Maureen has volunteered at the Ballarat Base Hospital for more than 14 years across various programs including the Welcome Team of which she is currently the Team Leader, BRICC Wellness Centre, Volunteer Simulated Patient and the Emergency Department.

CEO Dale Fraser said it was volunteers like Maureen who provided a valuable support arm to Grampians Health and the naming of the crane represented yet another opportunity to acknowledge their remarkable contributions.

“Maureen has wholeheartedly integrated herself into the fabric of the team at Grampians Health having worked at the Ballarat Base Hospital for 15 years as a nurse. She has then chosen to return to continue contributing to healthcare by selflessly volunteering,” Mr Fraser said.

“While we would love to include the names of all 180 volunteers on the crane unfortunately space limitations make it impossible. However, we can’t emphasise enough that every volunteer is equally important and valued and that the one name will represent the collective efforts of our incredible volunteer community. 

“We want each and every volunteer to understand their significance to us and the immense gratitude we hold for their invaluable contributions.”

Manager of Volunteer Services Leah Ferguson said she felt immense pride for her exceptional team of volunteers. 

"Our volunteers infuse life into our programs and offer assistance in countless ways, from transporting cancer patients to and from the hospital for treatment, providing directions within the hospital, engaging with patients on the wards, to supporting our ED Department," Ms Ferguson said.  

"I am incredibly grateful to all our volunteers for their selflessness, the time they dedicate, and the energy they bring to Grampians Health. Each and every one of them is genuinely treasured and I congratulate Maureen receiving the honour to represent the team." 

Chief Redevelopment and Infrastructure Officer Veronica Furnier-Tosco said this marked a significant milestone in the project with the first building taking shape and volunteers now becoming an integral part of this transformative journey through the naming of the crane. 

“All staff and volunteers had an opportunity to nominate a volunteer for the crane to be named after during National Volunteers Week. We are so pleased that the crane honours Maureen and all of our incredible volunteers,” Ms Furnier-Tosco said.

The tower crane will assist in building the Central Energy Plant Support Services building, the first building part of the redevelopment, which will house a state-of-the-art pharmacy, pathology services and an Education and Learning Centre and is expected to be completed in late 2024.

Maureen lives in Ballarat with her husband Alan. She has three children and four grandchildren.

Each month, volunteers generously provide invaluable support across almost 30 programs, helping Grampians Health to provide the best possible care. If you would like to become a Grampians Health volunteer please email volunteers@bhs.org.au