One of the Women’s longest-serving volunteers, Elaine Tisher, has received a Premier’s Volunteer Champions Award for her years of dedication and support to the hospital and its services.
Elaine was presented with her award on Sunday 4 December at Government House, with her husband Richard, daughter Kathryn and granddaughter Anna by her side.
The octogenarian has been a dedicated and inspiring volunteer at the Women’s for more than 21 years, spending most of that time working on the oncology ward, where she has become an indispensable part of the team, providing support to nursing, clinical and administrative staff.
With multiple voluntary positions under her belt, including with Yooralla and the Melbourne Museum, Elaine said her mother had been a great influence in her decision to take up the work when she retired.
“My mother always volunteered and in fact my whole family does,” she said.
Every fortnight Elaine walks to the Women’s from her Carlton home for her shift and said the thing she loved most about her voluntary work was meeting people.
“I think it’s nice working with the nurses and the ward clerk. I even have lunch with them,” she said.
“When I started I was in the Family Birthing Centre and then I moved to oncology where I look after all the flower arranging, ordering of literature, and I can tell you where all the equipment and dressings are.”
Elaine’s nomination stated: "Elaine knows all the different items and gently goes about her work even when the ward is frantic. She is thorough and dedicated, friendly and very much part of the team. She is an amazing volunteer and we are very grateful for her assistance."
“Her presence has enabled staff to focus on their work, to ensure the best quality care for patients, and with the reassurance that Elaine is taking care of 'business' behind-the-scenes. Elaine's compassionate and competent manner and the wisdom gleaned from a life rich in experiences, have been an inspiration to all, and a calming influence that reassures staff in their busy operating environment.”