Ms Bragge visits group disability homes under the Victorian Office of the Public Advocate community visitor program.

As regional convener, she said more volunteers were needed in the North East.

“We all have the welfare of the people in mind – many can’t speak for themselves or may not have a voice to speak for them,” Ms Bragge said.

“There have been some terrible abuses uncovered on a statewide basis … in most cases, they have been uncovered as a result of community visitors, who have gone in and seen something awful happening or noticed something isn’t quite right.

“Our region has quite good providers.”

Volunteers visit a mixture of government and community service organisations. Ms Bragge said they looked at primary issues including physical and emotional well-being, compatibility with other residents, community access and staff professionalism.

“Our system is unique, in that we are volunteers and we are completely independent, we leave a report when we visit,” she said.

No qualifications are needed however volunteers are screened to ensure they are suitable. For more information, call 1300 309 337.