Our Volunteers
Annette O’Neill (Client Coordinator)
My name is Annette O’Neill. I am Coordinator for DSPCVol Inc.
My work background is in hospital administration, still currently working part-time at Dungog Community Hospital. I joined DSPCVOL Inc. in 2022, originally as a volunteer. Taking up the position of Co-ordinator in August 2024. I manage Administration duties, Client intakes, organising equipment and respite. Anything else that arises with the everyday running of the organisation with clients, carers, volunteers and fundraising.
Reasons to Become a Volunteer
While the work of a palliative care volunteer may seem daunting the rewards are tremendous and ongoing, to yourself and the community.
You develop a better understanding of yourself and your capabilities, deep fulfillment from your work, and wonderful friends and learn new things-all done by helping others in small ways that seem insignificant but mean a great deal to others.
Our volunteers are of all ages-both male and female and from a wide variety of backgrounds. Our volunteers are selected and educated following guidelines set down by Palliative Care Australia, NSW Palliative Care Association. They are covered by our organisation’s policies, procedures and insurance. All volunteers involved in direct client contact must complete a full education course run locally by the service and criminal record check before commencing.
The education includes communication and listening skills, bereavement and loss, as well as compulsory units such as WH&S issues, ethics, manual handling, self-care, and most importantly confidentiality and how to be with someone.
At the conclusion of the training course volunteers can specify the areas they would like to become involved in and the level of commitment they desire. We are totally flexible.
Volunteering with DSPC Vol comes in many forms. For those who wish to volunteer but are not comfortable with client contact volunteer opportunities also exist for support with fundraising activities, equipment maintenance and vehicle cleaning.
All volunteers are mentored prior to the commencement of duties and supported at all times.