The guest speaker was Benalla Mayor Scott Upston, who spoke in depth about his experiences volunteering with the 2018 Invictus Games.
Before his talk Benalla Health chief executive officer Janine Holland introduced the event and spoke about the value of volunteers and what they brought to the organisation.
‘‘I’d sincerely like to thank all of our volunteers,’’ Ms Holland said.
‘‘The work that you undertake makes you stand out in a crowd and we’re very grateful for all you do.
‘‘Every time that you come and work with us is important. Without your commitment we know that the service that we give to our patients would not be what it is.
‘‘So thank you so much for looking after us and our community. It is really appreciated.’’
Ms Holland then handed the microphone over to Benalla Health chair Louise Armstrong who presented certificates and pins to those volunteers in attendance.
Certificates were presented to; Susan Lock, Pat Richards, Kate Thomas, Sandra Fox, Ms McKinnon, Pat Jacobs, Mary Plumb, Margaret Frankland and Margaret Phillip.
She also read the names of those who were being honoured, but could not make it; Mandy Johnson, Ray McPherson, Elaine Cotton, Doreen Clarke, Raylene Dennis, Greg Dennis, Bruce Forster, Una Howe, Trisha Curtis, Keith Ashbury and Catherine Frost.
Pins for long service were then presented to:
●Marg Alley — 10 years;
●Al Heffron — 10 years;
●Laurie Melgaard — 15 years;
●Julia O’Brien — 21 years; and
●Dorothy Meagher — 28 years.
Unfortunately Ms Meagher was not in attendance, however, Julia O’Brien was there and spoke about how proud she was to receive recognition for 21 year’s of voluntary work at Benalla Health.
‘‘It’s been JUST 21 years,’’ Ms O’Brien said, with a smile on her face.
‘‘It doesn’t feel like 21 years. I don’t know what happened? I really don’t.
‘‘But it’s been great really. I mainly volunteer in palliative care and I’ve loved it.
‘‘I’ve met some wonderful people and families and worked with them.
‘‘And this place is fantastic, the hospital is just wonderful. It’s a wonderful feeling to be a part of Benalla Health.’’
Ms O’Brien said that the main change she has seen in her time volunteering at Benalla Health was there were more volunteers now, and their roles were more varied.
‘‘There’s always been quite a few within the day-care facility, but there are more in the hospital now compared to 21 years ago,’’ Ms O’Brien said.
‘‘When I first started volunteers were mainly in palliative care and there was always a few in the Morrie Evans wing.
‘‘Now there’s many more that are able to help out within the hospital itself, and the roles available are all very rewarding.’’
●If you are interested in volunteering with Benalla Health, phone Rosemary Teasdale on 5761 4374
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