I’ve been part of Ballarat Hospice Care since the early days, right back to that public meeting in the early 1980s when we came together to see if a hospice was needed for Ballarat. It was clear to me then that there was – especially for carers. My husband had died not long before, and I remember thinking, “There should have been more support for me.” That’s really what got me involved. I felt I could help give that support to others.

Being a volunteer has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve done. You’re walking alongside people during such a vulnerable time, and it makes a difference – not just to them, but to you too. Ballarat Hospice Care has definitely made a difference in my life.

What I’ve always seen with Ballarat Hospice Care is that it’s not just about the patient – it’s about the whole family. It’s about caring for where they’re at in life and making sure they feel supported.

One thing I’d really like people to know is that we’re still here – even after 40 years, there are people who don’t know about Hospice. That’s something we need to change. People need to know that this support is here for them, right when they need it most.

Listening to what the patient wants, and being able to support that – that’s terribly important. That’s what Ballarat Hospice Care has always done. And I’m proud to have been part of it from the very beginning.