National Volunteer Week 2023 Australia: A Celebration of Change Makers

I was asked to join the Board by the former CEO of The Common Good, and the current Chair, Chris Morton. It is an honour and a privilege to be involved. 

Having worked in Brisbane in various roles for around 40 years, I bring a strong knowledge and network of the private and public sectors to the Board. I'm commercially minded, I'm a problem solver, and I get results. There is also a great alignment with my core values.

I love the ethos, commitment and strategic intent around 'The Common Good'. I'm also a huge supporter of dedicated and innovative research into key areas of real medical need.

If you are considering volunteering but are yet to put your hand up, I say: "Think big, add value, make a difference."

What is your volunteering role?

I currently volunteer at SPAC – Surgical Procedures Allocation Centre.  Here I organise packs as required for the different procedures, including shoulder, knee, hip and heart surgeries.

Why do you volunteer?

I have volunteered on some level all my life. My mother was a great advocate for volunteering the services of my sister and myself to all our elderly neighbours. I love volunteering, it makes me feel valued.

How has volunteering changed your life?

Besides the satisfaction and joy I feel at doing something worthwhile, I have made so many friends along the way. I look forward to my weekly visits to the Prince Charles Hospital and feel blessed to be able to volunteer there.

Would you recommend volunteering to others?

Absolutely. When someone tells me they are lonely or bored, I always suggest volunteering as a means to escape their loneliness or boredom.

What is your volunteering role?

My volunteer role in the TPCH is at the Heart & Lung Specialist Clinics. I help patients navigate their pre-check in admin, which includes things like obtaining a ticket and make sure that they have their Medicare Cards ready with them. I also check their paperwork before they go to the counter clerks. It’s a really important way for patients to feel more prepared in the lead up to their appointment.

Why do you volunteer?

I wanted to be a volunteer as a big thank you to The Prince Charles Hospital for the excellent services that my family and I have received in the past.

How has volunteering changed your life?

It has given me a better understanding of how to appreciate what we take for granted.

Would you recommend volunteering to others?

I would certainly encourage people to become volunteers as it’s a great service to society. I had to give back something for what my family and I received at TPCH. I also enjoy meeting and helping new people to various sections of the hospital.

"I volunteered for the first time at the Ekka in 2022 and then returned to help the team at Giving Day a few months later.

Since 1999, I’ve had eight heart attacks, one stroke, a quadruple bypass and 11 stents and a pacemaker placed into my chest. As a result, I’ve been cared for several times by the medical teams at The Prince Charles Hospital. I volunteer because I want to give back somehow. I can’t give back financially, but I certainly can give back in time.

Volunteering gives me a buzz and a sense of fulfilment that I’m helping in some way. It is wonderful.

I will definitely be volunteering at the EKKA again this year. If you’re thinking about volunteering but aren’t sure, I say put your inhibitions behind you because the crowd is so welcoming, it’s as if you’ve known them for years. It’s a very nice atmosphere. The Common Good staff and volunteers make you feel welcome."