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TRANSCRIPT
Palliative Care Victoria
Conference 2016
Conference
Handbook
#pcvconf2018
Contents
Welcome 2
General Information 3
Venue Map 4
Acknowledgement & Appreciation 5
Conference Program 6 - 9
Conference MC 10
Keynote Speaker 11
La Voce Della Luna 12
Biographies & Abstracts
• Keynote and Plenary Speakers (morning)
• Speed Talks
• Concurrent Sessions
• Plenary Speakers (afternoon)
.
13 – 15
16 – 17
18 – 33
34 - 36
Your notes 37
Contents
Welcome
It is our great pleasure to welcome you to Palliative Care Victoria’s 2018 Volunteers
Conference – Supporting people to live, die and grieve well
This conference theme recognises that broad whole of health and community approaches are
needed to support people with a life limiting illness and their families to live, die and grieve
well.
The Conference will explore the role of volunteers in providing this support. Participants will
share experiences from across the health and human services sector, learn from innovative
work that is being done, and explore how volunteers might contribute to the provision of
integrated services for this client group.
Our aim is to inspire, challenge and empower you through a stimulating program that will
have an enduring impact on your volunteer work.
From our opening Keynote speaker, Alan Hopgood, who will share valuable insights and
experiences about story telling and health communication to our closing guest presenter
Meshel Laurie who will share her own personal reasons for volunteering in palliative care, the
program showcases the diversity of work being done by volunteers.
Thank you for your care, compassion and community spirit. You make an enormous
difference – to the people you support and your palliative care team colleagues.
General Information
Getting There
Parking is available at a range of nearby commercial car parks.
Further information is available from the City of Melbourne website
Public Transport – visit City of Melbourne website
Train - closest station is Parliament /Spring Street
Trams - 86 and 96 along Bourke Street, Spring Street stop
Name Tags
Your conference name tag is your entry pass to this conference. Please wear your name tag at all
times during the conference.
Registration Desk
The Conference registration desk is located on the first floor at the top of the stairs. Palliative Care
Victoria staff and volunteers will be happy to assist you throughout the conference.
Mobile Phones & Pagers
Please ensure all mobile phones and pagers are turned off or switched to silent mode while
conference sessions are in progress
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in all areas of the conference venue.
Concurrent Sessions
The session after lunch from 1.00pm to 2.30pm will be parallel sessions and delegates should
choose one of these sessions to attend. There is no registration process for these sessions. Once the
room has reached capacity delegates may be asked to choose another session. Refer to the program
for further information.
Lunch & Refreshments
Lunches and refreshments will be served in the foyer areas on the first floor.
Lunch will be served in the foyer. Vegetarian food is marked and PCV staff will direct delegates to
special meals that were ordered when you registered
If you need any assistance on the day please speak with the Hotel serving staff.
Conference Feedback
We value your feedback about the Conference. Please provide your feedback as outlined at the
Conference.
Disclaimer
Palliative Care Victoria does not necessarily share the views expressed by Conference presenters. We
do not specifically recommend or endorse any organisation, activity or product presented, displayed
or advertised during this Conference.
General Information
Conference Venue
Rydges Melbourne
186 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
Phone (03) 9662 0511
Conference Floor Plan
General Information
Our thanks to all those who have contributed to the planning of this Conference, especially those
who have done so as volunteers.
Conference Reference Group:
Mike Kennedy, Palliative Care Victoria
Irene Blanck, Mercy Palliative Care
Tanya Holt, Goulburn Valley Hospice Care
Tanya Murphy, Eastern Palliative Care
Glen Riddle, Warrnambool and District Community Hospice
Conference Abstract Reviewers:
Irene Blanck, Mercy Palliative Care
Tanya Holt, Goulburn Valley Hospice Care
Mike Kennedy, Palliative Care Victoria
Roger Kibell, Eastern Palliative Care
Cheryl Lundin, Albury Wodonga Health Palliative Care
Tanya Murphy, Eastern Palliative Care
Glen Riddle, Warnnambool and District Community Hospice
Helen Shepherd, Melbourne City Mission Palliative Care
Krystal Wallis, Eastern Palliative Care
Jen Walsh, Barwon Health Palliative Care
Odette Waanders, Palliative Care Victoria
Palliative Care Victoria Conference Secretariat
Odette Waanders, Chief Executive Officer
Mike Kennedy, Projects Manager
Maree Chilton, Accounts & Grants Manager
Heather Stevens, Office & Member Services Manager
Acknowledgement
and Appreciation
Our thanks for the generous donation
of the reflection bowls for delegates
Program Content People
9.00-9.10 MC Welcome & introduce Elder Julie McCrossin, MC
9.10-9.25 Welcome to Country Aboriginal Elder
9.25 – 9.45 Minister for Health Opening Address Hon. Jill Hennessy (to be confirmed)
9.45-10.25 Keynote Address 1 Heather Richardson, St Christopher’s Hospice
10.25-10.45 Keynote Address Q&A MC, Heather Richardson & audience
10.45-11.15 Morning tea
11.15 – 12.15 Panel Discussion 1: Transforming palliative care and end of life care in the
21stcentury
MC, 3 person panel, audience (HIGH audience interaction) Discuss practical changes and change management issues for palliative care
in Victoria taking into account end of life care framework, end of life inquiry, health reform 2040, client directed care, etc.
12.15-12.45 Our Stories MC, carer, client, CALD bilingual health educators / community members (external perspectives)
12.45 – 2.00 Lunch Trade Exhibition & Poster Display (Death café experience/workshop Parkside 2)
2.00 – 3.30 Concurrent Sessions (7 venues) 9 oral presentations ( more if some < 20 min); 4 workshops/ dialogue sessions
3.30 to 4.00 Afternoon tea
4.00 - 5.00 Oxford Style Debate MC, Two teams of three people (3 insiders, 3 outsiders); MC and audience participation. Voting on motion before and after debate.
5.00 – 6.00 Mindfulness and networking options Plenary or small rooms available
6.00 – 9.30 Buffet, drinks, entertainment, networking PC Talent options: Jazz (Tanya’s band); stand-up comedy (Carm); singing (Kylie)?
