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Dungog Shire Palliative Care Volunteers recently celebrated 30 years of service with a special commemorative morning tea held at the Anglican Church Hall in Dungog. The community turned out in force during National Palliative Care Week to show their support.

Attendees included current and former committee members, volunteers and supporters, past and present clients and their families, and local and district health workers. Kate Bowman, Manager of the PCNSW Volunteer Services Support Program was delighted to be there in person to celebrate their success. Dungog Shire Mayor, Digby Rayward, was also in attendance and gave special thanks to the service’s team for their continued care and dedication.

Margaret Jones, Management Committee President, welcomed guests and reflected on the organisation’s journey. Beginning in 1995, the service initially focused on respite care but as other needs became apparent the service slowly expanded. In 2003, a linen service was established making use of a disused hospital garage. Over time, essential equipment like beds and mobility aids was added to help clients stay comfortably at home. Because many clients needed assistance to travel long distances to medical appointments providing transport to treatment became a key service.

Margaret also shared stories about the challenges the organisation has faced over the years, including navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, several name changes, sourcing equipment, securing suitable premises, finding funding, and adapting services like transport to better meet the needs of local clients.

In 2021 the service was presented with the Outstanding Teamwork Award by Palliative Care Australia for adapting service delivery to meet the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have always been very proud of the service we provide but now the wider community is aware of what can be achieved by a small number of very determined volunteers in a rural community,” said President Margaret Jones. “All of our volunteers, past and present, and everyone who has served on the management committee should be very proud of what this service has achieved in the last thirty years.”

A celebration cake, supplied by local business Carly’s Cakes, was cut by Margaret, current Coordinator Annette O’Neill, and the group’s original Secretary, Elsie Francis.

These days the team of volunteers offer free, non-clinical support to Dungog Shire residents with life-limiting illnesses, as well as their families and carers. Services include transport to appointments, a linen service, home-care equipment, respite care, and regular visits from friendly faces.

If you would like to learn more about volunteering at this service, please contact Annette O’Neill on 0457 846 806.

Visit their website at: https://dungogcarers.com.au/
Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DungogShirePalliativeCareVolunteers