News

Every meaningful program starts somewhere, and for Bendigo Health’s Corporate Volunteer Program, it begins with people choosing to show up with empathy, curiosity and care.

Designed to strengthen community connections and create lasting impact, the program offers corporate employees the opportunity to experience a very human side of healthcare. For our first volunteers from Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), the experience quickly became something much deeper.

For CBA’s Kylie Macumber, volunteering in palliative care reshaped her understanding of what it means to support others.

Kylie said the experience had genuinely changed her perspective on volunteering and caring for others, reminding her that care is not always about fixing things, but about being present, listening and showing compassion in moments that matter most. In a space defined by courage, honesty and love, she witnessed how even the smallest gestures can carry profound meaning.

"It’s an emotional space, but also one filled with love, courage and honesty. Being able to offer comfort, even in the smallest ways, felt like a privilege.”

What stayed with her most were the quiet, human moments.

"One interaction that stood out was spending time with a patient who simply wanted to hold my hand and chat. It was a reminder of how powerful it is to truly listen and give someone your full attention," said Kylie.

Across the hospital, Kylie’s colleague Fiona Corrigan experienced another side of volunteering, welcoming patients and visitors as one of the first faces they encountered.

Fiona said her volunteer role felt incredibly meaningful, particularly when supporting people who arrived at the hospital feeling anxious, lost or emotionally drained. By warmly greeting visitors, guiding them and taking the time to listen, she helped people feel cared for and at ease.

In what can often be an overwhelming environment, Fiona saw how a simple connection could quickly change someone’s experience.

"Seeing relief replace anxiety, even during a brief interaction, was incredibly rewarding," she said.

One moment that stayed with Fiona was accompanying a patient between the hospital and the Clinical Services Campus. During the short journey, he shared stories about his family, career and life, reminding her how much a simple conversation and genuine interest can mean to someone.

Together, these experiences reflect the heart of the Corporate Volunteer Program. Not grand gestures, but small, consistent acts of kindness that can have a lasting impact.

"A simple hello can completely change someone’s experience in a hospital. When people are feeling vulnerable or overwhelmed, a warm greeting, a smile or taking a moment to listen can reduce anxiety and help them feel less alone. It helps people feel seen, heard and valued," Fiona said.

For Kylie, Fiona and their CBA colleagues, the experience reinforced a simple truth: you do not need specialised skills to make a difference, just empathy, patience and a willingness to be there for others.

Director of Volunteer Services, Sharon Walsh, commented that this is just the beginning.

“This is the first step in what we hope will become a growing community of corporate volunteers united by compassion and the simple power of being present.

"We would love to speak with other corporate organisations interested in joining a program that creates meaningful connections and makes a real difference in the lives of patients, carers and staff."

To learn more about volunteering opportunities with Bendigo Health visit: Bendigo Health Website - Volunteering