After working as a general practitioner in Mozambique for eight years, Isac Condesse relocated to Kyabram with his young family.
While his goal is to complete the requirements needed to practise in Australia, Isac turned to volunteering as a medical observer at Kyabram Health to stay connected to his passion, with the hope of one day returning to practise medicine.
He said volunteering had allowed him to gain an understanding of Australia’s healthcare system and make an impact on patient’s lives.
“When people are coming here, they’re in need, they’re desperate and to give them joy, give them help, give them back what they’re looking for, I think that’s priceless,” he said.
Isac’s journey puts a spotlight on just one of the unexpected pathways created through volunteering, as KDHS looks to grow its volunteer team this October.
For Sarah Groat, becoming a lifestyle volunteer at Sheridan was a way to find her feet in a new town after moving from Tasmania.
“I absolutely just love volunteering,” she said.
“It gets me out and about getting to meet new people, being in a new town, and making strong connections.”
Building those connections through giving back is at the heart of what long-time KDHS volunteer co-ordinator Alma Limbrick said kept the community going as the service looked to expand its volunteer base.
“Small communities like ours simply would not survive without volunteers,” she said.
“Volunteering is the heart of any community.
“Doesn’t matter if you’re qualified, everyone has got something that you can give.”
The drive to help others is a family affair for brothers Jim and Ross Hilder, who are carrying on a tradition started by their mother, Grace Hilder, one of KDHS’s earliest volunteers.
Jim has given a decade of service across community health and Sheridan, and now Ross is preparing to start his own journey as a volunteer.
KDHS is currently recruiting for volunteer positions across aged care, community health, facilities and acute visiting ― with tasks including spending time with Sheridan residents and handling administration.
Opportunities are available across the service’s centres in Kyabram, Stanhope and Tongala.
“We are looking for those people who might have an hour or two to give,” Alma said.
Anyone interested in volunteering at KDHS across a range of services and locations can find out more information by emailing volunteer co-ordinator Alma at alma.limbrick@kyhealth.org.au or by phoning KDHS on (03) 5857 0200.
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