Western District Health Service (WDHS) celebrated the efforts of 12 incredible locals at the annual ‘Charlie Watt Volunteer Award’ ceremony recently.
The volunteers were recognised from across the organisation for their selfless dedication and hard work, supporting staff, clients and aged care residents.
The awards were posthumously named after Charlie Watt, a much-loved volunteer who assisted at the Birches and Grange aged care facilities, until his passing at the ripe old age of 94.
Chief Executive, Rohan Fitzgerald said the organisation’s volunteers continue to amaze and he is pleased to see so many of the team back post-pandemic.
“Our volunteers continue to astound me; every area of the health service benefits from their support. At the awards we recognised volunteers from Coleraine Aged Care, Community Transport, Meals on Wheels, Social Support Group, The Grange, Palliative Care, the Hospital Op Shop and The Birches.
We really missed this caring, dedicated group during the pandemic and it’s great to have them back supporting patients and our staff.
Volunteering is a great way for people to maintain social connection, while also helping those in need and the Charlie Watt Awards help us recognise some very special people in our community,” Mr Fitzgerald said.