A volunteer knocks on a door, steps inside and for the next few hours becomes a companion, a steady presence, sometimes a lifeline.
Week after week volunteers support clients needing end-of-life care.
At GV Hospice, these visits are far more than a friendly drop-in, they are seen as moments of connection, dignity and comfort at a time of life when the little things matter most.
Volunteers are often the person a client sees most regularly.
That consistency, paired with nine weeks of extensive training, allows them to notice subtle changes others may usually miss.
GV Hospice volunteer coordinator Maree Chin shared a moment that captures this perfectly.
“A volunteer arrived for her usual visit and sensed immediately that something wasn’t right,” Maree said.
“Because she had that training, she knew what to look for, and a nurse was able to go straight around and escalate the care.
“It was a good pick-up.”
While volunteers don’t perform any clinical tasks, it’s their presence that matters most.
Some take clients for a walk, sit quietly while a carer has a break, or simply shares a coffee and conversation.
With motivations as varied as the volunteers themselves – many with personal connections to GV Hospice see it as their way of giving back, others seeking purpose and social connection at a time when isolation can be hard hitting.
Some support more than one person, others volunteer across multiple areas, from client care to the GV Hospice Op Shop or general tasks like Foodshare deliveries or putting up Christmas trees.
GV Hospice CEO Wendy Ross said the volunteers were the lifeblood of the organisation, all sharing the same desire to make someone’s final chapter a little more peaceful.
“Their generosity and dedication allow us to extend care, compassion and support to people in our community every day,” Wendy said.
“Their roles may differ, but the heart behind them is the same.”
Both Wendy and Maree said the need for volunteers was continually growing and so was the impact that they can have.
“GV Hospice is always looking for more volunteers,” they shared.
“Particularly in remote areas and people from culturally diverse backgrounds to better support clients in their first language.”
Because at the end of the day, a visit from GV Hospice is never just a visit.
It’s community caring for community, one conversation, one car ride, or even just a quiet moment.
If you’re interested in volunteering, you can contact volunteer coordinator Maree Chin via 5822 0068 or mareec@gvhospice.org.au or inquire through gvhospice.org.au or Greater Shepparton Council’s website.
– BRYNNE TIMEWELL
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