Western District Health Service (WDHS) has recognised the outstanding contributions of volunteers across its network at a special presentation held on 18 May in Hamilton, marking the beginning of National Volunteer Week 2026.
Volunteers from Casterton, Coleraine, Merino, Penshurst and Hamilton gathered at the WDHS Auditorium to celebrate years of service, acknowledge retiring volunteers, and recognise individuals who have gone above and beyond in supporting their communities.
WDHS Chief Executive Rowena Clift said it was one of the most important events on the organisation’s calendar.
“When we talk about what makes regional health services work well, volunteers are part of that conversation every single time,” Ms Clift said.
“You are not on the sidelines of this organisation. You are part of how we deliver care, and the contribution you make shapes the experience people have when they come into our services.”
More than 30 volunteers were recognised for their years of service, including milestones ranging from 5 years through to 40 years of ongoing commitment to the community.
A number of volunteers were also thanked for their dedicated service as they retire from their roles across Community Transport, Meals on Wheels and the WDHS Op Shop.
The Charlie Watt Volunteer of the Month Awards were presented to individuals who consistently demonstrate compassion, generosity and commitment in their role. Recipients were recognised across a range of service areas, with the awards honouring the legacy of Charlie Watt, a much-loved volunteer whose quiet dedication continues to inspire others.
WDHS also presented the Ian McKean Community Transport Driver Award to Peter Menzel, recognising 15 years of service supporting community members to access care and stay connected.
Ms Clift said volunteering plays a critical role in regional communities, supporting not only access to services, but also connection and wellbeing.
“In communities like ours, volunteers help people remain independent, reduce social isolation, and provide reassurance at times when it matters most, bringing warmth, familiarity and humanity into healthcare, and that makes an enormous difference,” she said.
Jane Murray, Team Leader of Volunteer Services at WDHS, said volunteering offers a meaningful way for people to become involved in their local community.
“People often think they need specific skills or experience, but that’s not the case,” Ms Murray said.
“It can be as simple as giving your time, having a conversation, or helping out where it’s needed. There are so many ways people can get involved.”
As WDHS continues to grow its volunteer program across all campuses, community members are being encouraged to consider whether volunteering could be right for them. Opportunities are available across a wide range of areas, including social support programs, community transport, Meals on Wheels, aged care, palliative care, and the WDHS Op Shop.
Anyone interested in learning more about opportunities available is encouraged to contact Jane Murray in WDHS Volunteer Services on (03) 5551 8457 or via email to jane.murray@wdhs.net. Whether it’s for a few hours a week or occasional time, driving around or on site, there are many ways to contribute.
FULL LIST OF RECOGNISED VOLUNTEERS
Years of Service
40 Years
Betty Collins
35 Years
Judy Sommerville
20 Years
Diana Lawrence, Neil Sandford
15 Years
Peter Menzel, Becky Morton
10 Years
Bruce Adams, Rose Baruch, Maree Bell, Gillian Jenkins, Daryl Milgate, Peter Moore, Les Toohey, Ann Walter
5 Years
Coral Burland, Denise Fenwick, Rev. David Schultz
Retiring Volunteers
- Peter Anson (Community Transport)
- Nola Landwehr (WDHS Op Shop)
- Margaret Lehmann (Meals on Wheels)
- Neville Linke (Community Transport)
- Graeme McDonald (Meals on Wheels)
- Peter Moore (Community Transport; continuing in Chemotherapy and Dialysis Support)
- Brian Walker (Community Transport)
Charlie Watt Volunteer of the Month Award Recipients (2025–2026)
July 2025
Fran Barber (Hamilton Base Hospital Auxiliary / Ward Administration)
August 2025
Joel Roache (Meals on Wheels)
September 2025
Dianne Price (WDHS Op Shop)
October 2025
Erin Hatherell (Meals on Wheels, Coleraine)
November 2025
Barbara Waldron-Hunter (Meals on Wheels, Coleraine)
December 2025
Colin Millard (Community Transport, Hamilton)
January 2026
Maryanne Whale (Palliative Care)
February 2026
Cathy Parfrey (Aged Care, Casterton Memorial Hospital)
March 2026
Simon Kellond (Community Transport, Hamilton)
April 2026
Josie Coyle (WDHS Op Shop)
May 2026
Kim Chintock (Community Transport, Merino)
June 2026
Sue Kimpton (Aged Care, Coleraine) & Diana Lawrence (Aged Care, The Grange)
Ian McKean Community Transport Driver Award
2026 Recipient: Peter Menzel
Recognising 15 years of service, Peter demonstrates humility, consistency and genuine care for others, reflecting the same community spirit embodied by Ian McKean.
PHOTO CAPTION: L-R: Jane Murray (WDHS Team Leader – Volunteer Services), Betty Collins (40 years’ service volunteer), Cathy Parfrey (WDHS Charlie Watt Volunteer Award recipient) and Rowena Clift (WDHS Chief Executive). A full list of recognised volunteers is available on the WDHS website.