By NICOLE VALICEK
The volunteer work of dedicated Spotswood resident June Hansen was recognised at a lavish ceremony at Government House last week. 107275 Picture: NICOLE VALICEK
VOLUNTEERING has been June Hansen’s life for the past 42 years and she has been proud to dedicate her time to help others.
Last Thursday, the 82-year-old Spotswood resident was honoured with the Healthy and Active Living Award during the 2013 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards at Government House.
Ms Hansen was one of 14 seniors recognised at the ceremony to kick start the 2013 Victorian Seniors Festival, with awards presented by Minister for Ageing David Davis.
She was nominated by Western Health for her extensive volunteer work with patients attending the cancer ward and emergency departments.
“She is acknowledged as a very resilient woman and a practical, hands-on person that people look to for support to help them through their illness and the life changes they experience,” Mr Davis said.
“June brings comfort and hope to people who are often at their most vulnerable. She listens and acts in ways that have been informed by her own experience of cancer.”
Ms Hansen was delighted to receive the award and be recognised for her many years of service in the community.
“It’s been my life and dedication to helping other people. I’ve learnt a lot,” she said.
“I love my work, I just love it.”
Ms Hansen was determined to help others after she was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 28 years old.
“When you’ve been through it yourself, you’ve got a bit of knowledge of what they’re (the patients) going through.”
“I wanted to give back and help other people.”
June is a classic example of age being no barrier when it comes to helping those in need.
“I want to be able to keep volunteering. I feel good.”
“You get a lot of satisfaction that you’re helping people.”
For the past 23 years, she has volunteered at the Western Hospital in Footscray in the cancer ward and in the emergency department.
She has also dedicated her time to serving the broader community by volunteering at the Royal Children and Women’s Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute where she was also a patient.
As a mentor, she also trains volunteers to become advocates on behalf of patients and their families on issues such as transport and access to services.
Ms Hansen wanted to thank Western Health community engagement and volunteers manager, Jo Spence, for all of her support.
