My experience with Ballarat Hospice Care started in the early ’80s when, for one reason or another, I became interested in end-of-life care. Around 1983, there was growing community interest, and with the support of the local Trades Hall Council, early meetings began. By 1984, Ballarat Hospice Care was created, and I later became the medical director.

What I love most about Ballarat Hospice Care is that from the very beginning, it was infused with an energy and a sense of purpose that was genuinely exciting. I’d never experienced that before. I didn’t always feel like a great medical student or intern, but at Ballarat Hospice Care, I found my place – enjoying the space, talking with people, being in their homes, and most of all, the camaraderie of a team.

What makes Ballarat Hospice Care stand out is that despite the changes over the years, the sense of purpose and energy has remained consistent. We’ve grown, and we’ve adapted, but the heart of the hospice, the mission, and the care we provide have remained the same. It’s something the community should feel proud of.

Palliative care isn’t about shortening or lengthening life. It’s about keeping the person comfortable for as long as possible and providing them with the dignity and care they deserve at the end of life.

I’d like people to know that Ballarat Hospice Care is there for the community, even when they don’t need it every day. It’s a resource that’s accessible for when anyone in the community faces end-of-life issues or just doesn’t know where to turn for help. It’s there for families, for those who are unsure of what to do when someone gets sick, and for those who need advice or support.