During National Volunteer Week we celebrated a decade of dedication with the 10 year anniversary of our Volunteer Services Support Program (VSSP).
Back in 2014, a simple yet profound question posed by Peter Cleasby, then President of Palliative Care NSW, sparked a transformational journey: “What are we doing to support volunteers in NSW? And do we even know how many we have?” That question ignited a vision that, ten years later, has become a world-leading model of volunteer support in palliative care.
What began as an idea was shaped into a structured, sustainable program by Linda Hansen, former CEO of Palliative Care NSW. With determination and strategy, she developed and costed the plan, successfully securing the backing of the then Minister for Health, the Hon Jillian Skinner AM. Thanks to her support and that of the NSW Ministry of Health, the Volunteer Services Support Program was born.
A Decade of Achievement and Impact
The VSSP has been instrumental in transforming how palliative care volunteer services are supported across New South Wales. From humble beginnings, the program now supports over 40 volunteer services, guides the development of new services, and raises public awareness about the invaluable role of palliative care volunteers.
Among its many accomplishments, the program:
- Established the Statewide Framework for Palliative Care Volunteering in 2017, setting a standard for quality and consistency across the state.
- Delivered over 60 educational forums for volunteers and managers, offering continuous professional development and peer networking opportunities.
- Created a comprehensive training manual, with a new third edition of the Palliare Handbook just launched, to guide volunteers in their crucial work.
- Launched and maintains an online Volunteer Hub, providing accessible resources and a statewide service directory.
- Sent over 100 newsletters to keep the volunteer community connected and informed.
- Supported and coordinated the NSW Network of Managers of Palliative Care Volunteers, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
The program has not only made a local impact. It has proudly represented NSW on the international stage, with presentations at 13 national and international conferences in the UK, Europe, and Canada, where research conducted by the VSSP was recognised for it’s contribution to the sector.
Research has been a cornerstone of the program’s success. With 27 published reports or papers, the VSSP provides ongoing insights into the state of palliative care volunteering, including their most recent report: Tracking the Post-COVID Recovery of Palliative Care Volunteer Services in NSW.
The People Behind the Program
Key to the program’s enduring success are the people who have shaped and sustained it. Kate Bowman, who joined in 2016 and became Program Manager in 2020, has been a passionate and consistent advocate for palliative care volunteers. Her leadership and dedication have provided stability and vision through years of change.
Kate is supported to meet the programs objectives by the wider team at Palliative Care NSW. The NSW Network of Managers of Palliative Care Volunteer Services also provide important program guidance.
We also honour Alex Huntir, whose early and comprehensive research in 2015, including extensive consultation with colleagues at Palliative Care Victoria, helped lay the foundation for training and program development that would define the VSSP’s approach.
Looking Ahead
With ongoing funding from the NSW Ministry of Health secured until at least 2027, the future of the VSSP looks bright. As we reflect on a decade of innovation, growth, and heartfelt service, we recognise the extraordinary community of volunteer managers, palliative care professionals, and volunteers who have made this program what it is today.
This anniversary is not just a celebration of years, it’s a celebration of impact, compassion, and the power of asking the right question at the right time. As we look to the next decade, Palliative Care NSW remains committed to supporting and strengthening the vital role of volunteers in delivering care, dignity, and connection to those at the end of life.
Here’s to ten years of service and to the many more lives that will be touched in the years to come.
Kirsty Blades, CEO, Palliative Care NSW
Main photo (L-R): Nick Roberts NSW Ministry of Health, Kate Bowman Manager VSSP, Kevin Stokes 2025 Palliative Care Volunteer of the Year, the three Palliative Care Volunteer of the Year finalists Garry Richards, Stephanye Holden, John Curtin, and Kirsty Blades CEO PCNSW.