Bayside Health has celebrated the volunteers who give their time and compassion to support patients, residents and communities across its regional sites, with three events held during National Volunteer Week.
Volunteers celebrated for caring for the community
June 2, 2026
Volunteers from Korumburra Hospital and Leongatha Memorial Hospital at the Volunteer Appreciation Lunch at Korumburra Golf Club. They’re with Bayside Health Regional’s Vicki Riley, Volunteer Co-ordinator, front left, and Kristen Yates-Matthews, Executive Director of Prevention and Partnerships, back right.
Bayside Health is a public healthcare service looking after the metropolitan and regional communities, including Kooweerup and district, South Gippsland and Bass Coast, and is privileged to be supported by 270 volunteers across its regional areas. Their kindness is felt every day – from visiting patients in hospital and supporting aged care activities, to helping people find their way, gardening, and driving patients to medical appointments.
Auxiliary members generously raise funds for essential medical equipment, while other volunteers contribute through Community Advisory Panels locally and the broader Bayside Health Community Advisory Committee, helping shape how the health services meet local needs.
Inverloch Fundraising Auxiliary volunteers enjoy the celebration at San Remo. Back, from left, Klaus Edel and Terry Hall. Front, from left, Trish McBride, Ann Howard and Janice Dawes.
Auxiliary members generously raise funds for essential medical equipment, while other volunteers contribute through Community Advisory Panels locally and the broader Bayside Health Community Advisory Committee, helping shape how the health services meet local needs.
A lunch celebration for Bass Coast volunteers at Silverwater Resort, San Remo, acknowledged long-serving volunteers: Penny Manning (five years); Helen Andrews, Nancy Brain, Victoria Huber, Cynthia Walker, Deborah Anglim, Elizabeth Beer, Ann Philpott, Lorraine Seaward and Terrence Shannon (10 years); and Paula Rogers (20 years).
BCH Ladies Auxiliary volunteers socialise at the San Remo celebration. Back, from left, Lynne Steer, Patricia Barnett, Raye Bolam, Diane Stirton, Audrey Fittall and Leonie Thomas. Front, from left, Antoinette Schellekens, June Martin and Cynthia Walker.
Kooweerup Hospital held a Volunteers Lunch at the Royal Hotel at Koo Wee Rup to celebrate and thank volunteers. Each volunteer received a plant along with a special thank you card made from recycled seed paper that can be planted at home. Volunteers also enjoyed reading kind messages and positive reflections shared by residents and staff about the difference they make every day.
Kooweerup Hospital volunteers chatting at the lunch were, from left, Geoff and Olive Stokes, Learne Eickert, Jane Coupe, Liz Landry, Peter Talty, Chris Bonsall and Gwen Murray.
A Volunteer Appreciation Lunch at Korumburra Golf Club was enjoyed by volunteers who serve Korumburra Hospital and Leongatha Memorial Hospital. They were presented with certificates of appreciation and heard of volunteers’ achievements over the past year.
Bayside Health Regional Chief Executive Officer Louise Sparkes paid tribute to the volunteers.
“Together you help us to make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of local people. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our patients, residents and communities,” she said.
Residential care volunteers at Korumburra Hospital and Leongatha Memorial Hospital at the Volunteer Appreciation Lunch at Korumburra Golf Club. Back, from left, John Evison, Colleen Sibeijn and Janette Dalgleish. Front, from left, Kathryn Welsh, Cheryl Purcell, Lorraine Kirk and Janine Riviere.