WHEN people take one look at volunteer Sue South they burst into laughter.
But that doesn’t bother her in the slightest as she dons a pink curly wig and red nose.
To residents at Resthaven Murray Bridge nursing home, where Sue visits every Wednesday, she is Starbright the clown.
“I wander around the site, knocking on people’s doors and visiting group activities,” said Sue, who also visits the communal areas and plays games with balls and hoops.
“Residents take one look at me and burst into laughter. They say to me, ‘You’re the funniest thing I’ve seen all day!’ which is nice.”
Sue enjoyed a 20-year career in aged care before retiring.
“It was great to get back into the industry again,” she said.
Sue said many residents who used to do dressmaking were interested in her ornate costume.
And while she admits she “sings very badly”, no one seems to mind.
“One lady is very good at singing,” she said.
“I have a toy bubble-blower that looks like a microphone, and I hold it in front of her and she breaks out in an amazing voice, then everyone else joins in.
“I get so much pleasure from changing people’s thoughts for a moment, perhaps helping them remember something positive.
“It’s important to me that I’m doing something of value with residents.”
- If you’d like to volunteer with Resthaven, email volunteer@resthaven.asn.au
