For the past 10 years, volunteer Wendy Turner has been a familiar and friendly face at Maryborough Hospital and her warmth and dedication have made a lasting difference.
She first began her volunteer journey with the Maryborough Hospital Auxiliary pushing a snacks and magazine trolley through hospital wards, offering small comforts for patients.
“We used to go into the wards with the trolley, and just talking to people would brighten their day,” Wendy recalls.
“That interaction meant a lot, and it made me want to do more.”
That desire to give back soon grew into an even bigger role.
Today, Wendy is a key part of the hospital’s volunteer service, most often found at the volunteer desk on Mondays. With the desk staffed five days a week, she and fellow volunteers welcome patients and visitors, helping them feel more at ease from the moment they walk through the door.
“We greet people as they come in, help them find where they need to go, and send them off with a smile,” she said.
The volunteer desk also offers practical support by selling personal toiletry items when they’re needed most, and even sourcing items if they’re not immediately available. Alongside these essentials, there’s a touch of joy in the donated handmade crafts from crochet toys like Bluey and Winnie the Pooh to other lovingly created items.
But Wendy’s contribution doesn’t stop there. She also serves as the Maryborough Hospital Auxiliary Secretary and Canteen Convenor, where she ensures stocks are adequate, bargains are sourced, and fundraising initiatives, including raffles, continue to support the hospital.
Those fundraising efforts play a critical role, helping the auxiliary to purchase much-needed equipment for the hospital and directly supporting patient care.
For Wendy, though, it’s the people who make it all worthwhile.
“It’s a great social connection,” she said.
“You get to know the regulars who come in each week for blood tests or X-rays and if someone doesn’t show up one week, others notice.
“It’s a simple but powerful reminder of community and it’s nice to know they look out for each other.”
Despite the occasional challenging shift, Wendy says volunteering always leaves her feeling uplifted.
“If you’ve had a good morning, you leave happy and even if it’s been a tough one, you still must have a laugh.”
Wendy is looking forward to celebrating the Maryborough Hospital Auxiliary’s 70th anniversary in 2027 which coincides with the hospital’s 140th anniversary.
Interested in volunteer opportunities?
If you’re interested in joining our fantastic team of volunteers you can talk to our volunteer coordinator on 07 4184 1862, or email WBHHS.Volunteers@health.qld.gov.au. More information is also available by visiting our website.