Bass Coast Health honoured its 197 volunteers at a volunteer appreciation afternoon tea at Silverwater Resort in San Remo last week.

The annual celebration was held during National Volunteer Week to recognise the volunteers who enhance the health services programs and grow its services.

Volunteers assist BCH in many ways: from auxiliaries to the San Remo Opportunity Shop, to transport driving, concierge services, fundraising and soon to commence, visiting, pet therapy and garden programs.

BCH CEO Jan Child said volunteers were treasured contributors to the health service and the community.

“We value our volunteers so much and are so excited to be returning more volunteer services after we placed these on hold during the Covid pandemic,” she said.

BCH’s auxiliaries include the Inverloch Art Show auxiliary, Ladies auxiliary, Phillip Island Health Hub auxiliary, San Remo Opportunity Shop auxiliary and Inverloch Fundraising auxiliary.

“The 73 members of our auxiliaries raised a combined total of $420,000 last financial year, working tirelessly to provide medical equipment for theatre, cancer services and our specialist clinics, along with food boxes for those in need in the community,” Ms Child said.

“Our Volunteer Transport Team takes people to medical appointments including dialysis, chemotherapy, Allied Health and specialists’ appointments locally.

“Transport services fluctuated over the Covid period and since this essential community program resumed, 55 drivers are taking to the roads with CovidSafe protocols such as the wearing of masks for clients and drivers and transporting one client only, who sits in the rear passenger seat.”

Ms Child said Meals on Wheels volunteers bring companionship and company to clients, as well as providing a welfare check.

“We adore our sole car washer Peter Novak who joined our Fleet Department pre-Covid and has very patiently ceased and resumed duties throughout 2020, 2021 and 2022 in keeping with our CovidSafe plans,” Ms Child said.

“He is a huge asset to the team and keeps our cars in pristine condition.”

“Concierge volunteers are the newest addition to the BCH volunteers, with 23 friendly volunteers meeting and greeting our clients and visitors, and assisting with QR coding as they enter the facilities.”

Ms Child said BCH looked forward to returning further roles after Covid with some changes. These roles are residential care volunteers, spiritual care and ward visiting.

“Thanks also to our Community Advisory Committee for providing a strong community voice to our Board about the needs of our community. Their direction and advice on strategic matters is invaluable,” Ms Child said.

“We also appreciate our Consumer Health Information Committee members who read the brochures, pamphlets and other information we develop to make sure it is appropriate for our consumers.

Their contribution to our improved health literacy is just huge.”

BCH was proud to present service awards to volunteers at the afternoon tea.

• Fay Azzopardi – 10 years of service in transport, palliative care and visiting programs, and is now a Volunteer Concierge in the L. Rigby Centre
• Nancy Brain – 10 years of service to the San Remo Opportunity Shop
• Rod Cameron – 10 years of service to the San Remo ‘The Shack’ Men’s Shed
• Cath Holman – 10 years of service with Planned Activity Groups
• Janine Morris – 10 years of service to the San Remo Opportunity Shop
• Denise Jefferies – 10 years of service as a Spiritual Care Volunteer, visiting on our wards
• Judy Newton – 10 years of service to the San Remo Opportunity Shop
• Christine Taylor – 10 years of service as a transport team member
• Sandra Thorley – 10 years of service to the San Remo Opportunity Shop
• Hilary Nicholson – 10 years of service promoting spiritual health and wellbeing at Griffiths Point Lodge aged care facility at San Remo
• Red Rodgers – 10 years of service transporting clients to medical appointments
• Jill Butler – 15 years of service at Kirrak House aged care facility at Wonthaggi
• Margaret Hender – 15 years of service via the BCH Ladies Auxiliary, of which she is now president
• Greg Main – 15 years of service transporting clients
• Elaine Inglis – 20 years of service to the San Remo Opportunity Shop
• Julie Kilgour – 40 years of service to palliative care, ward visiting, Volunteer Steering Committee and Volunteer Concierge in L. Rigby Centre
• Frank Garry – 40 years of service to Meals on Wheels, Pastoral Care and our transport program.

If you are interested in joining this dynamic team please contact the Volunteer Support Team on 5671 3372 or email Mandy.Gilcrist@basscoasthealth.org.au