A big thank you to all our volunteers

Last week was National Volunteer Week and South Eastern Sydney Local Health District took the opportunity to celebrate the invaluable contribution of our hospital volunteers to the District and their communities.

Almost five million people in NSW are active volunteers, contributing more than 1.5 billion hours in donated time. The theme for National Volunteer Week this year was ‘Connecting Communities’. This theme recognises the diverse passions and talents everyone brings to the act of volunteering, emphasising that there’s a place for each of us to match our unique skills and interests.

Our hundreds of volunteers generously give up their time to connect with our patients, supporting our hospitals in delivering world class care, and empowering our staff to deliver a positive experience for our community members. Whether it’s providing valuable support to clinical staff by assisting with non-medical tasks, assisting patients and visitors in finding their way around the hospital, or helping in the kiosk or gift shop, volunteers contribute to a positive patient experience by offering a friendly face, a listening ear and a helping hand.

In celebration last week, The Sutherland Hospital held an event to mark the 65th anniversary of the Hospital Kiosk, which is run volunteers. St George Hospital came together with volunteers for a morning tea and panel discussion providing the opportunity to connect with staff and fellow volunteers.

For people in a position to help, volunteering allows you to support important causes, learn new skills and connect with other people, while giving back to the community. If you are interested in volunteering your time and skills, reach out to your local hospital to learn more.

Published 26 May 2025