Conference Program
Wednesday 23 May 2018
Time Program People
9.30 – 10:00 Registration and Refreshments
Didgeridoo player from 9.45 Wurundjeri Tribe
10.00 – 10.10 Palliative Care Victoria welcome Odette Wanders, Mike Kennedy
10.10 – 10.20 Welcome to country Wurundjeri Tribe
10.20 – 10.45 Keynote Speaker
Storytelling and health communication Alan Hopgood AM
10.45 – 11.15 Compassionate communities in action
Shannon’s Bridge: What was and what will be Jeremy McKnight, Dr Claire Hepper,
It Takes a Village: How a community can care for
their own at end of life and beyond
Libby Moloney
11.15 – 12.00 Spirituality and self-care
The role of spirituality in self-care and the care of
others
Ilsa Hampton,
Meaningful Ageing
12.00 – 1.00 LUNCH La Voce Della Luna, Italian women’s choir
1.00 – 2.30 Breakout session Refer program on following pages
2.30 – 3.00 AFTERNOON TEA and networking
3.00 – 3.30 Partnerships in palliative care volunteering
Backyard Blitz*
- A fresh approach to practical support*Use of this ™ name is authorised by CTC Productions Pty Ltd
Jen Walsh,
Barwon Health Palliative Care
Partnering with a palliative care service Megan Nutbean, Lyndal Ritchie
Lort Smith
3.30 – 3.45 Why we volunteer in palliative care … Meshel Laurie
3.45 – 3.50 Questions
3.50 to 4.00 Prize draw, close and thanks Tristan Meecham, Mike Kennedy
Note: All Plenary Sessions will be held in Broadway
Conference Program
1.00pm – 2.30pm Breakout Sessions
1.00 – 1.05 Introduction and instructions
1.05 – 2.30 The emu in the room Jan Simmons
Eastern Palliative Care
Hospice in the home – a new model of
collaboration
Glen Riddle
Warrnambool & District Community
Hospice
The importance of Network Groups Dawn Pink
Eastern Palliative Care
The successful palliative care client-volunteer
pairing time bomb – what works?
Cheryl Lundin
Albury Wodonga Health
Role of volunteers within support groups Denise Ritchens
Northeast Health Wangaratta
Returning to volunteering after a bereavement Mark Wheeler
Cabrini Palliative Care
Session 1 – Speed Talks (all talks will run concurrently)
Room: 42nd
Street
Session 2 – Improving patient/client/family centred care
Room: Chicago
Time Presentation Speakers
1.00 – 1.15 Support, love and connection to clients – a
place for palliative care volunteers as part of a
community of care
Greg Roberts
Peninsula Home Hospice
1.15 – 1.30 Caught in the moment Kerrie Cunningham, Maria Welsh
Banksia Palliative Care
1.30 – 1.45 Volunteer answered enquiries show higher
satisfaction rates on the national Advance Care
Planning Advisory Service
Jenny McGuirk
Advance Care Planning Australia
1.45 – 2.00 Knees knocking but I’m still standing Margaret Watkinson
Eastern Palliative Care
2.00 – 2.30 Questions and discussion
Conference Program
1.00pm – 2.30pm Breakout Sessions
Session 3 – Community engagement / community capacity building
Room: Carousel
Session 4 – Biography / Life stories / Innovation
Room: Chorus Line
Time Presentation Speakers
1.00 – 1.15 Palliative care in the HIV epidemic – an innovative
historical partnership
John Hall, Victorian AIDS Council
Elizabeth Crock, Bolton Clark
1.15 – 1.30 Advance Care Planning Empowerment by
Volunteer Community Ambassadors
Veronica Spillane
Advance Care Planning Australia
1.30 – 1.45 Debunking the myths – how volunteers can
educate the wider community
Margaret Young
Eastern Palliative Care
1.45 – 2.00 Anam Cara offers joy and dignity in a peaceful
“homelike” setting
Erika Pickering
Anam Cara Geelong
2.00 – 2.30 Questions and discussion
Time Presentation Speakers
1.00 – 1.15 A patient centered approach to the Life Stories
Program
Jen Walsh
Barwon Health Palliative Care
1.15 – 1.30 Your story matters Jolene Hill
Your Life Talks
1.30 – 1.45 Biography – the gift of a lifetime Tanya Murphy
Eastern Palliative Care
1.45 – 2.00 Reconciling with destiny Michele Hutchins
Eastern Palliative Care
2.00 – 2.30 Questions and discussion
Conference Program
1.00pm – 2.30pm Breakout Sessions
Session 5 – Supporting volunteers / service development
Room: Phantom
Time Presentation Speakers
1.00 – 1.15 The power of positive peering Lee Ewing
Eastern Palliative Care
1.15 – 1.30 Wrapped in community
– developing palliative care volunteering in NSW
Alex Huntir
Palliative Care NSW
1.30 – 1.45 The impact of networking, collaborating and sharing Sharon Walsh
Bendigo Health
1.45 – 2.00 Connecting our Caring Andrea Janes
South West Healthcare
2.00 – 2.30 Questions and discussion
Conference MC
Tristan Meecham
Tristan Meecham is an artist who facilitates creative frameworks that enable social transformation;
connecting community, audience and artists together in events that transcend the everyday. He is
the Director of All the Queens Men.
Recent creative actions include; The Coming Back Out Ball, a spectacular social event held at the
Melbourne Town Hall celebrating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) elders;
LGBTI Elders Dance Club, a monthly social event for LGBTI elders; Congress, a citizens’ assembly
in which diverse community members collaborate with professional wordsmiths to create first
speeches and personal visions for our collective future; and Fun Run, a riotous performance
spectacle in which Tristan runs a marathon on a treadmill live on stage supported by hundreds of
performers from the local community.
Tristan was Artistic Director of Give it up for Margaret: A month of philanthropic inspiration, a
month long festival inspiring innovative arts philanthropy. GIUFM was created in partnership with
Victorian College of the Arts, Margaret Lawrence Bequest and over 20 subsidiary organisations.
Tristan is the recipient of the VCA George Fairfax Memorial Award, British Council’s Realise Your
Dream Award and the inaugural Richard Pratt Scholarship. He was the Chair of Green Room
Award’s Contemporary and Experimental Performance Panel (2013-2017). Tristan has a Bachelor
of Fine Arts (Visual Arts) from QUT and Bachelor of Dramatic Arts (Acting) from VCA.
Keynote Speaker
Alan Hopgood AM
Alan Hopgood is well-known as a playwright and screenwriter (“And the Big Men Fly”, “The
Carer”) and as an actor (‘Dr Reed” in “Bellbird”) and ten years with the Melbourne Theatre
Company. In 1996, his personal story “Surviving Prostate Cancer” was published and then
adapted into a play “For Better, For Worse”. This was one of the first plays in the world to bring
the world of Arts and Health together.
