Celebrating our amazing volunteers
23 May 2025
During National Volunteer Week, we proudly honoured the incredible contributions of our volunteers at the annual Volunteer Recognition Event.
Volunteers, staff and leaders gathered in Lecture Theatre B to celebrate the theme of this year’s National Volunteer Week: “Connecting Communities”— a theme that truly reflects the impact our volunteers make every day.
"I know the sight of a volunteer vest can be so comforting for people when they come to Peter Mac,” said Chief Executive Professor Jason Payne in his opening address. “Volunteers are highly valued and respected across all areas of Peter Mac – by staff, patients and families. The comfort and support you provide is truly so empathetic, and that comes across strongly in all your interactions.”
From helping patients find their way, to distributing hand-knitted blankets, to brightening days with therapy dog visits, our volunteers are a vital part of the Peter Mac community. Many of them have a personal connection to cancer, and they bring not only their time but deep compassion and understanding to every interaction.
Associate Professor Andy Dimech, Chief Nursing Officer, who presented the five-year awards, spoke warmly of his experiences working alongside volunteers: “You make a real difference — not only through what you do, but through how you make people feel.”
Chief Medical Officer Dr Dishan Herath, who presented the awards for 15 years and beyond, noted: “The Peter Mac community is better for your efforts. These are exceptional contributions, and we thank you for your commitment and dedication over many years.”
Following the ceremony, volunteers and guests gathered for refreshments and further celebrations in the Level 13 event space — a chance to connect, reflect, and celebrate new and long-standing friendships.
To all our volunteers: thank you. For your time, your compassion, and your unwavering support of patients and staff alike. Peter Mac is proud to recognise you not just this week, but every day.
This year’s event also recognised the outstanding contributions of volunteers celebrating service milestones, with special thanks to those who have devoted five, ten, fifteen, twenty and even twenty-five years of service.
Congratulations to our milestone award recipients:
5 years of service
- Shreya Goswami
- Mie Hirano-James
- May Yin Posarnig
- Lynette Taylor
- Alison Temperley
- Helen Ukena
- Gillian Large
10 years of service
- Vivienne Bayer
- Robyn Boulter
- Barry Dodd
- Cherry Horan
- Geoff Jowett
- Judy Lawrence
- Doug Prentice
- Clyve Radford
- Lois Whiteoak
- Val Wilkinson
15 years of service
- Tricia Willett
20 years of service
- Antonella Benincasa
- Lilly Harris
25 years of service
- Val Wilson
