A Lifetime of Service, A Passion for Empowering Seniors
Vivien Sweeney
Vivien Sweeney
For Vivien Sweeney, volunteering has never been just an activity—it has been a lifelong calling. From a young age, she sought out opportunities to help others, guided by a strong sense of purpose and compassion. At just 21 years old, she moved to Papua New Guinea with her two young children to teach in a volunteer role, including supporting women and girls who had long been denied access to education.
“I did this for 20 years and had so many amazing experiences,” she reflected.

That spirit of service has followed her through every stage of life.
Over the decades, Vivien continued to volunteer in countless ways—teaching ESOL, helping older people learn how to email their loved ones, guiding them through My Aged Care processes, and supporting those who needed someone patient and kind by their side. Becoming a Volunteer Energy4Seniors Energy Champion was a natural continuation of this lifelong commitment.
Making an Impact That Truly Matters
Vivien’s volunteer work has always been about empowering others. In every role she has taken on, she has witnessed the profound impact that knowledge, support, and confidence can bring to people’s lives.
“In each case, the impact on my target group was huge,” she said. “The satisfaction and self-worth they gained was my reward.”
A Joyful Moment She Will Never Forget
One memorable experience as an Energy Champion involved supporting a sprightly 95-year-old woman who was thrilled to learn about subsidies she was eligible for.
“She was the first at the table to collect the handouts,” Vivien recalled. “Her joy at taking them home so her daughter could apply for her was contagious!”
Moments like this highlight why Vivien loves being part of the Council on the Ageing Queensland’s Energy4Seniors project —the immediate, visible impact of sharing information that can change someone’s daily life.
Growing Skills, Expanding Knowledge, Strengthening Confidence
Being an Energy4Seniors Energy Champion has also helped Vivien grow personally and professionally.
She has expanded her skills by editing and delivering PowerPoint presentations, reaching remote groups, and learning about the range of assistance available and the roles of key peak bodies. This deeper understanding enables her to give accurate, practical support to older people.
“Learning and assisting others is great for my self-esteem,” she said. “These are both important to me. I also get a lot from learning from others, and I find the camaraderie at trainings wonderful—it’s a break from my caring role.”
The Importance of Connection and Team Support
For Vivien, the face-to-face training sessions were invaluable.
“They’re what keep me upbeat and help my morale,” she said. “Training days make you feel part of a team and give great learning and interaction opportunities.”
Her enthusiasm, dedication, and genuine care for others shine through in everything she does, making her a valued and inspirational member of the Energy4Seniors Champion community.