At Mercy Place Keon Park, nurse Talwinder Singh has been supporting bushfire-affected communities across regional Victoria — bringing compassion and practical support to those in need.
Between shifts as a registered nurse and clinical care coordinator, Talwinder volunteered with Australian Sikh Support, delivering food, water and essential supplies to towns impacted by bushfires.
On the first day alone, the group organised 30 boxes of pizzas and crates of water for families and firefighters sheltering in community halls. They later travelled to Yea, Highlands, Ruffy, Seymour, Cowes and Geelong to continue their support.
Talwinder said his motivation comes from both his faith and his profession.
“Volunteering isn’t just about helping others — it’s how I live my faith,” he said. “Sikhism teaches that selfless service is a duty, and nursing is another form of that service.”
His commitment also resonated across Mercy Place Keon Park, where staff, residents and volunteers came together to support the effort. A donation drive collected more than $1,000 worth of essential goods, including blankets, doonas, toiletries and kitchen staples.
These were distributed to households affected by the Central Victorian bushfires, contributing to the 900 people supported by Australian Sikh Support in January.
For Talwinder, the experience highlighted the strength of community.
“You see ordinary people doing extraordinary things, and that makes all the travel, the late nights and the heavy lifting worth it.”
