National Volunteers Week 2025

North Eastern Community Hospital (NECH) proudly acknowledged National Volunteers Week by extending heartfelt thanks to the many volunteers who generously give their time, compassion, and care to our hospital and aged care services.

Volunteers play a vital role at NECH, supporting patients, residents, families, and staff in countless meaningful ways. Whether offering one-to-one support, helping at aged care events, supporting us behind the scenes in printing and collating forms, or providing valuable contributions to our committees, their involvement has widespread impact to all aspects of our services here at NECH.

As a token of appreciation during Volunteers Week, NECH was delighted to host a special thank-you lunch at Café Settebello on Wednesday 21 May, bringing volunteers together to celebrate their contribution and the difference they make every day.

A special mention was given to Helen, who this year celebrates an extraordinary 40 years of volunteering at NECH. This remarkable milestone reflects an inspiring level of dedication and service, and NECH extends its sincere gratitude for her decades of commitment to our community. Helen reflected on the many years of contribution which also included the Auxiliary as a fundraising arm, volunteer network to support providing an onsite café and so much more.

“Our volunteers are an integral part of what makes NECH such a caring and connected place,” said Cara Miller, CEO. “Their kindness, generosity, and willingness to give their time has a lasting impact on our organisation the lives of those we support.”

Volunteers Week also provided an opportunity to recognise the staff who coordinate, welcome, and support volunteers across the organisation. Their efforts ensure that volunteering at NECH is meaningful, well-supported, and sustainable. It truly takes a team to make volunteering possible, and NECH is grateful for the care and effort that sits behind every volunteer we have the privilege of having at our hospital and age care.

What is also truly remarkable is that many of our volunteers have also been past employees at NECH. Their journey continues through supporting our organisation in a voluntary capacity – that is the true heart of a community based facility.

To all our volunteers—past and present—thank you for being such a valued part of the NECH family. Your contribution enriches our services and strengthens our community in ways that cannot be overstated.