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Celebrating the return of volunteers to Austin Health, this National Volunteers Week!
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- Celebrating the return of volunteers to Austin Health, this National Volunteers Week!
Monday 17 May
This National Volunteers Week, we’re excited to start welcoming back our volunteers to our Austin Health sites, after more than a year away due to COVID-19.
Manager Volunteer Engagement, Jodi Batchelor, explains that the return of volunteers is happening in a phased approach.
“The Volunteer Engagement team has been working hard to support the return of volunteers.
“So far we've been able to welcome back 10 volunteering roles,” says Jodi.
These roles include our volunteer guides, Justice of the Peace, pet therapy volunteers, library volunteers, horticultural therapy volunteers, River Enterprise Woodwork volunteers at Talbot and retail assistants at the Diamond Creek Op Shop and Austin Hospital Gift Shop.
“When we announced the return of volunteering, the feeling was electric,” says Jodi.
“I've been really moved at some points, because the joy was overwhelming.
“I honestly believe that volunteers lay at the heart of Austin Health. They help create really positive experiences for patients, their families, and our staff as well.
“Our volunteers’ desire to help our community in any way possible, is just incredibly humbling. To be in a role where I get to work alongside these people, I feel very blessed. ” says Jodi.
Volunteer Guide at Austin Hospital, Bev Whitley, says it’s ‘absolutely fabulous’ to be back.
“I know Austin Hospital like the back of my hand. To be able to help patients find their way around is a very rewarding experience,” says Bev.
Inese Jurevics is also a Volunteer Guide at Austin Hospital.
“The staff and patients have been so happy to see us, it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside,” says Inese.
Retail assistant at the Austin Hospital Gift Shop, Michelle Vengust, says it's great to be back.
“What I love about my role in the Gift Shop is the opportunity to help with fundraising efforts for the hospital,” Michelle.
Desi Lekkas also volunteers as a retail assistant at the Austin Hospital Gift Shop.
“I started volunteering at Austin Health five years ago, because they helped my family. I feel like I’m able to give back and say thanks through volunteering,” says Desi.