He then wrote a further 10 plays about health under the title HealthPlay. One of these was
“Four Funerals in One Day” written with Molly Carlile. This play about palliative care was
supported by Palliative Care Victoria and toured 20 regional areas in Victoria and then every
State for the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency. On January 2005, Alan was made a
Member of the Order of Australia for services to the performing arts, as an actor, playwright
and producer and to the community through raising awareness of men’s health issues.
La Voce Della Luna (The Voice of the Moon) is an intergenerational Italian women’s choir founded in
Melbourne in 1996 by Kavisha Mazella who continued as Director of the choir until 2013. The
choir’s name was inspired by Federico Fellini’s final fairy-tale-like film La Voce Della Luna starring
Roberto Benigni.
The choir was originally founded as an eight-week community project and has gone on to become
an institution in the Italian community, recording an album of traditional Italian songs. You can learn
more about the album at https://www.blackmarketmusic.com.au/lavoca1.html.
The choir sings Italian popular and folk songs with a vocal repertoire that includes songs from all
areas of Italy, from Sicily to Friuli, sung in dialect, and ranging from the 16th to the 21st centuries.
The goals of La Voce Della Luna are for women of Italian heritage to get together and sing in an
atmosphere of friendship, love, respect and celebration and they seek to retain and promote their
Italian heritage, culture, arts and traditions through music, stories, song and food.
You can follow them on their Facebook page.
Wednesday 23 May 2018
Plenary
Broadway Room
10.45am - 11.00am
Shannon's Bridge: What was and what will be
Jeremy McKnight, Dr Claire Hepper, Shannon's Bridge: What was and what will be
Jeremy McKnight is a co-founder and director of Shannon’s Bridge after caring for his daughter
Shannon who died at home in regional Victoria aged 19 in 2016. Shannon's Bridge is a volunteer-
run charity that connects patients and families with palliative care services. They ‘bridge’ the
physical and service gaps if no formal services exist to support end of life care in the preferred
place of care. Shannon’s Bridge trains volunteers to provide practical help, arrange equipment to
enable patients to remain at home, improving death literacy in the community and assisting with
advance care planning.
Dr Claire Hepper is a GP living and working in the regional Victorian town of Creswick where she
was born. As a co-founder of Shannon’s Bridge Claire works as part of a team to help connect
families with services to support end of life care in their preferred site of care. Volunteers are
essential to community based palliative care and Claire would like to share some ideas and future
direction for Shannon’s Bridge.
Abstract
Authors: Dr Claire Hepper; Jeremy McKnight; Dr Alison O'Neill
End of life care in Victoria is a confusing and changing landscape at the moment. Advance
Care Directives were enshrined in law in March 2018 and the End of Life and Palliative Care
Framework is being implemented by health services. But what does this actually mean for
people living with a terminal illness?
Palliative care professionals across Victoria are exceptional, but like all health providers they
are being asked to do more with less and they cannot always be as flexible in responding to
needs as they would like to be. Care needs when someone is dying can be as variable as the
people involved and the places they live in. Services readily available in one postcode are
often unavailable to the next town over and access is often limited ‘after hours’.
Shannon’s Bridge combines formal health service knowledge with community energy to help
people navigate the convoluted system to get the support they need where they are. Where
gaps exist between formal health and informal support services, we work to ‘bridge’ them by
training volunteers, education of carers and health professionals. Shannon’s Bridge
recognises the amazing work already undertaken by volunteers across the State and we want
to help strengthen local responses to local gaps.
Wednesday 23 May 2018
Plenary
Broadway Room
11.00am - 11.15am
It Takes A Village - How a community can care for their own at end
of life and beyond.
Libby Moloney, It Takes A Village Inc
Libby Moloney, of Natural Grace, is a Holistic Funeral Director practising natural, culturally
sensitive, family led funeral care. Whilst Natural Grace specialises in home-based care, its own
home can be found in “The Sanctuary”, a purpose built funeral home in Woodend and in
community care centres around the state.
Libby is a founding committee member of the Natural Death Advocacy Network (NDAN), a not-
for-profit community organisation committed to demystifying and reclaiming death and dying in
our community as well as the founding Chair of It Takes A Village Compassionate Communities
Inc. (ITAV) which is also a not-for-profit community organisation whose vision is to encourage
capacity building in compassionate Australian communities. Passionately committed to raising
awareness about natural cemeteries in Australia, Libby works actively with community groups to
establish natural sanctuaries for the interment of our dead.
Abstract
Author: Libby Moloney
When Shevaun Noonan was diagnosed with a rare cancer in 2011, her family, friends and
local Mt Macedon community rallied around to provide her with exceptional support. Using a
roster, volunteers provided Shevaun and her immediate family carers with extensive
personalised support over three years (covering meals, shopping, massages, child care, house
cleaning and maintenance). Some of those who contributed didn’t know Shevaun personally or
interact with her. Shevaun’s supporters dubbed themselves the Orange Army, in honour of her
favourite colour.
The group has since established a charity, It Takes a Village Compassionate Communities, in
order to share their learning with other communities in the Macedon Ranges and encourage
them to do the same for people who have a terminal illness, or are elderly, and their families.
Wednesday 23 May 2018
Plenary
Broadway Room
11.15am - 12.00noon
The role of spirituality in self-care and the care of others
Ilsa Hampton, Meaningful Ageing
Ilsa Hampton, MPH, BA, BTheol, GradCertMgt, GradDipEd, commenced in March 2016 as CEO of
Meaningful Ageing Australia where she has led the organisation to triple in size. Prior to joining
Meaningful Ageing, Ilsa worked for 8 years at aged and community services organisation Baptcare
(Victoria & Tasmania) in a number of senior roles. During that time, she led the development of an
award-winning pastoral care volunteer program in community and residential aged care. Ilsa
worked as an accredited supervisor in Clinical Pastoral Education for over ten years in various
locations around Melbourne; building on a decade of experience as a spiritual care practitioner in
a wide range of settings. Ilsa has a long-standing passion for the role of spirituality in the lives of
professionals, volunteers, organisations, and those they are serving.
Abstract
Author: Ilsa Hampton
Sustaining ourselves for the journey is vital if we are to offer effective support as part of the
palliative care team. Spirituality has a part to play in this – either from within the context of
faith or beyond the boundaries of religious communities.
In Australia, we no longer have an assumed narrative about spirituality as inherently tied to
Christianity. We are in transition as a community whilst we find a new way to openly engage
with our biggest questions and what sustains us. Not unlike death and dying, many people in
the community have difficulty knowing how to talk about their spirituality.
