News

In front of over thousand people at the OPCC gala dinner and to a roaring standing ovation, Kevin Stokes took to the stage to receive the 2025 National Palliative Care Award for outstanding achievement in volunteering. Looking humble as he received the biggest cheer of the night, watching on proudly was his partner in life and volunteering Deidre Stokes and one of the founding members of Great Lakes Palliative Care Support (GLPCS), Elizabeth Fisher.

Kevin was nominated for this award by Palliative Care NSW after earning the 2025 NSW Palliative Care Volunteer of the Year Award back in May. President Felicity Burns, CEO Kirsty Blades, and Volunteer Services Support Program Manager Kate Bowman were at the gala and overjoyed he was recognised for his significant contributions to volunteering.

“This award could not have gone to a more deserving person,” said Kirsty.

Kevin has been a dedicated volunteer with GLPCS for over 15 years. In his role as Equipment Officer, he has provided an extraordinary level of care to people living with life-limiting illnesses, offering not only practical support but also emotional comfort to patients, carers, and families across the Forster/Tuncurry region.

Kevin’s commitment to patient care is evident in every aspect of his work. He manages the organisation’s vast collection of mobility and care equipment, ensuring each item is clean, safe and available at short notice. In many cases, he delivers the equipment to patients’ homes on the same day it is requested, often travelling significant distances in his 1983 Holden Commodore. He installs the equipment, provides instruction on its use and spends time with patients and carers, offering quiet support during moments that are often overwhelming. On several occasions, Kevin has taken on additional roles such as lawn maintenance and rubbish removal for families who are struggling, ensuring they can focus on caring for their loved ones. He also makes it a priority to remove equipment promptly after a death, responding sensitively to families who may be distressed by its continued presence.

Kevin is an inspiration to his fellow volunteers and the wider palliative care team. He mentors new volunteers, contributes to community education, and participates actively in local fundraising events. His reliability and compassionate nature have set a strong example for others. Team members regularly describe him as approachable and generous with his time. Despite early discomfort with grief-related interactions, Kevin has grown into a confident, compassionate presence for families at some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives.

Kevin’s impact on the community is far-reaching. Under his leadership, the GLPCS equipment pool has expanded from a few items in a garage to hundreds of essential pieces now stored in a purpose-built facility. This equipment enables people to remain at home during their final days and is loaned free of charge. The service fills critical gaps when government resources are stretched, and it is available to anyone in need regardless of their circumstances. In addition, Kevin has coordinated the donation of 12 pallets of surplus equipment to palliative care services in Vanuatu, extending the benefit of his work beyond the local area.

Kevin works in close collaboration with community nurses, occupational therapists, and social workers to ensure patients receive the best possible care. He communicates regularly with health staff, responds promptly to requests, and helps identify patients who may need extra support. His work supports GLPCS’s much broader compassionate community effort that includes the provision of food and fuel vouchers, help with utility bills, and assistance with home care for patients who fall outside mainstream services.

Kevin’s dedication, practical support, and unwavering care have improved the lives of countless patients and families. His contribution reflects the very best of community-based palliative care volunteering.

A hearty congratulations to Kevin from all of us at Palliative Care NSW, the NSW Network of Managers of Palliative Care Volunteers, and the broader volunteering community.