West Gippsland Healthcare Group (WGHG) celebrated National Volunteer Week this month with a special recognition lunch, honouring the invaluable contribution of our volunteers.
Held at the Warragul Country Club, the event brought together volunteer groups from across the organisation to celebrate their dedication and service to the community.
This year’s National Volunteer Week theme, “Your Year to Volunteer,” highlighted the many opportunities and personal rewards that volunteering can bring. The theme was reflected throughout the event, recognising both long-serving volunteers and those newly inspired to give back.
Representing the WGHG Wig Library, volunteers Ellen & Petra spoke on the enjoyment of volunteering and why they chose to take part.
“I volunteer because of the dedication and commitment of the volunteers who came before me,” Petra said. “To put it simply, I volunteer because they did.”
WGHG Volunteer Coordinator Sarah Kelly also thanked volunteers for their ongoing commitment to supporting patients, families, visitors, and staff across the health service.
“Thank you to every single one of you for all that you do,” Ms Kelly said. “We simply could not do this without you.”
The event was attended by WGHG senior leaders, including Executive Director of People and Culture Cathy Portelli, and Board members Sarah Lukies, Felix Pintado, and Rob Barr, who joined in acknowledging the vital role volunteers play across our health services.
During the lunch, several volunteers were recognised for achieving significant service milestones.
Congratulations to the following volunteers for their service milestones:
Faye: 5 Years, Drouin Op Shop
Jayne: 5 Years, Drouin Op Shop
Ann: 10 Years, Trafalgar Op Shop
Sharon: 10 Years, Trafalgar Op Shop
Isabel: 15 Years, Trafalgar Op Shop
Sharmaine: 20 Years, Drouin Op Shop
WGHG’s volunteer program continues to grow, with 41 new volunteers recruited over the past 12 months, helping to further enhance patient and visitor experiences across our campuses.
With the programs growth WGHG was able to reintroduced the Wig Library and social visitor program in our Haemodialysis unit over the past year, with plans underway to resume social visits to palliative care patients in the near future.
Anyone interested in volunteering with WGHG is encouraged to contact Volunteer Coordinator Sarah Kelly via email at sarah.kelly@wghg.com.au or by phone on 0458 488 543.
Media Inquiries: Public Relations Office: ceooffice@wghg.com.au
