The dedication of a small group of Mater's South East Queensland volunteers, who have collectively contributed more than 20,000 hours of service, has been recognised at a special morning tea.

Two of the volunteers — Helen Miller and Isabel Cumming — have delivered 5,000 hours of support to Mater, while other members of the group provided between 500 and 2,500 hours each.

Senior Manager Volunteer Services South East Queensland Judy Johnson thanked the group for their commitment.

“To donate a few hours of your time each week to selflessly care for the wellbeing of others is generous enough. To do it year on year, into the thousands of hours, is truly inspirational,” Judy said.

The event also honoured two volunteers who are retiring from their roles after many years and now join Mater’s Volunteer Alumni.

Jan Blower has volunteered at Mater since 1995 and has been a cuddle mum in the Special Care Nursery at Mater Mothers’ Hospitals, and a theatre assistant at Mater Children’s Hospital and Mater Children’s Private Brisbane. She is retiring after an incredible 5,808 hours of service.

Fellow Alumnus Lyn Cowell first volunteered for a year as a library trolley attendant at Mater Hospital Brisbane in 2007. She returned as an admissions volunteer and ambassador at Mater Mothers’ Hospitals in 2011, before switching roles in 2016 to volunteer as an ambassador on Level 6 of Mater Private Hospital Brisbane.

“Mater wouldn’t be Mater without our volunteers and we are truly grateful for the compassion and kindness they show to our patients and their families, as well as the support they give to staff across the organisation,” Judy said.

Pictured (L-R): Helen Miller, Jan Blower, Senior Manager Volunteer Services (SEQ) Judy Johnson, Lyn Cowell and Isabel Cumming.