“WE’RE just people who care about locals going through a difficult time.”
That’s how Annette O’Neill describes the members of Dungog Shire Palliative Care Volunteers Inc.
For 31 years, the local group has enabled people living with life-limiting terminal illnesses to continue living at home in communities across the shire.
The group is unique: there’s no other face-to-face palliative care support group in NSW offering such comprehensive support in NSW.
At no cost to the 48 shire clients and their families currently receiving support, the not-for-profit group loans special medical beds and equipment, drives them to hospital for treatment sessions or medical appointments, supplies and launders linen, offers their carers or partners critical respite, or is there through bereavements.
The group’s co-ordinator, Ms O’Neill, says people often don’t appreciate that palliative care can last years – sometimes decades – before a patient needs full hospital or hospice care.
“Most of our clients are still receiving treatment – there’s still hope for a full life,” she said.
“Many are still looking after themselves at home, some with the help of a partner or family carer.
“They could be in remission for another 20 years. My mum had non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma for 16 years with support from our group, which is why I got involved.”
There are 20 active volunteers, who receive training, mentoring and ongoing support. That number is remarkable in itself, given every group, club and organisation everywhere struggles to attract members today.
These front-line volunteers have face-to-face contact with clients – ferrying them to and from appointments in Newcastle, providing linen services, maintaining equipment, cleaning its vehicle, and various other tasks.
Non-contact members sell raffle tickets and support fundraising at events, such as at the upcoming Dungog Rumble and street stalls.
“Some are like me: they had a family member who received support,” said Ms O’Neill.
“Former nurses are a good fit for us.
“But, getting new members is hard. We rely on tree-changers and retirees – we’re a grey army.
“We all have one thing in common: we want to give back to our communities. If palliative care wasn’t around, I’d probably be delivering Meals On Wheels.”
The group has the support of Dungog Hospital and uses its laundry to wash linen and sheds to store beds, equipment and its vehicle. A hospital’s admin staff member, Ms O’Neill fosters a connection between her group and the hospital’s management and medical personnel.
At its AGM on 15 October, the group will celebrate another year of providing locals living with a terminal illness a friendly face and helping hand. A highlight was being finalists in the 2026 NSW Volunteers Team Awards.
But, supporting people, many lifelong locals, works both ways.
“We learn a lot about the shire’s history and the people who helped create its communities,” Ms O’Neill said.
“For newbies to the area in particular, it’s a priceless introduction.”
To learn more, contact Annette O’Neill on 0457 846 806 or email admin@dungogcarers.com.au
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