Calvary’s award-winning inclusive volunteer program
Calvary Health Care Tasmania’s volunteer program, comprising more than 70 volunteers from all walks of life, backgrounds, and diverse abilities, has won Volunteering Tasmania’s award for inclusive volunteering for 2024.
Calvary Lenah Valley and Calvary St John’s hospital’s Volunteer Services Manager, Carolyn Whamond, herself a finalist in the 2024 excellence in leadership award, said Calvary had a genuine passion for supporting people with a disability.
“Their inclusion in our community of care truly makes a huge difference,” said Ms Whamond.
“By listening to individuals and accommodating their needs and interests, we have been able to create many wonderful partnerships.”
Bridget Coyle is one example.
“When Bridget came to Calvary, she wanted to be a waitress. Although we do not have a role for a waitress, we were able to work with her to understand her needs. Bridget started assisting patients on the wards complete their menus and has now changed to a patient support role in the Endoscopy Suite at Calvary Lenah Valley Hospital.
“My role is to make sure the patients get the food they need to make them better,” said Bridget. “After they have had their checks (colonoscopy) I ask them if they are hungry or want a drink. I take their order and make a tray of food in the kitchen. Then I take it back and make sure the patients get the right food,” Bridget said with pride. “I feel Calvary is a good place for me to work and give my time to help patients.”
Calvary’s Regional Director of Mission in Tasmania, Tony Brennan, said Ms Whamond’s work reflected Calvary’s values of hospitality, healing, and respect.
“All of our many and varied volunteers donate their unique gifts, talent, and time to value-add to our healthcare services and give back to their community. It’s important to support all people who wish to volunteer. At Calvary we have developed many inclusive and meaningful opportunities for people with disabilities and our services are all the better for it.”
Finding connection to community through volunteering
As a nursing student and newcomer to Australia, Kristelle Cordora saw volunteering at Calvary Bruce
Private Hospital as the perfect fit to support her new community.
“To me volunteering is an act of giving back what I have and what I can for my community, even in small
ways. Something as simple as helping someone open their food or having a conversation can mean a lot to
our patients. These small actions remind me that even little things can make a big difference,” Ms Cordora
said.
During National Volunteer Week 2025, Calvary is taking the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the more
than 700 volunteers, including Ms Cordora, who give their time to patients, residents and clients across
Calvary nationally.
In Calvary’s ACT and Southern NSW region, there are about 200 volunteers aged from 19 to 91 years old
and Calvary Community Engagement Manager, Caila Waring, finds the perfect fit for those who offer to
give back, considering their skillset and interests.
“My passion is connecting people in meaningful ways. By understanding the needs and passions of both
volunteers and residents, we create connections that build a strong sense of community. There are a range
of different roles across our Calvary services in our hospitals, aged care homes, and in home care.” Ms
Waring said.
“We’re always looking at ways to improve the experience and wellbeing of our residents and patients, so if
one of our volunteers has an idea for a new initiative that will achieve positive outcomes, we try to make it
happen.”
“Volunteers foster a positive, inclusive atmosphere that benefits the entire Calvary community. Their role
contributes to our commitment of creating a space where everyone feels supported, cared for, and part of
something greater than themselves,” Ms Waring said.
Volunteers bring a smile to Calvary Kogarah patients
Every week more than 50 volunteers bring an extra level of compassionate care to Calvary Health Care Kogarah patients.
“Their dedication to reach out and care for others is deeply appreciated by everyone at Calvary Kogarah,” Calvary Kogarah Hospital, Volunteer Services Manager, Zeffy Delhas, said.
“Being present and supportive and providing dignity to patients during some of life’s most challenging moments are just some of the things that make all the difference to our patients,” Ms Delhas said. “Our volunteers’ contributions embody the heart of Calvary’s mission, “Being for others.”
“Through every kind gesture, they provide not just physical relief but emotional healing and hope, reminding us that even small acts of compassion can have a profound impact.”
Two keen volunteers are Julie Spaul and Eva Mamolis, who are among the remarkable individuals who give their time. “Together, they have volunteered for more than two decades, leaving a lasting impression on patients and staff alike.” Ms Delhas said.
Ms Spaul, a trained hairdresser, has become a valued support for those experiencing hair loss due to illness or treatment. Managing Calvary Kogarah Hospital’s Wig Library, Ms Spaul offers personalised consultations to help patients rediscover their confidence and sense of self.
One patient shared: "The wig allowed me to overcome social anxiety and get out and about. I really can't express how grateful I am".
Working quietly behind the scenes is Ms Mamolis, a dedicated beautician who devotes her Saturdays to providing soothing hand massages and manicures, offering gentle comfort and connection. Ms Mamolis also assists the Wig Library by washing, drying, brushing, and packaging the wigs so that each one can be worn with dignity.
