Free Palliative Care Service in Dungog Shire.

What we do

Dungog Shire Palliative Care Volunteers provide FREE non-medical support to all residents in Dungog Shire diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, to help them live in dignity, peace and comfort. Support is also provided to their carers, family and friends.

Our service can provide FREE:

Supported one-on-one transport for medical appointments and treatments
Supply and laundering of linen
Supply equipment needed for support in the home
Provide respite and visits to home and hospital

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Our History

Our service has been active in Dungog Shire since 1994. A very small Public meeting was held in June 1994 to investigate the need for a Palliative Care Volunteer Service in Dungog to enable those with a life-limiting illness to be supported at home for as long as possible. Despite a lack of strong community support a steering committee was formed, with the first volunteer training program seeing 8 volunteers completing the program.

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Volunteer With Us

It takes a very special person to become a palliative care volunteer. Someone willing to give a caring hand to help those in need prepared to share a laugh, a chat, a cuppa, offer a shoulder to cry on, to be a friend. While the work of a palliative care volunteer may seem daunting the rewards are tremendous and ongoing, to yourself and the community.

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Client Testimonials

Kerry | Client

Following a short-term stomach illness, exploratory surgery and an extensive operation, known as Whipple Procedure, I was diagnosed with Bile Duct cancer. I was fortunate to be offered a trial chemotherapy treatment from Germany to be done at the Mater Hospital in Newcastle for 1day a week for 2 weeks and then 1 week off for each cycle. My wife transported and supported me in the early phase and then COVID hit. Without her being able to now sit with me during treatments I was offered the support of the Dungog Palliative Care team. Chemotherapy had side effects, this was no concern for the volunteers. Not only was it free transport, but it was also the care and willingness to listen about my cancer journey and the support I was given that I will be forever grateful for. Thank you Dungog Palliative Care.

Frances | Client

They talk of “a cancer journey”. I didn’t know what they meant until now. Our journey began a year ago, with a diagnosis of lung cancer, a train strike and facing a two-hour to Newcastle for treatment on a bus replacing the train service! I have many disabilities, social phobia, and learning difficulties and am on the autism spectrum, while my aboriginal partner also struggles with negotiating the system. But then it took a turn for the best. We met the Dungog Shire Palliative Care volunteers. A varied group with no agenda of their own, just there to help. Kind, loving and not all judgemental. The pressure was off as they drove me to all my appointments and paved my way with the hospital. Like the song “Riding on the Horses” I am winning with DSPCVol supporting me through chemotherapy and radiation and am now in remission. It’s thanks to them we didn’t give up at the start and it’s comforting to have their ongoing support wherever my cancer journey takes me and my partner.

Pam | Client

I would like to commend DSPCVol for the support with transport and equipment for my husband to the Mater Hospital in Newcastle. He was required to attend the hospital for treatment over 20 days (5 days a week). I am elderly and would have found the drive each day taxing emotionally and physically. Assistance and support by the carers gave me a much-appreciated respite.

Colvin & Judy | Client

Dungog Palliative Care makes such a difference in our community. Transport to and from doctors and treatments, laundry service, equipment loans and personal support have made our lives so much easier. Thank you Dungog Palliative Care!

Pauline | Carer

My husband Graham passed away in 2018 after having been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 35years ago. The last 5 years of his life were extremely difficult for Graham and me, as Graham’s condition deteriorated. Dungog Shire Palliative Care Volunteers joined us on our journey, providing supported transport to appointments, and respite for me while a carer stayed with Graham and a hospital bed, providing comfort and safety for Graham and enabling him to remain at home.