program receives referrals from Connections Volunteers, Belconnen Community Services and various other community organisations.
Barbara is one of one of three "Rough Diamonds" leaders who plan the fortnightly activities for the year, and arrange entertainment and outings. She supervises volunteer helpers and offers a "Thought for the Day" segment, allowing attendees to reflect on the spiritual dimension of their lives. She is busy during the week volunteering her time in visiting, phoning and writing to members.
Barbara has trained in Pastoral Care and Clinical Pastoral Education. Barbara's interest and care for the needs of the physically and intellectually disabled members of the community stems from her leadership role in "Rough Diamonds".
In her religious role, she has equipped herself to relate with the disabled in the community. She now holds the title Chaplain to Aged Care and Disability Facilities, conferred by the Ministry Team and Elders of her church, NationsHeart Christian Community (Belconnen) in recognition of the valuable role she plays in a variety of organisations in the Belconnen community, especially with the aged and those with severe physical and intellectual disabilities.
Barbara's work is multifaceted and includes pastoral care, ministry leadership, administration and training of other volunteers. She spends at least 25 hours a week for 48 weeks of the year willingly dedicating herself to the community. All the training courses Barbara has undertaken have been fully funded by herself. The time and effort she has spent in studying and completing course work is part of her volunteer effort.