Yeronga Grandmother, Other Mater Volunteers Recognised

A grandmother from Yeronga was recognised by Mater Mother’s Hospital for being their longest-serving volunteer, clocking more than 6,000 hours of service to provide comfort to some of the state’s tiniest babies born at the hospital.

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Jenny Summerson, has been a volunteer at Mater Mothers’ Hospital for the last 30 years.

Mrs Summerson said she “found her calling” after spotting an advertisement in a local newspaper asking for ‘100 helping hands’ at Mater, and has never looked back.

“At the time I really hated Mondays. It was like Mondayitis every week. Since becoming a volunteer, I have never felt that way about Mondays again,” Mrs Summerson laughed.

“I love helping people and being an extra pair of hands. Being able to assist families and their newborns is enjoyable, as well as interacting with medical staff.

“Sometimes I assist with babies who aren’t quite well enough to go home yet. I like giving them cuddles when their parents need a short break.”

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Also recognised at the awards ceremony were Joint Mater Volunteers of the Year Brian and Barbara Daley; Mike and Mary Cardillo; and Susan Phillips, who crochets beanies for patients and babies. More than 25 volunteers received recognition for their collective contribution of almost 100,000 hours of service to the hospital over the last three decades.

Mrs Phillips has clocked more than 4000 hours of service at Mater, talking and engaging with patients, and making them feel comfortable. She was inspired to do volunteer work after experiencing a “near-death experience” so she can give back to the hospital that saved her life.

Meanwhile, Upper Mount Gravatt’s Valerie Portley is a theatre assistant at Mater Private Children’s Hospital since 2004 and was recognised for her more than 4,300 hours of volunteer work. The 76-year-old welcomes parents and children who are often nervous about coming to the hospital and enjoys making them feel at ease.

Mater Volunteer Services senior manager Judy Johnson expressed gratitude for the gift of time and empathy that these volunteers selflessly gave.

“Volunteers make a profound impact on the care and services that Mater provides to the community,” Ms Johnson said.

“Quite simply, Mater just wouldn’t be Mater without our volunteers,” she added.

Mater is calling on members of the community to consider volunteering and joining the South Brisbane team.