Whether it’s serving coffee, pruning rose bushes, or assisting patients and visitors, a number of Peninsula Health’s volunteers are celebrating significant milestones for their groups and services. Join us in acknowledging their fantastic work and celebrating their success.
Rosebud Hospital Garden Group: 30 years
The Rosebud Hospital Garden Volunteer Group is celebrating 30 years of blooming success.
“The Rosebud Garden Volunteers have been uplifting the spirits of patients, visitors and staff for 30 years, giving us welcomed beauty and serenity that is greatly appreciated by all,” says Julie Richardson, Acting Director of Nursing at Rosebud Hospital.
These generous ‘green thumbed’ volunteers come together on a regular basis to water, weed and use trailer load after trailer load of mulch and new plants to ensure that the internal courtyards and external gardens at Rosebud Hospital are well tended and always thriving.
Rosebud Hospital Kiosk Auxiliary: 30 years
The Rosebud Hospital Kiosk may be known for its coffee and sandwiches, but over the past 30 years it has also raised more than $500,000 in funds for the hospital – including $70,000 in 2024 alone.
The kiosk has bounced back from the challenges presented during and after COVID-19, and now has a roster of around 35 volunteers. Teams of four operate the kiosk every weekday.
“Having a place like the kiosk, where families can come together while their loved ones are staying in the hospital for several days or weeks, is incredibly important. There’s a great atmosphere here,” says Margaret, President of the Auxiliary.
In addition to running the kiosk, the Auxiliary hosts its own fundraisers and receives generous donations from patients and staff.
“Rosebud is an exceptional community hospital,” says Margaret. “I’m so proud that our kiosk has raised over $70,000 to help improve our services for the local community.”
Karingal Hub Walking Group: 25 years
The Karingal Hub Walking Group has been stepping it up for 25 years. The program, facilitated by a group leader, is supported by a dedicated group of 16 volunteers – several whom have been with the program from the very beginning. The team host four walks a week at the shopping centre, giving the community a friendly and safe indoor place to exercise.
In 2016 the Karingal Hub Walking Group volunteers were the winners of the Minister for Health Volunteer Award for ‘Outstanding Team in Improving Public Health’.
Prior to COVID restrictions, between 90 and 120 people participated in each session, making it one of the most successful walking groups of its kind in the state.
Assistance and Care in ED: 20 years
The Assistance and Care in Emergency (ACE) volunteer program is celebrating 20 years of service in the Frankston and Rosebud Emergency Departments (ED). ACE volunteers provide an invaluable service working side by side with staff to ensure that patients and families are provided with practical assistance, emotional support and a range of services to make a traumatic visit to the ED more comfortable.
“The commitment and dedication demonstrated shift after shift is to be commended,” says Trish O’Neill, ICU and ED Operations Director. “The environment of the ED is not an easy place to work, yet the volunteers’ efforts seamlessly aid in the gaps that we identify as important in our processes of care. ACE volunteers bring the human elements needed in this increasingly busy and challenging clinically driven environment.”
A highlight this year will be also acknowledging Grace Lester who, as an original ACE member and ‘buddy trainer for new volunteers’, will be awarded for 20 years of service.
“Initially I was looking for a volunteer role that was a little different for a good cause,” says Grace. “Knowing that I am really helping in the ED with so many grateful patients, families and staff motivates me to come in every week.”
Frankston Hospital Greet and Guide: 15 years
If you visit Frankston Hospital on a Friday morning, chances are you’ll be greeted by the smiling faces of Gus and Thea DeGroot.
Gus has been volunteering at the hospital for 27 years, and took up the Greet and Guide role along with wife Thea 15 years ago. The service started as a small kiosk just outside the hospital entrance, with Gus and Thea running the desk on Friday nights.
“We’re blessed, we’ve done voluntary work all our lives. Our parents brought us into it, and our children do it, we all do it. It’s very rewarding, you feel like you’ve done something good,” says Thea.
“It’s helping people to do things… and it’s as simple as that,” adds Gus.
In 2024, the Greet and Guide volunteers recorded over 24,000 wayfinding enquiries and personally accompanied over 5000 people to their destinations, making a real difference in improving the experience for patients and visitors as well as being of great assistance to reception staff and departments.
Community Advisory Groups: 15 years
Our Rainbow, Western Port, Frankston Northern and Community Health Community Advisory Groups are celebrating a significant milestone this year – 15 years of the consumer voice.
Each of these groups has a number of consumers who volunteer their time to attend regular meetings, bringing the voice of consumers, carers and the community into the health service. This helps ensure that we provide health services that meet the needs of the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula community.
Their significant input and contribution is highly valued by all at Peninsula Health and we thank each and every one of the past and present group members for their dedication and service over the past 15 years and look forward to continuing to work with them in the future.
