Volunteers thanked

More than 60 volunteers and staff recently gathered for West Gippsland Healthcare Group’s annual volunteer lunch to celebrate National Volunteer Week.

This year’s theme for National Volunteer Week was “We are the Change Makers”.

WGHG board chair Christine Holland acknowledged the work of volunteers across the organisation.

“Volunteers play an important part in helping us deliver our vision of improving the health and wellbeing of our community,” she said.

“Quite simply, without our volunteers we would not be the vibrant, successful organisation we are today.

Ms Holland said the lunch was a small token of the organisation’s appreciation of its volunteers.

WGHG runs a number of volunteer programs including:

Andrews House and Cooinda Lodge aged care social support and lifestyle programs, visiting with older residents;

The concierge program assisting in the smooth transition of patients and visitors around West Gippsland Hospital;

Community Rehabilitation Program providing woodworking skills for clients and undertaking maintenance of equipment for the allied and community health team;

The adult consumer representative program to support the organisation’s standards committees and community voices committee;

The new youth representatives group providing perspectives and opinions of children and young people;

The Rawson Community Health Centre program providing support for vaccinations, events and outreach programs; and,

The Drouin Auxiliary and Trafalgar and District opportunity shops who fundraised a combined $310,000 last financial year for WGHG.

WGHG chief executive officer Dan Weeks said the organisation was on the hunt for more volunteers.

“We are looking community members who are interested in helping us to improve the services we provide to our community.” he said.

“You don’t have to be an expert in any area – we provide training, resources and support to help our community representatives in their roles.”

Volunteers for WGHG programs need to attend an interview, undergo a police check, have (or obtain) a current Working with Children Check, take part in orientation as required, and abide by the healthcare group’s code of conduct.

To apply, visit www.wghg.com.au and complete an online application form.

West Gippsland Healthcare Group board chair Christine Holland (second left) with (from left) WGHG allied and community health director Audra Fenton, board directors Sara Brentnall, Shannon Davies and Adam Selent, consumer engagement and volunteers manager Cherie Howe and board director Rob Barr.

Volunteers Bev Dowie, John Claxton and Gary Whelband.

Volunteers Susan, Jill Ehrnholm, Mia and Kerri Nicholl.