This session will invite delegates to look through one window on spirituality, using one of
Meaningful Ageing Australia’s most loved tools, ConnecTo (originally devised by Dr Julie
Fletcher). We will consider some facets of spirituality in our own lives, as well as in the lives of
those we are serving. All of this will be considered in the context of another great taboo:
ageing.
Wednesday 23 May 2018
Breakout Session 1 – Speed Talks
42nd
Street Room
1.00pm – 2.30pm
The Emu in the Room
Bereavement Companion Volunteers visit carers at home following the death of a client and
provide reassurance and assistance to the carer. Two cases demonstrate the program in action.
Jan Simmons, Eastern Palliative Care
Spending time and just being with other people following a bereavement requires compassion,
sensitivity and empathy. After comprehensive training with Eastern Palliative Care I have
volunteered as a Biographer, and Bereavement Companion, within a multi-disciplinary palliative
care team. As a companion I am in the moment with carers; ready to listen, interact and respond
to their needs. Basically, I am undertaking a journey with carers as they are grieving.
Hospice in the home – a new model of collaboration
This brief case study highlights the benefits for one family from a community service where
volunteers provide extended daytime, weekend and overnight care in people’s homes.
Glen Riddle, Warrnambool and District Community Hospice
Apart from employment as a bank clerk and other clerical work, I was a serving member of the
Victorian Police Force for 41 years, completing duties in Uniform, Traffic Branch, Crime Cars and
the Criminal Investigation Branch. I was also the volunteer Welfare Officer for the Warrnambool
Police District for 30 years. I have been a hospice volunteer for 2 years and currently am a
volunteer for Sth. West Health Care. I am also the Police Legacy representative for the
Warrnambool area and have been for the past 40 years. I am also a member of Rotary.
The importance of Network Groups
Eastern Palliative Care’s small Network Groups are providing peer-to-peer practical and
emotional support to all volunteers in the often challenging roles faced when working with
terminally ill clients.
Dawn Pink, Eastern Palliative Care
Dawn has been a Home Support & Bereavement volunteer with Eastern Palliative Care for just
over three years. During this time, I have had four Home Support Clients & one Bereavement
Client and two Transport Clients. Currently I am the Facilitator of my Network Support Group.
Day 1
Thursday 28 July 2016
2.00pm – 3.40pm Concurrent Sessions
Wednesday 23 May 2018
Breakout Session 1 – Speed Talks
42nd
Street Room
1.00pm – 2.30pm
The Successful Palliative Care Client-Volunteer Pairing Time Bomb:
What Works?
Volunteers build rapport and accurately empathise with their clients, but their success in doing
so sets them up for grief when the client dies. How do we best manage this?
Cheryl Lundin, Palliative Care Consultancy Albury-Wodonga Health
Cheryl is a social worker, who joined the Wodonga Palliative Care Consultancy Service team of
three highly experienced nurses (.8 EFT each) two years ago. Cheryl’s role (.6 EFT) encompasses
direct client work, including bereavement support, and coordination of our small, but active and
dedicated team of volunteers. Prior to coming to palliative care, Cheryl worked in the field of
human service delivery for over 25 years. Her experience as a volunteer includes past
membership of management committees of local community-based organisations and a regional
agency supporting victims of violence, and an ongoing role with her local CFA brigade.
Role of Volunteers within support groups
The use of volunteers in support groups is a great learning tool for new volunteers to develop
understanding of living with a life limiting illness and loss and grief.
Denise Ritchens, Northeast Health Wangaratta
Denise has worked in palliative care as the Family Care Coordinator at Northeast Health
Wangaratta for 10 years. The role combines the coordination of the volunteers, health promotion
as well as psychosocial/grief support for families pre and post death.
Returning to volunteering after a bereavement
The individual experience of volunteering in a service in which the presenter's dying wife is a
patient and returning to volunteering there four weeks after the death of his wife.
Mark Wheeler, Cabrini Palliative Care
Mark has spent eleven years at Cabrini Palliative Care as a Patient and Resident volunteer and a
Pastoral Care volunteer.
Wednesday 23 May 2018
Breakout Session 2 - Improving patient/client/family centered care
Chicago Room
1.00pm - 1.15pm
Support, love and connection to clients: A place for palliative care
volunteers as part of a community of care
Dr Greg Roberts, Peninsula Home Hospice
Greg is Manager of Client Care Volunteers at Peninsula Home Hospice and a Social Worker with
20 years experience in health and community services in roles alongside volunteers. Over the past
18 years he has specialised in the field of grief, loss, bereavement and trauma working as a
counsellor/therapist and educator. Greg’s PhD focused on spontaneous creativity following the
death of a child and also explored expressions of love and connection as ways of living with grief
and loss. He has a longstanding interest in community connectedness and the ways in which
community members care for each other.
Abstract
Author: Greg Roberts
The presentation will explore examples of how volunteers demonstrate love and care for the
people they support in Community Based Palliative Care. The focus will be in regard to the
level and depth of connection that can occur between a volunteer and a client in ways that
respect personal boundaries and yet also create challenges for how these bonds and
relationships unfold. In short the presentation will look at developing role boundaries that are
flexible enough to support human connectedness at meaningful and sometimes profound
levels, while also ensuring that boundaries are in place to care for the ongoing social and
emotional wellbeing of both volunteers and clients.
Wednesday 23 May 2018
Breakout Session 2 - Improving patient/client/family centered care
Chicago Room
1.15pm - 1.30pm
Caught in the moment
Kerrie Cunningham, Maria Welsh, Banksia Palliative Care Service
Kerrie Cunningham has extensive palliative care experience, including in excess of 15 years as a
nurse. She is now the Engagement Manager at Banksia, supporting the Volunteer team.
Maria Welsh has been a Client Support Volunteer with Banksia Palliative Care for over 10 years.
She has played a very important role in the lives of many clients, families and carers. Her presence
and calm stops the busyness, just for a few moments. Her provision of in-home respite enables
holistic care; enhancing the emotional wellbeing of clients and their families whether through the
provision of a “break”, support, or diminishing isolation.
Abstract
Authors: Kerrie Cunningham; Maria Welsh
Life today never stops, never slows. News and social media is 24/7, an appointment here, a
meeting there. It’s relentless, and when someone is ill, life gets busier. In the palliative care
setting, we find families caught in this busyness, rushing between their ill family member, work,
general family commitments, sport, and all of the other things that ‘just pop up’.
Our volunteer visits are a time when our clients and/or their family members can stop, take a
breath and simply have a moment for them. Time can slow during a volunteer visit, the focus is
on the moment, the here and now, not looking at the clock or worrying about the next thing.
