21 May 2025

This week is National Volunteer Week (19-25 May), Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering. This year we celebrate the power of volunteering and how it brings people together with the theme ‘Connecting Communities’.

Volunteers are at the heart of Austin Health. They support patients, families, visitors and our staff - providing companionship, guide services, supporting retail and fundraising activities, assisting with patient activities, providing administration and organisation support, or helping in other specialised roles.

To celebrate the week, we caught up with Shreya to find out what drives her to volunteer and how her work creates a more connected and supportive environment for our patients, their families and our staff.

Meet Shreya Goswami

Volunteer in Ward 12 (Stroke Unit) since 2019

How does your volunteer role help create a more connected and supportive environment for patients, families, and staff within the hospital?

Being present in the stroke ward, I’ve come to realise how powerful a simple conversation can be. Many patients are navigating fear, frustration, and uncertainty, my role allows me to bring a bit of comfort and familiarity into that space. Whether it's helping someone with their meal, listening to a story from their past, or just sitting in silence when words feel too much, I try to be a reminder that they’re not alone. I’ve also found that this presence eases the load a little for both families and staff, creating a more human and connected atmosphere.

Can you share a meaningful moment when your support helped someone feel less alone or more connected during their hospital visit or stay?

One of the most meaningful moments for me happened during my very first month of volunteering. I met an older gentleman who had recently lost his entire family. He had no visitors, and the idea of moving into a residential care home made him feel even more anxious and isolated.

He told me he felt completely alone, and I could sense how overwhelming that loneliness was. I started spending time with him regularly, just sitting with him, talking about his past or simply keeping him company. Over time, he began to open up. Other volunteers would also stop by, and slowly, he began to feel more at ease. His smiles became more frequent, and he even began to look forward to our chats. One day, he quietly said, “I didn’t think I’d feel safe here without family, but talking to you makes it feel like I’m not invisible.” That moment has always stayed with me.

It reminded me that being present, with empathy and no expectations, can help someone feel truly seen. It was in that moment I realised the power of the volunteer community and the kind of impact we can have, even in small ways.

In what ways do you think volunteers help bridge the gap between the community and the healthcare system?

Volunteers are often the human touch in a system that can feel clinical and overwhelming. We help bring the outside world in, showing patients and their families that they’re seen and supported by a wider community. By simply showing up, listening, and caring, we help soften the boundaries between hospital life and the real world. I think it reassures people that they’re still part of something bigger, even while they’re navigating a health crisis.

How has volunteering helped you connect with people from different backgrounds, including patients, staff, and fellow volunteers?

Volunteering has opened my eyes and heart to so many different lives. I’ve met people from all walks of life, from patients with fascinating stories to nurses who juggle incredible pressures with grace. I've also connected with fellow volunteers who share a quiet commitment to being there for others. It’s been humbling and enriching, and it’s made me more compassionate, more curious, and more grounded.

What do you find most rewarding about being part of the volunteer community, and how does it contribute to a stronger sense of connection?

The most rewarding part is knowing that even in the smallest moments, you might be making someone’s day just a little better. Whether it’s easing loneliness, bringing laughter into a tough space, or just offering a familiar face each week, those moments add up. Being part of this community reminds me of how deeply we all need each other, and how connection is at the heart of healing.