Celebrating National Volunteers Week

Last week, the San proudly celebrated National Volunteers Week, recognising the incredible contribution, dedication and compassion of our volunteer team.

Throughout the week, volunteers were honoured for milestone years of service, including 10, 15, 20 and 25 years, at a series of special morning teas.

This year, we were especially proud to recognise several remarkable volunteers who have dedicated 25 years of service to the San.

Their milestone also marks an important chapter in the history of the San Volunteer program.

Twenty-six years ago, under the leadership of Pamela Ludowici, the original Pink Ladies volunteers evolved into the yellow-shirt volunteers we know today.

At the time, then CEO Ian Grice had a vision to establish a new volunteer program that would provide greater support across the hospital wards. Pamela was recruited as Volunteer Manager to bring that vision to life and help shape a new era of volunteering at the San.

Before 2000, the volunteer team consisted solely of the Pink Ladies. Together, they introduced a new colour and identity, with the bright and welcoming yellow shirts soon becoming a familiar and much-loved presence throughout the hospital.

Today, our volunteers continue to play a vital role in supporting patients, visitors and staff across the San community.

In 2025 alone, our volunteer team generously contributed an extraordinary 31,271 hours of service.

Thank you to all our volunteers for the care, kindness and dedication you bring to the San each and every day.