Our volunteers spend a significant time with the client, usually a 3-4 hour block, not a simple
‘drop by’, in and out in 10 minutes. Time that can be used to sit, chat, reflect, reminisce or in
some cases, just for quiet companionship.
Our volunteers are an integral part of Banksia Palliative Care Service and aid in the delivery of
quality, sustainable palliative care. Our volunteers working alongside our multidisciplinary
team, provide holistic care that enhances service support and delivery to our clients and their
families/friends.
Wednesday 23 May 2018
Breakout Session 2 - Improving patient/client/family centered care
Chicago Room
1.30pm - 1.45pm
Volunteer answered enquiries show higher satisfaction rates on the
national Advance Care Planning Advisory Service.
Jenny McGuirk, Advance Care Planning Australia
Jenny McGuirk has been an Advance Care Planning Community Ambassador for 5 years. She has
been involved in the development and expansion of this role. Prior to this Jenny was the Chaplain
for the pastoral care team and provided counselling to the Victorian liver transplant unit. 2 years
was also spent in the patient representative role at Austin Health.
Abstract
Authors: Jenny McGuirk; Linda Nolte; Dr Karen Detering
Advance Care Planning Australia operates a national advisory service responding to phone and
email enquiries from health professionals, aged care workers and the general public; providing
information, support and referrals. The phone advisory line has been operating since 2014.
Call volume has increased from approximately 16 calls per month up to an average of 72 calls
per month. Initially the advisory service was only staffed by health professionals.
In 2017 a 20-week study period was undertaken where volunteers and health professionals
answered the phone 50% of the time each. Level of satisfaction with the service provided was
measured and compared. 87% of survey respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with the
service by a health professional versus 92% of those who were answered by a volunteer.
This innovative volunteer led model of service is sustainable, values volunteers and meets a
need within the community and health sectors. There is a rigorous training program for
volunteers, and a strong support system in place. This enables volunteers to be highly skilled in
advance care planning knowledge and processes, and ensures accurate and up to date
information is provided. This is a Commonwealth government supported project.
Wednesday 23 May 2018
Breakout Session 2 - Improving patient/client/family centered care
Chicago Room
1.45pm - 2.00pm
Knees Knocking But I'm Still Standing
Margaret Wilkinson, Eastern Palliative Care
On retiring from 32 years of music teaching, I had earmarked a program for cuddling new borns,
and then accidentally fell into palliative care, the other end of the spectrum. I have been
volunteering for the last 3 years with Eastern Palliative Care, in a team that provides home support
for clients living with a life limiting illness. We provide respite, transport, and most importantly
companionship. I have been privileged to journey with six clients and their families during this
time. It has been life changing for me!
Abstract
Author: Margaret Wilkinson
Not everyone wants to walk alongside someone who is possibly facing the hardest journey of
their life. Supporting a dying person and their family, or someone on their own, is a serious
undertaking, that requires serious consideration and self reflection. However, there is much to
be gained. Purpose, self worth, meaning, joy, and learning. How lucky are we, who get to
meet and share with these clients in their homes. I look forward to the rest of the journey.
Wednesday 23 May 2018
Breakout Session 3 - Community engagement and capacity building
Carousel Room
1.00pm - 1.15pm
Palliative care in the HIV epidemic: an innovative historical
partnership
John Hall, Victorian AIDS Council; Dr. Elizabeth Crock, Bolton Clarke
John Hall is the Partnerships Manager at the Victorian AIDS Council (VAC) and has been an
advocate in the HIV sector for 30 years. After first volunteering at VAC in 1990, he went on to
study nursing, then held several positions at VAC managing the Community Support program. He
has served on the VAC Board, and is Secretary of the VAC Research and Ethics committee. John is
passionate about utilising the capabilities of broader communities in healthcare settings and has
spoken and published about this nationally and internationally.
Dr Elizabeth Crock is the HIV Clinical Nurse Consultant and HIV Team Coordinator at Bolton
Clarke (formerly the Royal District Nursing Service). She has worked in their HIV team for 17
years.
Abstract
Authors: John Hall; Dr Elizabeth Crock;
This presentation explores the VAC/RDNS Partnership model, describing its development at the
height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Australia and its adaptation to meet the changing needs of
people living with HIV.
In the 1980s, HIV/AIDS was little understood, it was usually fatal, highly feared and
stigmatised. VAC was established by volunteer peers to mobilise the community response to
this new ‘contagion’, and to build capacity to care for those dying. VAC also advocated and
worked with governments, researchers and clinical services. RDNS was a longstanding
domiciliary nursing service which historically cared for marginalised members of the
community. A formal partnership between VAC and RDNS became the framework that
articulated the vital contribution of volunteers, working alongside professional nurses, to
ensure quality care for people living and dying with HIV/AIDS.
Key elements of the partnership include empowerment through engagement of clients and
affected communities, an integrated and collaborative approach to care based on valuing and
respecting each organisation’s skills, and responsiveness to changing needs.
This unique, dynamic and proactive partnership illustrates a successful model of integrated
services for people and their significant others facing life-limiting illness or requiring palliative
care in the community. It can inform service development in other settings.
Wednesday 23 May 2018
Breakout Session 3 - Community engagement and capacity building
Carousel Room
1.15pm - 1.30pm
Advance care planning empowerment by Volunteer Community
Ambassadors
Veronica Spillane, Advance Care Planning Australia
Veronica Spillane’s professional training was in social work which led to past and current work
within the community and mental health sectors. She has been a volunteer with Advance Care
Planning Australia for 5 years and is a registered civil celebrant. She is a passionate advocate of
personal empowerment, particularly in decision-making in relation to heath care.
Abstract
Authors: Veronica Spillane; Linda Nolte; Dr Karen Detering
Advance Care Planning Volunteer Community Ambassadors have been a part of the team
since 2012. They lead interactive presentations to encourage uptake of Advance Care Planning
in our community. They help to empower and support people to have a say in their health care
now and in the future. By actively encouraging people to think and talk about what it means to
them to ‘live well’, preferences and values for healthcare matters are clarified, and the
person’s rights are respected.
This volunteer-led model of education broadens the reach into the community within
metropolitan Melbourne. Recipients of the advance care planning education have included
clubs, support groups, community centers and residential aged care facilities. In 2017, advance
care planning ambassadors conducted 35 community education sessions to more than 838
people. These presentations are well received with strong reports of an increased knowledge of
advance care planning and in individuals’ confidence in undertaking the process.
