VollieCare

03/08/2026

Meet Wathma – Wellbeing Support Volunteer, Marjorie Tripp Ward

Wathma has been volunteering on the Marjorie Tripp Ward for the past year. The 20-bed ward cares for older patients experiencing geriatric syndromes and acute illness, providing specialised support during what can often be a challenging time.

"My day usually begins around 9.30 am when I check in with the ward staff to see which patients may benefit from some extra social and emotional support," Wathma explains.

Much of Wathma's time is spent in the ward's activity area, where patients have access to games, books and therapeutic activities.

After speaking with staff, she visits patients individually and invites them to join the activity room if they feel up to it. While some enjoy spending time with others in the activity area, others prefer to remain in their rooms.

"I always respect their choice and tailor my support to what they feel comfortable with."

Patients can enjoy a range of activities including colouring, jigsaw puzzles, board games or simply a friendly chat. Sometimes, companionship and conversation are exactly what someone needs.

When a new patient is admitted, Wathma often helps them complete a Sunflower Board, which highlights their interests, hobbies, family, likes and dislikes. Displayed above the patient's bed, the board helps staff get to know the person and supports more personalised, person-centred care.

Around midday, Wathma assists with preparing for the ward's Lunch Club, where patients can share a meal together in a welcoming environment that encourages conversation, connection and social interaction.

"I love being able to provide companionship and support during what can be a difficult time in people's lives. Whether we're chatting, listening to music, watching classic movies, colouring or playing games together, it's wonderful to see patients become more relaxed, engaged and comfortable."

For Wathma, the greatest reward comes from the smallest moments.

"When a patient smiles or simply says, 'Thank you for spending time with me,' it means so much. Those moments bring me so much joy and remind me why volunteering is so rewarding."

27/07/2026

Support VollieCare and Help Us Reach Our Fundraising Goal!

VollieCare is taking part in the People First Community Lottery, an exciting fundraising initiative that helps local sporting clubs, schools, charities, volunteer groups and other not-for-profit organisations across Australia raise much-needed funds.

When you purchase a $2 ticket through the VollieCare Community Lottery page, every dollar from your ticket goes directly to supporting VollieCare and the vital work of our volunteers.

Get in quick https://www.communitylottery.com.au/products/volliecare if you want to be in with a chance to win the early bird prize

24/07/2026

Meet Bev (left) and Trudi (right), two of our dedicated Emergency Department Volunteers.

Our Emergency Department (ED) Volunteers provide support to patients and their families during what is often a stressful and uncertain time. Sometimes that support is as simple as offering a listening ear, sitting with someone who is alone, comforting the family of a trauma patient experiencing grief and bereavement, taking a warm blanket to a patient in the waiting room, or passing on important information from families to clinical staff. These small acts of kindness can make a significant difference.

Bev has been volunteering with VollieCare for 25 years.

"I've always believed in giving back to the community. I lost my father when I was 11, and he was a wonderful role model who always helped others in meaningful ways. Volunteering has allowed me to continue his legacy by doing something that makes a real difference."

Trudi has been volunteering with VollieCare for 8 years.

"I had considered nursing many years ago, but life took me in a different direction. Volunteering in the Emergency Department has given me the opportunity to work in a hospital environment, which I feel very comfortable in."

Both Bev and Trudi agree that volunteering in the Emergency Department is a privilege and an incredibly rewarding experience.

"Every shift is different. We are fortunate to work alongside an incredible team of doctors, nurses and hospital staff whose dedication, professionalism and compassion inspire us every time we volunteer."

For Trudi, the support she receives from VollieCare has been just as meaningful as the role itself.

"VollieCare has always supported me while encouraging me to use my life skills where appropriate. I've also made wonderful new friends who share the same values and passion for helping others."

Bev hopes more people will consider becoming an ED Volunteer.

"You don't need a medical background to volunteer in the Emergency Department. If you have compassion, enjoy helping others and can spare some time each week, we'd love to hear from you."

As the Emergency Department is a specialised clinical environment, all volunteers receive comprehensive training, including 16 hours of role-specific education, to ensure they feel confident and well prepared before commencing.

22/07/2026

💙 Meet Kenna – Wellbeing Support Volunteer on Kokoda Ward💙
Originally from the Philippines and with a background in healthcare, Kenna has been volunteering with VollieCare for the past three months as a Wellbeing Support Volunteer.

In her role, Kenna spends time with patients by engaging in friendly conversations, listening, offering companionship and providing a comforting presence. These simple but meaningful interactions help improve patients' emotional wellbeing, confidence and sense of dignity during their hospital stay.

"My experience on Kokoda has been very positive. I've felt welcomed by the team and have had the opportunity to develop my skills while contributing to meaningful work. It's been a valuable learning experience, and I've really enjoyed being part of VollieCare."

Like many volunteers starting a new role, Kenna experienced a learning curve while getting to know the different needs of patients and hospital procedures. By asking questions, learning from colleagues and gaining experience, she has grown in confidence and become a valued member of the team.

Thank you, Kenna, for the kindness, compassion and support you provide to our patients every week. We are so grateful to have you as part of the VollieCare family.

20/07/2026

Meet the People Who Know the Hospital Better Than Google Maps!

Ever found yourself wandering the corridors of Flinders Medical Centre wondering if you accidentally ended up in another postcode? Our Volunteer Guides are here to save the day!

Whether it's helping patients, visitors or even the occasional staff member find their destination, our Guides are the friendly faces who keep everyone heading in the right direction. And because superheroes deserve to be seen, you'll notice they're now sporting their bright new uniforms, making them even easier to spot.

In the past 12 months alone, our incredible Guides escorted and directed an amazing 57,381 people through Flinders Medical Centre.

