Community
15 November, 2026
Hospice calls for more volunteers
ERIC Fairbank’s recent story ‘Compassionate Advocate for Home Hospice’ highlighted something that has always been at the heart of Warrnambool and District Community Hospice – the power of people connecting with people.
Eric’s story resonated with hospice president, Jeanette Miller, who said the organisation’s vision continues to evolve – including the development of the Community Connectors program.
“This program extends our organisation’s compassionate approach to helping people who may need a community connection or may need to find a way to access practical support,” Jeanette said.
For Jeanette this commitment had a very personal beginning.
In 2015 her father, Bill Miller, became the first client of Hospice in the Home.
Bill wanted to remain at home at the end of his life.
And it was meant to be - Hospice’s co-founder Deidre Bidmade and Jeanette worked closely together at Fletcher Jones and Staff in the 1970s.
“Deidre was dad’s palliative care nurse,” Jeanette said.
“Jeanette and my sister Leanne’s experience demonstrated what a small group of committed people could achieve for us as a family. There was only the two of us, the rest of our family lived away.
“The new volunteer service helped dad’s wish to die at home possible. Even today the incredible volunteers who supported us are still actively engaged in Hospice.”
Jeanette joined the hospice committee in 2021, became secretary in 2022 and president in 2023.
Today, she has come full circle, undertaking training this year to become a Hospice in the Home volunteer herself.
From daughter, to volunteer committee member, to president, to Hospice in the Home volunteer, Jeanette’s journey reflects the organisation’s deep personal connection with everyone.
“Behind hospice’s work is a small dedicated team of staff, supported by a passionate volunteer committee and powered by an extraordinary volunteer workforce, whose commitment has enabled us to continue developing while remaining firmly community focused.
“We are excited to announce the roll out of our new three year Strategic Plan with a new vision and mission, compassionate care at home.
“A big thank you to two of our long standing and respected volunteers, Heather Heath and Fred Chatfield who assisted the committee and staff in the development.”
According to Jeanette, the next chapter now needs more people around the committee table.
“As Eric Fairbank’s article highlighted, the hospice is calling for new committee members who want to contribute their skills, networks and experience,” Jeanette said.
The organisation is seeking people with strong community affiliations and access to local networks, aged care or palliative care experience, advocacy skills, and expertise in social media, marketing and communications.
This is an opportunity not simply to join a committee, but to help shape what compassionate community care can look like in Warrnambool for the years ahead.
If you are particularly interested in committee work, Jeanette would love to hear from you via president@wdchospice.org.au
Anyone interested in Hospice in the Home or the Community Connector Volunteer training program for 2027, can join the volunteer list by filling out an expression of interest at https://warrnamboolhospice.org.au/volunteer-with-us/ or by phoning 0488 271 224.
