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Stephanye Holden volunteers for Livable Grafton visiting clients in her local community of Yamba.

Stephanye shines through her compassionate approach, strong relationship building skills, and relentless advocacy. By working closely with local organisations, she ensures that no one slips through the gaps and that everyone has access to the culturally sensitive care and support they need.

Demonstrating skills in conflict resolution, communication, and adaptability, Stephanye has a positive impact on her whole team.

‘I was very confident in nominating Stephanye for Palliative Care Volunteer of the Year’, says Annette Grainger, Volunteer Coordinator, Livable.

‘She always goes above and beyond to help her clients. She’s so personable and looks to find a way to really connect with them in whatever way they need.’

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

I visit people at their homes once a week. Most of the time, I keep them company, play table games and chat with them. I can sit and enjoy their company for a long time. I also help them with daily errands such as grocery shopping or take them to appointments if they can’t go by themselves. I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t like to be with me. The other day I took a client to the golf club to have coffee and we saw some kangaroos.

What prompted you to volunteer in palliative care? 

I had a sick husband and people often came to help. He died at the young age of 60. I was cornered by the palliative care team in Yamba and they asked me to join them. That was back in 2006 and I have stayed on the team ever since. 

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

Letting carers pause their caring responsibilities for just a moment. Giving them relief from day-to-day care is really important. They get to meet up with their friends and helping them makes me feel needed. I also enjoy getting to meet lots of different people. 

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

Oh, wow I’ve had lots. There was this one lady – we went bird watching together. She lived in Canberra and came up to Grafton for chemotherapy. Although she stayed with her sister, she didn’t know anyone else in the area. She was hesitant to meet me at first but then I got her some binoculars. She really loved that. 

Please share some words of wisdom for fellow volunteers. 

Hmm, that’s a big question. I’m not a wordy person but if we talk together, we could be at it for a long time. Talking to people is good.

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

Do it! You get so much from it. Even sick people are happy to chat. I’ve met some of the funniest people. There was this one man who always had a new joke for me every time I visited him.  

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.