As for how many kilometres they've walked... let's just say if we counted the steps, we'd probably discover they've collectively walked to Melbourne and back (at least!).

📍 You can find our Volunteer Guides:

Flinders Medical Centre: Monday to Friday, 8.00 am – 4.00 pm
Noarlunga Hospital: Monday to Friday, 9.30 am – 3.30 pm

So, next time you're not quite sure where you're headed, keep an eye out for the bright orange vests. They'll point you in the right direction—with a smile!

05/07/2026

Support VollieCare and Help Us Reach Our Fundraising Goal!

VollieCare is taking part in the People First Community Lottery, an exciting fundraising initiative that helps local sporting clubs, schools, charities, volunteer groups and other not-for-profit organisations across Australia raise much-needed funds.

When you purchase a $2 ticket through the VollieCare Community Lottery page, every dollar from your ticket goes directly to supporting VollieCare and the vital work of our volunteers.

The People First Community Lottery has 41 prizes this year valued at over $300,000!
Early bird prize is a Toyota Corolla Hybrid Ascent Sport valued at $35,939.
1st Prize is a Toyota Kluger Hybrid GX AWD (RRP $67,451),
2nd Prize is a Toyota Yaris Hybrid (RRP $32,691) and
3rd prize is a 25 Day Northern Lights & Rhine River Cruise package (RRP $31,980).

Get in quick https://www.communitylottery.com.au/products/volliecare if you want to be in with a chance to win the early bird prize

Support local community groups in the People’s Choice Community Lottery. 100% of proceeds from every $2 ticket sold goes to your chosen group. Buy tickets!

05/07/2026

02/07/2026

Meet Marion (left) and Linda (right) – our inspiring mother and daughter volunteer duo.

Life changed in an instant when Linda, aged just 34 at the time, survived a devastating car accident that left doctors uncertain she would ever recover. Thanks to the extraordinary care of hospital staff, months of intensive rehabilitation, and Linda's incredible determination, she defied every expectation.

Today, Marion, who has volunteered with VollieCare for 19 years, and Linda, a volunteer of 13 years, work side by side in the Women's Health Clinic, giving back to the healthcare community that played such an important role in their journey.

For Marion, volunteering has been deeply meaningful.
"For me, it's once again becoming a useful part of a community that I had very much missed while being immersed in the 24/7 care of Linda. For Linda, it's meant regaining a huge slice of her independence by also being part of that community. She has surprised us all with her determination to complete every task quickly and efficiently."

Although Linda continues to live with the effects of a brain injury and has difficulty walking, she has never allowed those challenges to define her.

She returned to one of her greatest passions—art—and in 2017 was recognised with the Independent Achievement Award from Disability SA, presented by then Minister for Human Services, Nat Cook.

While ongoing arm and shoulder issues have meant Linda can no longer enjoy watercolour painting, she has embraced ink art instead. According to Marion, the intricate detail and patience required make it an even more challenging medium, but one that Linda has mastered with characteristic determination.

Linda's artistic talent has also supported others. Her works, including Kingfisher, were reproduced as postcards and sold to raise funds for Dr Bain's research, generating $300. Kingfisher has also been proudly displayed through the Arts in Health program at Flinders Medical Centre.

Marion and Linda's story is one of resilience, hope and gratitude. It is a reminder that even after life's greatest challenges, it is possible not only to recover but to give back in ways that inspire everyone around you.

Thank you, Marion and Linda, for the compassion, kindness and inspiration you bring to VollieCare every day. We are incredibly proud to have you as part of our volunteer family.

29/06/2026

Meet Julie, one of our wonderful Collator Volunteers. 💙

After closing the family business, Flinders Medical Centre became the perfect way to reconnect with the community.

Having previously worked as a nurse before running a business, returning to a healthcare environment felt like coming home.

"I started volunteering with VollieCare about four years ago as an Area Support Volunteer, which meant I would go wherever I was needed—usually wherever there was a shortage of volunteers. It was a great way to experience different areas of the hospital and added plenty of variety to my volunteer shifts."

Today, Julie volunteers her time collating patient appointment letters and information packs, as well as creating beautiful knitted and crocheted blankets for our Nurture Boxes. She also lovingly joins together donated knitted squares, transforming them into warm, comforting blankets for patients.

For Julie, volunteering is about so much more than the tasks.

"I've enjoyed meeting new people and forming new friendships with the people I work with. The other volunteers have supported me through some good and not-so-good times, just by being there to talk with—sometimes without even realising they were helping."

Thank you, Julie, for sharing your time, your talents and your kindness.

Volunteers like you remind us that the greatest gift isn't just what you do—it's the friendships, compassion and sense of belonging you create along the way. 💙

19/06/2026

Meet Matthew, a volunteer Guide at Flinders Medical Centre.

Just one week after finishing school, Matthew joined the VollieCare Guide Team, helping patients and visitors find their way around the hospital. Twenty-five years later, he’s still doing what he loves.

“The main reason I came here is that I have Cerebral Palsy. When I was at school, everyone would talk about becoming a mechanic or pursuing different careers. From a young age, I knew a traditional 40-hour work week probably wasn’t the right fit for me, so volunteering gave me the opportunity to contribute in a way that worked for me through shorter shifts,” Matthew said.

Matthew believes Guides play an important role in shaping people’s experience of the hospital.

“I think the Guides are one of the most important parts of the hospital. If someone comes straight to the Guides desk, their first impression of the hospital is you,” he said.

Over the years, volunteering has also helped Matthew grow in confidence and connection.

“I get a lot of self-worth out of it. I’m excited to come to the hospital and I know I’m going to see my friends,” he said.

Thank you to Matthew and all of our Guide volunteers, who can easily clock up 20,000 steps in a single 4-hour shift helping patients and visitors find their way around the hospital.