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Volunteers from four palliative care volunteer services were recognised for their outstanding achievements today, during National Volunteer Week and National Palliative Care Week.

Megan Asbury, Deputy CEO, Palliative Care NSW, and Kate Bowman, Manager, Volunteer Support Services Programme, presented the volunteers with certificates at a brief ceremony held at the Art Gallery of NSW.

“We know that the comfort and companionship volunteers provide is such an important part of supporting a person facing a life-limiting illness. It’s a challenging space to work in but volunteers face it with incredible strength and kindness.

“They bring comfort and dignity to those in need, and their efforts remind us of the power of human connection and empathy. They offer not just help, but warmth, compassion, and a listening ear, making a world of difference every single day. It’s not an easy job, but it’s a profoundly important one.” said Megan.

The four volunteers receiving certificates today were:

• Karen Jaques, Sydney Local Health District – Concord Hospital
• Karen van der Schaar, HammondCare Health Volunteer Services – Neringah Hospital
• Joanne Clarke, Sacred Heart Biography Service – St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney
• Paul Hayes, SWSLHD Palliative Care Volunteer Service – Bankstown and Liverpool Hospitals

“These certificates of recognition are a small token of our gratitude. It is a way to acknowledge the hard work and big hearts of these special palliative care volunteers. We recognise their time, commitment, and effort, and extend our heartfelt appreciation for the wonderful work they do.” said Kate.

Following the ceremony, all four volunteers attended the Premier’s Volunteer Reception held in the Art Gallery’s new building.

Photo: (L – R) Kate Bowman, Joanne Clarke, Paul Hayes, Karen Jaques, Karen van der Schaar, Megan Asbury