Celebrating over 46 000 hours of volunteering

11/Jun/2021     Mater Group

Twenty five Mater Volunteers have been honoured for contributing 46 620 hours of service to the South Brisbane campus across Health, Education, Research and Foundation spanning two decades.

The recipients were recognised for reaching important milestones in their volunteering hours, 12 volunteers were celebrated for contributing 500 hours while a further six reached an incredible 1 000 hours.   

Marking an astounding 5 000 hours was Heather Kennedy who has volunteered at Mater Mothers’ Hospital as a cuddle mum, reception assistant and in the healthy hearing program.

“The cuddle mum program was what first drew me into Mater, I absolutely adored sitting there holding the babies. What keeps me coming back is the people you work with, they are all so wonderful,” Heather said.

Four volunteers Vandra Neylan, Tony McShane, Beth Goode and Desley Carstairs-Patten were farewelled as they retired from service and were officially made Volunteer Alumni.

Desley Carstairs-Patten has dedicated 8 500 hours of service to Mater over the past twenty-one years starting in 1998.

“I worked predominately in Mater Foundation helping with events like the fun run, I also worked as a patient driver which I enjoyed so much and would always put my hand up to do. It’s been an amazing experience and I loved every minute of it,” Desley said.

Senior Manager Volunteers, Judy Johnson reflected on the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy and the Mater Values of service and commitment that the volunteers uphold at Mater each day.  

“We have a diverse range of volunteers from all different backgrounds and professions who all bring something special and unique to Mater,” Judy said. 

“It’s not just the number of hours they contribute, it’s the impact they have on our patients, their loved ones and our staff.”

To find out more about volunteering at Mater please contact (07) 3163 8599 or email volunteers@mater.org.au   

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