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The palliative care volunteering community is losing another member with veteran Volunteer Manager Arlene Roache announcing her retirement.

After 15 years as District Palliative Care Volunteer Coordinator with South Western Sydney Local Health District, Arlene is ready to embrace a new season of life. She will finish up in her role at the end of August after being on long service leave for several months.

Arlene has long been a valued member of the NSW Network of Managers of Palliative Care Volunteers. She contributed to the organising of many of our conferences including the 2015 Volunteer Conference in Wollongong, the 2017 Volunteer Conference in Maitland, and the 2018 Volunteer Managers Conference at Coolangatta Estate. New managers to the network have relied on Arlene for support and advice many times over the years. She has always been generous with her time and wisdom for which we are very grateful.

I recently had the pleasure of catching up with Arlene one last time. Over a coffee and a cannoli she told me she was looking forward to spending quality time with friends and family, especially her young granddaughter.

As one of the most experienced palliative care volunteer managers in NSW, Arlene will be missed by the managers network, her colleagues, and her volunteers. Bonne chance, Arlene.

Arlene kindly wrote a reflection of her career and experiences managing palliative care volunteers.

I migrated to Sydney in May 1983 with my husband and our 8-month-old baby boy. It was a journey filled with hope, uncertainty and the quiet courage that comes with leaving everything familiar behind.  Coming from a pampered lifestyle in Mumbai, India, I suddenly found myself in a vastly different world – one that required me to quickly adapt to the Western way of life.

The early days were not without challenges.  Simple things – like understanding local customs, navigating public transport, or adjusting to the accent – felt like mountains to climb.  But each day brought a new lesson and, slowly but surely, I found my footing.  Sydney became home, not just in geography, but in heart.

I found my first job at the Joint Coal Board, six weeks after arriving in Sydney.  It was a turning point –professionally, and personally.  I was nervous of stepping into a new work culture.  One of my earliest and most memorable cultural lessons came just weeks into the job.  One morning, a colleague cheerfully asked if I’d like to join in a “sweep.”

Coming from a mining environment, and still getting used to the lingo, I froze – genuinely thinking I was being asked to sweep a mine!  The look on my face must have said it all, because the team burst into hearty laughter.  They quickly explained that it wasn’t what I thought – it was a Melbourne Cup Sweep, a beloved Australian tradition where everyone draws a horse and has a flutter on the big race.  I was fortunate to be surrounded by a wonderful team of mining professionals who welcomed me with warmth and generosity. They taught me more than just the ropes of the job – they showed me the Aussie way of life: a balanced, down-to-earth approach to juggling work, family, and a good sense of humour. I learned how to manage the demands of a young family, while building a career, and in doing so, I began to truly feel a sense of belonging in this new country.

My next career move was to Westpac Banking Corporation, where I worked for nine fulfilling years.  I began as an Executive Secretary and, through steady progress, hard work and dedication, transitioned into the International Banking division as the Exchange Rates Officer.

I absolutely loved this role.  It was dynamic, fast paced, and intellectually rewarding.  Managing exchange rates meant staying on top of global markets and ensuring accurate, up-to-the-minute information for clients and internal teams.  I thrived in the responsibility and precision the role demanded. International banking gave me a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of the world, and it instilled in me a strong sense of accountability, teamwork, and trust.  Westpac was more than just a workplace – it was a place where I grew in confidence, built lifelong friendships, and truly found my professional stride.

As life evolved, so did my priorities.  With the arrival of my newborn baby girl, I knew it was time to find a better balance between work and home.  After taking six months of maternity leave, I began looking for part-time work that would allow me to be more present for my growing family.

I was fortunate to secure a permanent part-time position with the Health Care Interpreter Service at the local hospital.  This role opened a completely new world for me – one that was deeply rooted in service, compassion and communication.  It was a perfect fit – a meaningful way, to contribute to the community, supporting patients and families at some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives while still being the mother I wanted to be.

From that point on, my career became deeply intertwined with the public health system.  I worked across various disciplines within what is now known as the South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD).

What began in March 1994 as a part-time Administrative Officer gradually grew into a rich and rewarding career that spanned over three decades, right up until my retirement in August 2025.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of serving in different departments, working alongside dedicated professionals, and contributing to the health and wellbeing of one of the most diverse communities in the state.

Each role brought new lessons, challenges, and a deeper sense of purpose.   I witnessed the evolution of healthcare services, the rise of technology, and the ever-growing need for culturally sensitive care.  Through it all, I remained passionate about connecting people, supporting staff and patients, adapting to change and helping build a more inclusive and responsive health system.

In March 2010, I was appointed the District Palliative Care Volunteer Coordinator. For me– supporting six hospitals and five community health centers – was never about quantity, but quality.

It was about the depth of connection, the dignity offered and the quiet impact of compassion.  The volunteers who engaged with the service gave wholeheartedly, with presence, purpose, and always with a smile.

As I reflect, even the lowlights became highlights.  Thinking outside the box and working collaboratively with a proactive team of palliative care staff, hospital executives, palliative care NSW/volunteer hub/volunteer manager network, volunteers, internal and external stakeholders, we were able to turn challenges into opportunities and raise the service to great heights.

One of the most meaningful experiences was during the pandemic, when the world came to a standstill.  Despite the distance, we found ways to connect through both formal and informal volunteering.  We created opportunities for the community to stay involved, to show care, and to make a difference.  It brought immense joy – not only to patients and families – but also to staff and the broader community.

Working in health to advocate for the recognition of a Volunteer Manager’s role has been a constant struggle.  I remain hopeful that, in time, the role will be acknowledged with the pride of place it truly deserves.

That said, progress has been made.  Through consistent engagement and communication with executive teams, we’ve seen a positive shift in the management structure of the SWSLHD Palliative Care Volunteer Service.  In late 2023, the title was changed from Coordinator to Manager and we now have two full-time Volunteer Managers and a part-time Administrative Officer dedicated to coordinating volunteers across SWSLHD Palliative Care Service – supporting patients and families in hospitals and in their homes.  I know the service has the potential to grow from strength to strength.

As I close this chapter, time feels right to embrace a new season of life.  Spending quality time with family and friends, and most importantly, practicing self-care – these are now my greatest priorities.

“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” – Marcel Proust

With gratitude,

Arlene Roache