Wednesday 23 May 2018
Breakout Session 3 - Community engagement and capacity building
Carousel Room
1.30pm - 1.45pm
De-bunking the Myths - how volunteers can educate the wider
community
Margaret Young, Eastern Palliative Care
Margaret Young lectured in Communication in the Health and Community Services Department of
Box Hill TAFE for 15 years. After retirement, she volunteered at The Smith Family, Vision Australia
and Eastern Palliative Care. Margaret has worked as a volunteer in various areas at Eastern
Palliative Care for 11 years. Currently she is a Home Visitor and is part of the Bereavement
Administration team. For the past 2 years, she has managed Eastern Palliative Care's Ambassador
Program; a team of volunteers with a charter to educate the broader community about palliative
care.
Abstract
Author: Margaret Young
This presentation will discuss the creation of Eastern Palliative Care's Ambassador Program. It
will cover the nuts and bolts of development: creating mailing lists, choosing and training
volunteer Ambassadors, developing the broad content of presentations, including creation of a
Power Point presentation and the development of a system that responds to requests for
speakers. This latter aspect requires personnel to liaise with organizations about the length and
content of presentations. It has been important to stress that the content is informational and
not therapeutic.
The main content of this presentation will be a discussion of the myths about palliative care
that are addressed in presentations and the feedback received from audiences. It is also
important to be prepared for questions regarding the Assisted Dying legislation.
In our experience, audiences are surprised by the breadth of programs offered, the varying
lengths of time in palliative care, the depth of care offered and most importantly, that palliative
care is often about quality of life, rather than death.
Wednesday 23 May 2018
Breakout Session 3 - Community engagement and capacity building
Carousel Room
1.45pm - 2.00pm
Anam Cara offers joy and dignity in a peaceful "homelike" setting.
Erika Pickering, Anam Cara Hospice Geelong
My name is Erika and I have been a registered nurse for many years. My passion is good Palliative
Care. I am currently a volunteer at Anam Cara Hospice Geelong, and truly believe in dignity and
comfort for all. I have been involved since the first thought of setting up Anam Cara as a
“Homelike” Hospice, and am proud of what Anam Cara offers the local community of Geelong. I
assist with craft and create our unique personal hand prints for each of our Day Hospice guests.
Working with guests and families with “Life Limiting Illness” is such an honour.
Abstract
Author: Erika Pickering
Care for someone you love with a “Life Limiting Illness” is a challenge and at times you need a
brief break. Anam Cara Hospice was first considered out of a dream, by several committed
Palliative Care people in Geelong. These Hospice staff were doing home visits, and could see a
need for respite for the carer. They worked diligently with the Geelong community and were
successful in starting this beautiful Homelike Hospice in 2007.
Wednesday 23 May 2018
Breakout Session 4 - Biography/Life stories/Innovation
Chorus Line Room
1.00pm - 1.15pm
A Patient Centred Approach to the Life Stories Program
Jen Walsh, Barwon Health
Jen Walsh has been the Volunteer Coordinator with Barwon Health Palliative Care for over four
years. She oversees a dynamic team of 75 volunteers who work across the inpatient and
community settings. The volunteers support a wide variety of programs including Companionship,
Respite, Massage, Life Stories, Dignity Therapy, Bereavement Support, Backyard Blitz* and other
practical support roles. Before working in Palliative Care Jen managed volunteers in the field of
disaster response and emergency management. Her volunteer management career spans nearly
15 years. She is passionate about driving a culture of self care within the volunteer team.
*Use of this TM name is authroised by CTC Productions Ltd
Abstract
Author: Jen Walsh
The Life Stories program has grown greatly at Barwon Health over the last few years. It started
as a traditional biography program and has morphed to include a variety of “outside the
square” approaches and results. Some examples include stories captured by bereaved carers
after the death of the patient, stories about beloved pets, letters to grandchildren, and picture
books.
As a volunteer program, it has become embedded with the staff team and it is common
practice for a volunteer to do a joint visit with a clinical staff member to introduce the program.
Additionally, the Life Stories Program has been expanded to provide opportunities for
companionship, respite, and bereavement support. Volunteers place equal value in the process
of storytelling and the production of a final product. By keeping the patient at the centre of the
decision making we believe there are high quality outcomes for the patient and their family.
Wednesday 23 May 2018
Breakout Session 4 - Biography/Life stories/Innovation
Chorus Line Room
1.15pm - 1.30pm
Your Story Matters
Jolene Hill, Your Life Talks
Jolene is motivated to inspire families to have conversations about what really matters in life. She
was a full time carer for her husband when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and with this
knowledge and her background as a Funeral Director, she was inspired to create 'Your Life Talks'.
She is passionate about the importance of creating a record of our life journey for future
generations, and having conversations about our end of life wishes.
Abstract
Author: Jolene Hill
Research has revealed around 70% of terminally ill patients reported higher quality of life and
a greater will to live after participating in 'dignity therapy' – a conversation about their life,
feelings, memories and hopes, resulting in a lasting memento they could share with their
families.
The power of telling your own story cannot be underestimated, and the empathy that develops
through listening to a person’s story can only serve us better to truly respect that person as an
individual, to be cherished and cared for, connecting the human spirit of a life well lived.
An innovative and new tool to encourage these conversations is ‘Your Life Talks’ Conversation
Starter Cards. There are 50 questions in each of the Conversation Starter card decks, so they
can be used on an individual basis or at group sessions over a period of time. They provide an
easy conversation style format, that can break down barriers and stimulate ongoing
discussions.
By actually having a card in their hands, it gives the card holder the (psychological) ‘permission
to speak’ – to both vocalise the question, and to add their thoughts in response as well. The
simple subconscious ‘power’ of this cannot be overstated.
Wednesday 23 May 2018
Breakout Session 4 - Biography/Life stories/Innovation
Chorus Line Room
1.30pm - 1.45pm
Biography- The Gift of a Lifetime
Tanya Murphy, Eastern Palliative Care
Tanya Murphy has been volunteering with Eastern Palliative care for just over 12 months in the
area of Biography. She has just completed working with her fourth Biography client. Tanya finds
the process of assisting a client with their biography to be extremely rewarding and has found it to
be so much more than she first expected.
Abstract
Author: Tanya Murphy
Biography is a beautiful way to give those with a life limiting illness the space and time to
reflect on their lives and leave the gift of their life to their loved ones. The power of simply
recording events that are important to them can take the client away from their present
situation.
