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Long-serving volunteers at Grampians Health receive top honours

Paul Lovell, Una Faux and Leesa Thornley (Cynthia’s daughter) are pictured receiving an award from Geoff Sharp, CEO of Volunteering Victoria. 

5 December 2024

Three of Grampians Health’s longest serving volunteers were honoured for their service at the recent Victorian Public Healthcare Awards.  

Paul Lovell, Una Faux and the late Cynthia Knight were honoured and celebrated for their service at the ceremony that recognised invaluable contributions of volunteers in Victoria’s hospitals who have served for 30 years or more.  

Paul has been an integral part of the volunteer team at Grampians Health Ballarat for over 35 years while Cynthia and Una volunteered in Grampians Health Horsham for 32 years and 34 years respectively.  

“Our volunteers are the heart and soul of our operations. Their unwavering dedication and selfless service have made a significant impact on the lives of our patients and staff, and they continue to touch the lives of many,” said Dale Fraser, Chief Executive Officer of Grampians Health.

“We are incredibly proud to honour Paul, Cynthia and Una for their extraordinary contributions and we’re grateful to have them as part of our team. Their commitment and compassion exemplify the very best of our community.” 

Mr Fraser specially remembered Cynthia, who was honoured posthumously following her passing earlier this year. 

“We dearly miss Cynthia, and her passing is a profound loss for our community. Cynthia’s spirit of generosity and her commitment to improving healthcare for others will always be remembered and cherished. Over the years, she has become a valuable member of the auxiliary and have touched the lives of many.” 

Cynthia has been a dedicated volunteer with the Wimmera Base Hospital (WBH) Ladies Auxiliary in Horsham since 1992. Her tireless efforts have helped the Ladies Auxiliary raise a significant amount of funds for new equipment, benefiting the Horsham community and surrounding areas. Cynthia’s positivity, dedication, and sincerity made her a valued member of the Auxiliary and an integral part of Grampians Health Horsham. Despite grappling with health issues in recent years, Cynthia remained committed to helping the community through her work with the auxiliary.  

Paul has volunteered in multiple programs, including the Volunteer Liaison Group, Jack Lonsdale Lodge (residential aged care facility), Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP), Volunteer Simulated Patient (VSP), and Paediatrics. His efforts and commitment to programs across Grampians Health have allowed staff to focus more on patient care, helping to further enhance the efficiency and quality of care. Paul also plays an integral role in the VSP program, where he plays specific characters to assist in the training of medical and nursing students.  

“This was the most humbling experience and honour. I am eternally grateful to the board of Grampians Health. I am very satisfied and happy to be a part of this wonderful organisation,” Paul said.  

Una started volunteering in 1980s at our Kurrajong Lodge Care Community in Horsham, spurred by her mother’s residency there until her passing. Yearning for the companionship and connection, she began visiting a few times weekly and engaged in various activities. Over time, she became a valuable member of the team, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of the residents at Kurrajong Lodge. Today Una still goes in every alternate Monday and reads to the residents or brings in interesting news items and does a show and tell.  

“I am delighted with this honour, and I felt like a queen with all this attention,” said Una. “Volunteering at Kurrajong Lodge has been a rewarding and fulfilling experience and I loved spending every moment with our residents.”  

Grampians Health extends our sincere gratitude to our dear volunteers.