Jan and John Graham have been volunteering at Mount Druitt Hospital for more than 50 years, joining in 1973.
They are just some of the incredible volunteers recognised during National Volunteer Week at our Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals.
The couple, now in their 80’s, recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.
“We enjoy volunteering at the hospital, we get to meet nice people and the staff are lovely,” Jan said.
When asked what’s the secret for living and working together, John says he does as he’s told, and Jan said she’s patient.
“Volunteering at the hospital gives us something to think about and gets us up in the morning,” Jan said.
That altruistic quality flows through the family line, with John and Jan’s son Scott, also volunteering for the hospital Auxiliary as the Vice President.
Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals (BMDH) celebrated National Volunteer Week by acknowledging the time and energy our devoted volunteers give to helping our patients, communities, and staff.
BMDH Acting General Manager Kelly Watson said the impact of volunteers like Jon and Jan was immeasurable.
“I’m grateful that Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals has such a kind and caring group of people who work tirelessly to help our patients and staff,” Kelly said.
“Your work reminds us that healing does not just happen from medicine and that it happens through kindness, a smile, and interactions,” Kelly said.
Janette Delia began volunteering at Blacktown Hospital as a way finder and dialysis volunteer started in 2005.
“I am not a person who can sit around and watch movies I want to be out there doing something constructive and helping people,” Janette said.
“It’s so nice when people come back and thank us and I hope I’m here for the next 20 years,” Janette said.
The longest serving Pink Lady at Blacktown Hospital, Betty Starkey was recognised for an extraordinary 45 years of service.
Teddy Kubica celebrated 20 years of service, as did Wayfinder/Dialysis volunteer Janette Delia.
Congratulations to all our long-serving volunteers from Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals:
15 years service: Neil Clissold, Cardiac Catheter Lab
10 years service:
- Blacktown Hospital Pastoral Care: Hector Alimpia, Grant Atkins, Maurice Bru, Marie Celestin, Len Cruz, Rosalia Murciano, Linda Ranee and Teresita Sebastian.
- Blacktown Hospital Cardio Coronary Care Administration: Beverley Jeffery
- Mount Druitt Hospital Auxiliary: John Graham, Scott Graham and Gail Shadbolt
- Mount Druitt Hospital KIOSK: Margaret Smith and Anna Whitmore
5 years of service:
- Blacktown Hospital Pastoral Care volunteers: Akisi Allison, Rodel Baduria, Tara Bamrah, Sobashini Hasthanayake, Robert Hayes and Luke Thomson.
- Mount Druitt Hospital Palliative Care volunteer: Raymond Baldacchino
If you’re interested in volunteering at Blacktown or Mount Druitt Hospitals, please click here for more information.