There is an amazing honesty in the client sharing their story. They have nothing to lose and so
they are open to sharing all aspects of their lives. These are not always the ‘pretty’ sides of life
but they are important and in some ways it can be cathartic for the client to divulge things that
they have not been able to speak about before. It is also a wonderfully sentimental time for
both clients and carers if they are involved. To see wonderful memories shared and to be
witness to these intimate moments is an honour for the biographer and one of the most
rewarding parts of the process for the volunteer.
To have these wonderful stories there for those close to them to read and treasure helps the
client to know that they will live on in the hearts of those most dear.
Wednesday 23 May 2018
Breakout Session 4 - Biography/Life stories/Innovation
Chorus Line Room
1.45pm - 2.00pm
Reconciling with Destiny
Michele Hutchins, Eastern Palliative Care
I am a volunteer biographer for EPC and have also facilitated workshops which draw on my
training as an Art Therapist. My interest in working in palliative care came about as a
consequence of the death of my own child at six and a half years of age in 1999. EPC were able to
provide in-home support to enable my daughter to die, with dignity, in her own home. With the
help of EPC and after three and a half years of traumatic oncology treatment, we were able to
meet this incredibly painful and sacred passage on our own terms.
Abstract
Author: Michele Hutchins
My daughter was diagnosed with cancer shortly after her third birthday in 1995. The
following three and a half years took us on an intense and traumatic journey through the
rough terrain of medical intervention and oncology treatment, culminating in a very bumpy
descent down the slippery slope of hope and loss.
Ultimately it was three and a half weeks from the final relapse to her death. Not long to face
a reality we had kept at the far reaches of consciousness for so long. We faced destiny with
extraordinary courage and dignity and did all we could to make Jessica's passing as peaceful
and as compassionate as we could. Having services in our community to support her dying at
home, on her own terms, and not in the hospital she hated and dreaded, meant more than I
can say.
The work of EPC and the professional management and holding of the fragility and messiness
of the human journey is extraordinary. The compassion and courage of the volunteers sits at
the very heart of what it is to be a humane society.
'Healing' goes far beyond the issue of life or death and far beyond considerations of the body
alone.
Wednesday 23 May 2018
Breakout Session 5 - Supporting volunteers/service development
Phantom Room
1.00pm - 1.15pm
The Power of Positive Peering: peer-to-peer support groups
Lee Ewing, Eastern Palliative Care
I have been an addicted volunteer Biographer with Eastern Palliative Care for 10 years.
Four years ago, I was involved when EPC initially trialled Network Support groups for six months as
a means of establishing peer-to-peer support on a smaller, more personal scale. Following the
success of this trial, Network Groups were then made available to all volunteers.
Currently I am the Facilitator of my Network Support group.
Abstract
Author: Lee Ewing
Working alone as palliative care volunteers is very isolating. Who cares for the volunteer?
Eastern Palliative Care Coordinators are now overseeing more than 150 part-time volunteers
working in diverse roles, and supporting such a large group is a challenge. To better manage
this, four years ago it was decided to establish small peer-to-peer Network Groups to meet
monthly and to help the volunteers to support and learn from each other. Each group
nominates a Facilitator to help improve the two-way communication between groups and the
organisation. The role of the Group Facilitators and the structure of the monthly meetings will
be described.
We believe this is a new volunteer application of a process commonly used in professional
workplaces.
The success of this initiative is considered to have been due to the small group size (up to 8
people) which enables us to share experiences, discuss emotional, technical and practical
issues in a safe environment amongst friends, whilst benefitting from their support and
learning from one another.
Network group participants enjoy these meetings, emotional well-being is enhanced and this is
reflected in our volunteer satisfaction surveys and retention of volunteers.
Wednesday 23 May 2018
Breakout Session 5 - Supporting volunteers/service development
Phantom Room
1.15pm - 1.30pm
Wrapped in community: Developing palliative care volunteering in
New South Wales
Alex Huntir, Palliative Care NSW
Alex Huntir heads up the Volunteer Support Services Programme at Palliative Care NSW. He has
previously held diverse roles in education, policy, advocacy, nursing, community support and
management including 10 years as CEO in not-for-profit health and disability support
organisations and 4 years on the Board of the Australian Council of Social Service.
Abstract
Author: Alex Huntir
Since 2014 the Palliative Care Volunteer Support Services Programme in NSW has championed
and supported the role of palliative care volunteers in NSW. In this presentation Alex Huntir
will talk about their recent work including: the publication of a new palliative care volunteer
training guidance manual; insights into a recently released statewide study of palliative care
volunteers active in bereavement support; and a look at the success of a touring workshop on
Spirituality and Reflective Practice.
The Programme looks at innovative ways to invigorate support for volunteers including through
the use of published studies, site visits and workshops and maintaining an active online
presence. In addition to the useful contribution that these three initiatives have made to
volunteering in NSW, the presentation will look at these initiatives as part of a deliberate
strategy to address system dynamics that have been found to hamper the success of volunteer
services.
Using initiatives like this, the Volunteer Support Services Programme has worked to plant new
services and to expand existing services in metro, regional and rural NSW including two area-
wide volunteering initiatives, and published a number of papers relating to the experience of
the 1,600 or so palliative care volunteers in NSW.
Wednesday 23 May 2018
Breakout Session 5 - Supporting volunteers/service development
Phantom Room
1.30pm - 1.45pm
The impact of networking, collaborating and sharing
Sharon Walsh, Bendigo Health
Sharon Walsh is the Director of Volunteer Services at Bendigo Health and is responsible for
supporting approximately 300 volunteers across the health service. Sharon is the founding and
current Chair of the Leaders of Health Volunteer Engagement (LOHVE) network. Established to
support volunteer managers and coordinators, this work has grown to include more than 110
members from health organisations across Australia and New Zealand. Sharon played a lead role
preparing, undertaking and reporting on benchmarking of health volunteer programs across
Australia and New Zealand for the past six years – this ongoing benchmark is the first of its kind.
Abstract
Author: Sharon Walsh
A brief overview of the LOHVE Network and its Terms of Reference. An overview of the LOHVE
Benchmarking exercise. This benchmarking will tie into shaping volunteer managers and
coordinators as leaders and allows for growth and development of volunteers who are
providing direct patient and family care.
Wednesday 23 May 2018
Breakout Session 5 - Supporting volunteers/service development
Phantom Room
1.45pm - 2.00pm
Connecting our caring
Andrea Janes, South West Healthcare
For the past 17 years Andrea has been employed at SWH. Clinically, she worked for 10 years in
the Medical/Palliative Care Inpatient Unit. In 2010 she became Assistant Director of Nursing.
