During National Volunteer Week, few in the Ararat region are more deserving of recognition than Val Albert.
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Ms Albert volunteers at Willaura Healthcare and is a member of the Willaura Healthcare Auxiliary.
She first became involved with East Grampians Health Services in 1979, receiving her 40-year volunteer service badge from the healthcare provider in 2020.
Ms Albert said she had fulfilled several roles as a volunteer during this time.
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"When I originally started I took over coordinating Meals on Wheels in Willaura, which meant I had to go to East Grampians (Health Services) in Willaura to pick up the meals and deliver them around the town," she said.
"From there, I joined the auxiliary. I was also with Uniting Care for a while and doing driving, but I'm a bit old for that now. I was driving people from the hospital appointments in Ballarat or Ararat or wherever they needed to go. I just continued to do it because I enjoy helping people.
"With the auxiliary, we plan our big market each year - though we couldn't hold this year or last year - we have regular meetings and raise money for the Willaura EGHS branch. This year we're going to try and hold a film night and maybe have a street stall.
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"We visit people over there (Parkland House) as well. It's just a way of relating to the residents."
Ms Albert said she continues to find volunteering highly rewarding.
"Just to see the pleasure on the residents' faces when you walk in the door, even if you just pop in for a visit in their room," she said.
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"They all love to have a chat and find out what's happening outside."
Ms Albert said she also finds it gratifying to know Willaura Healthcare is well-regarded.
"Lots of people who come down here on respite really praise the Willaura campus," she said.
"You might see them later on and they will tell you what a wonderful place it is and how people are so friendly towards them. It's good to see people getting pleasure out of what you're doing."
East Grampians Health Services chief executive Andrew Freeman said the contributions of volunteers like Ms Albert were invaluable to the organisation.
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"Our volunteers mean so much to us all - they are dedicated and focused, hardworking and full of innovative ideas," he said.
"They devote countless hours to our health service and offer versatility, understanding, special skills and friendship for patients, clients, consumers, residents and staff.
"They also raise many thousands of dollars for the health service each year for new equipment and services."
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