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Garry Richards volunteers for Southern Highlands Community Hospice in Bowral.

His role involves visiting aged care residents needing palliative care at Harbison Moss Vale. The residents most in need often have limited family contact, so Garry provides a supportive presence and acts as an active listener. Feedback from residents and families is always positive.

As a proactive individual and problem solver, Garry helps support the team of over 30 volunteers by mentoring new members and providing input on the policies and procedures required to expand the service.

Southern Highlands Community Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, Sandra Hiscock, says the whole charity is thrilled he has made it to the finals.

‘Garry deserves the recognition. He is kind, compassionate, and dedicated – he never misses a week here.’

Garry has been kind enough to tell us a bit about himself and his volunteering.

Please tell us about your volunteer role and the activities you engage in at your service.

Our palliative care volunteers offer support to our aged care residents in a way that neither their carers nor nurses have time to do. We can spend extended time with each resident, forming relationships that provide companionship and comfort. Residents appreciate that we make no demands on them but are just happy to chat. Such interactions are a real boon, especially to those who are bedridden and mostly alone in their rooms.

What prompted you to volunteer in palliative care?

I first encountered a dedicated palliative care ward about 25 years ago when my son-in-law was dying from cancer. That was a time of great distress for our two families. The supportive process opened my eyes to the value of good palliative care. Since then, I have been close to the deaths of several relatives and friends and have ensured that they were steered towards good palliative care.

What do you enjoy most about being a palliative care volunteer?

I enjoy introducing new trained volunteers to those residents on my list to help them settle into the role and I love interacting with residents and helping them as their health declines. In some cases, their dementia leaves them living in a sea of fog and a steadying, non-demanding presence helps.

Please tell us about a time you had a particularly inspiring volunteering experience.

Our recent introduction of the Reverie harps has brought joy to the residents. The harps are designed for anyone to strum them and create harmonious sounds without any musical knowledge. Even residents severely affected by dementia find pleasure in using these harps. It always sounds good and takes very little persuasion for them to try it. And when they do, they love it.

Please share some words of wisdom for fellow volunteers.

It is a privilege to be able to provide comfort to people who may have little or no family support as they approach the end of their lives and I am glad that I can contribute in a small way.

What would you say to someone who might be thinking about becoming a palliative care volunteer?

Its very rewarding. I wouldn’t call it fun, but it is very rewarding.

The winner of the 2025 NSW Palliative Care Volunteer of the Year will be announced on May 21.

The winner of the 2025 NSW Palliative Care Volunteer of the Year Award will be announced on 21 May and automatically entered in to the Palliative Care Australia National Awards. Winners of the National Awards are announced at the Oceanic Palliative Care Conference.