Andrea became the South West Healthcare (SWH) Nurse Consultant Coordinator of our South
Western Regional Palliative Care Team in February 2015. Since then, Andrea has been responsible
for strengthening both the palliative care team and the palliative care services provided
throughout rural Victoria’s southwest region to enhance patient and carer engagement, and
further develop partnerships with consumers and key stakeholders.
Abstract
Author: Andrea Janes
Identifying that rural patients and carers are often more isolated than those in regional areas,
SWH embarked on an expansion of the already proven and successful volunteer service model.
Utilising the power of social media, local newspaper and radio, SWH reached out to the local
communities within the three LGAs to expand the service. Incredibly, over 60 people contacted
the service to express an interest in volunteering with the service.
Traditionally, volunteers only provided home support to patients residing in Warrnambool City
(approximately 45% of patients at any one time). This expansion now allows any patient
registered with SWH’s Palliative Care Team to have access to volunteer support, regardless of
patient location (100% of patients).
Not only does every patient have access to the volunteer program, but also the recruitment has
provided the opportunity for the service to expand its frequency of visits within the home
environment. Traditionally, patients were allocated only one volunteer for support weekly.
However patients and carers now have access to multiple volunteers and increased frequency
of support. Not only does this provide more support for rural patients and carers, but also the
volunteers of the palliative care program have peer support.
Wednesday 23 May 2018
Plenary
Broadway Room
3.00pm - 3.15pm
Backyard Blitz* - A Fresh Approach to Practical Support
Jen Walsh, Barwon Health
Jen Walsh has been the Volunteer Coordinator with Barwon Health Palliative Care for over 4
years. She oversees a dynamic team of 75 volunteers who work across the inpatient and
community settings. The volunteers support a wide variety of programs including Companionship,
Respite, Massage, Life Stories, Dignity Therapy, Bereavement Support, Backyard Blitz* and other
practical support roles. Before working in Palliative Care Jen managed volunteers in the field of
disaster response and emergency management. Her volunteer management career spans nearly
15 years. She is passionate about driving a culture of self care within the volunteer team.
Abstract
Author: Jen Walsh
This volunteer team provides a unique service that is otherwise unavailable for patients.
Patients often mention to the clinical team that they find it stressful to be “stuck in their bed”
and unable to get outside and take care of their beloved gardens and yards. The concept of
the Backyard Blitz* program was designed to alleviate this distress. By offering it as a
volunteer program it also removes the financial burden of hiring someone to do the work and
provides an opportunity for a chat with a caring volunteer team. Volunteers carry out a wide
variety of tasks, including but not limited to: mowing, hedge trimming, and weeding.
The volunteers are equipped with specialised Palliative Care training and have the
opportunity to provide non-clinical support to the patient and their family through empathetic
listening, sharing a cuppa, etc.
This innovative volunteer service fills a gap and also provides peace of mind for patients that
their beloved gardens are being well maintained.
Finally, volunteers are trained in Bereavement Support, and when appropriate work with
carers after the death of their loved one. This is especially important for carers who have
never done yard work and benefit from some extra support.
*Use of this ™ name is authorised by CTC Productions Pty Ltd
Wednesday 23 May 2018
Plenary
Broadway Room
3.15pm - 3.30pm
Partnering with a palliative care service
Megan Nutbean, Lyndal Ritchie, Lort Smith
Megan has held various community development and volunteer coordination roles since
commencing at Lort Smith in 2013. She currently coordinates the Pet Therapy program, which
involves partnerships with 50 external organisations, each of which is expected to work with Lort
Smith to support and supervise visiting volunteers (and their dogs). Prior to Lort Smith Megan
worked at the Centre for Multicultural Youth, the Asylum Seeker Welcome Centre and The East
West Foundation of India – each role involved establishing and managing partnerships with other
volunteer-involving organisations.
Lyndal is a Pet Therapy Volunteer (Lort Smith) and Patient Support Volunteer (Olivia-Newton John
Cancer and Wellness Centre). She has an honours degree in Science and experience in the
laboratory, scientific sales, technical support and communication. Lyndal completed Lort Smith’s
Pet Therapy Assessment and Training with her Greyhound Maggie in 2016 and was then
connected with the volunteer program at ONJ. After completing further training, Lyndal started her
pet therapy visits to palliative care patients with Maggie and later become an ONJ Patient Support
Volunteer too. Maggie and Lyndal love visiting Palliative Care, providing joy and support to
patients, family and staff.
Abstract
Authors: Megan Nutbean; Lyndal Ritchie;
Lort Smith and the ONJCWC began discussions in 2016 to explore how they might work
together to enable Lort Smith volunteers to bring their dogs to visit patients in the hospital. The
presentation will outline the steps that were involved in reaching a formal agreement between
the two organisations and the training that was undertaken by the volunteers, and the
outcomes for both organisations since the agreement was signed.
While broader resource constraints mean that Lort Smith is not able to replicate this model with
other palliative care services at the present time, the lessons each organisation learned will be
useful as palliative care services consider partnerships with a range of organisations from other
sectors they may not have worked with before.
Wednesday 23 May 2018
Plenary
Broadway Room
3.30pm - 3.45pm
Why we volunteer in palliative care …..
Meshel Laurie
Meshel Laurie is a radio and television broadcaster, writer and corporate speaker of over 20
years’ experience.
Meshel is currently a regular panellist on Channel Ten’s The Project, and pops up quite a bit on
TV, with numerous appearances throughout her career. In addition to being an established radio
personality in Brisbane and Melbourne, Meshel regularly writes columns and articles for The Age
and Sydney Morning Herald and presents two podcasts, the Nitty Gritty Committee podcast, and
(with Emily Webb) the Australian True Crime podcast.
In 2013 Meshel released her first book titled The Fence-Painting Fortnight of Destiny. She
followed it up in February 2017 with Buddhism for Breakups. Meshel’s third book and second in
the ‘Buddhism For…’ series, Buddhism for the Unbelievably Busy, was released in November
2017 and explores how to juggle the demands of modern life, using her own experiences and
drawing on her long and varied career.
Buddhism is Meshel’s key to contentment, she puts her heart and soul into being a better
Buddhist every day. She embraces her spiritualism by giving back to communities around the
world. Meshel is proudly a board member of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in Australia, and
for Reconciliation Australia. Meshel volunteers with Mercy Palliative Care.
Abstract
Author: Meshel Laurie
Meshel is often ask why she chooses to volunteer in palliative care. This is how she answers
that question . . .
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Palliative Care Victoria Incorporated
Level 2, 182 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne Victoria 3002
T 03 9662 9644 F 03 9662 9644
E [email protected] W www.pallcarevic.asn.au