Sir Roden & Lady Cutler Foundation

Tell us about the Sir Roden & Lady Cutler Foundation Inc

The Sir Roden & Lady Cutler Foundation Inc provides free community transport for people who face difficulties accessing essential healthcare due to age, disability, illness or limited transport options. Volunteer drivers help clients get to and from hospital appointments, specialist consultations, treatment and rehabilitation, ensuring transport is not a barrier to receiving the care they need.

What is your mission?

The Foundation’s mission is to provide accessible and reliable community transport for vulnerable members of the community, helping them get to essential medical appointments while supporting their independence, dignity and social connection.

What are your programs/initiatives and why do you run them?

The Foundation’s community transport service supports the elderly, people living with disability, those experiencing financial hardship, and other vulnerable members of the community. Transport to medical and health-related appointments is provided to help people access the care they need. Beyond getting people to their appointments, the Foundation’s service also helps clients maintain their independence, stay connected to their community and reduce the stress and isolation that can come with illness.

How do you involve volunteers in your programs?

The Foundation encourages its volunteers to participate in information days and training sessions i.e. first aid training held throughout the year. The Foundation’s annual Christmas celebration is another important opportunity for volunteers to come together, share their experiences and for the Foundation to recognise their great work. All these events allow the Foundation to recognise and celebrate the valuable contribution its volunteers make to the community.

How do your volunteers make a difference in the community?

The backbone of the Foundation’s service is its dedicated team of volunteer drivers.

Volunteer drivers are an essential part of the Foundation’s medical transport service, generously giving their time to support people in need and contributing to the health and wellbeing of the community.

In addition to this they offer care, patience and understanding, often providing reassurance and friendly chit chat to clients who may be feeling anxious, vulnerable or uncertain about their medical appointments. For many of the Foundation’s clients that live alone, having a familiar face can make a real difference!

Do you have any stories from your volunteers?

During a recent transport trip to a medical appointment, one of the Foundation’s volunteer drivers had a conversation with a client who shared that, due to the rising cost of living, he was struggling to afford enough food each night.

Recognising an opportunity to provide additional support, the volunteer driver referred the client to another local charity that provides food assistance. This connection helped the client access support beyond the transport service itself.

This is a great example of how the Foundation’s volunteer drivers play an important role in the community, not only by helping people get to essential appointments, but also by listening, recognising when someone may need additional support, and connecting them to appropriate local services.

You can also hear directly from one of the Foundation’s volunteer drivers in the video on their website. The story highlights the importance of the Foundation’s volunteers and the meaningful connections they build.

What resources and services have helped to support your volunteer involvement?

The Centre for Volunteering has been a great source of knowledge for the Foundation. It has provided useful information about volunteering opportunities, the importance of volunteering within the community, and the ways volunteers can support organisations and people in need. In 2026, The Centre helped the Foundation recognise and celebrate the incredible contribution of its volunteers. As part of this, the Foundation individually emailed each volunteer a certificate of appreciation to acknowledge their dedication and commitment. This simple gesture was greatly appreciated by volunteers and was a great way to recognise the important role they play in supporting the community.

Why did your organisation become a member of The Centre? 

The Foundation became a member of The Centre for Volunteering because it provides valuable information, resources and support. Being a member helps the Foundation learn more about effective volunteer management and promote the important work it does in the community. It also provides access to useful knowledge and opportunities that can help strengthen the Foundation’s volunteer program and better support the people who depend on its services. e.g. The Centre provides access to volunteer National Police Checks which has really helped!

What have you learnt about the value of volunteering and/or volunteer management?

The Foundation has learnt the importance of supporting and valuing volunteers. Effective volunteer management, clear communication, appropriate support and recognition help volunteers feel connected to the Foundation. From the Foundation’s experience, although volunteers at times do not want recognition for their great work, when volunteers feel valued and supported, they are more likely to remain engaged and contribute positively to the people and communities the Foundation serves. Most importantly, the Foundation has seen that volunteering creates a two-way benefit: volunteers make a difference in the lives of others, while their involvement strengthens the community.

What would you say to someone thinking of volunteering

The Foundation would encourage anyone thinking about volunteering to give it a try. You can make a real and lasting difference in someone ’s life simply by giving your time and compassion.

For the Foundation’s volunteer drivers, every transport trip can mean helping someone attend an important medical appointment. Volunteering is rewarding, meaningful and a great way to connect with others and give back to the community.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SIR RODEN & LADY CUTLER FOUNDATION INC