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At just 18 years old, our youngest volunteer Stella is already making a big impact at Albury Wodonga Health.

Since February – the moment she was old enough to do so – she’s been travelling from her hometown of Yarrawonga every Wednesday to volunteer in the Fracture Clinic. There, she greets patients, helps them navigate the hospital, and brings warmth and compassion to everyone she meets.

“My Nan and Dad had multiple health issues that were treated by AWH and we all found the care and support for family members absolutely terrific,” Stella recalled. 

“I was very grateful for everything that had been done, and I wanted to find a way to give back to the community. I've also dealt with AWH with my own health conditions, and I've had the exact same experience.”

It was AWH Volunteer Coordinator, Sarah Bartsh, who suggested the Fracture Clinic as a good fit for Stella, and she was right. 

“I love being able to assist patients through their experience at the clinic, while also getting some experience in a clinical setting for myself,” Stella said. 

Sarah said Stella has been an inspiration since joining the volunteer team.

“Stella’s a total star, lighting up our Fracture Clinic every Wednesday with her big smile! We’d love for more young people to follow her lead and join our volunteer team. It's a great way to gain experience in a healthcare setting, and build valuable skills while meeting new people.”

All in a day’s volunteering

Stella’s day might involve escorting patients from the waiting room to the clinic and into their beds, or guiding them to other areas of the hospital like radiology or the café.

“One of my favourite moments was one of the first days I spent in the Fracture Clinic. I was talking to some kids who were really interested in the anatomical skeleton model we have in there. They asked me where the bone their dad broke was, and it was great to be able to show them. It showed me a different part of care which I really enjoyed.”

She balances volunteering with completing her Year 12 studies online, which gives her the flexibility to make the weekly trip.

“I find it quite relaxing and a great way to have a break from the demands of Year 12,” she said.

Spreading the kindness

Stella’s kindness doesn’t stop with her volunteering.

When she’s not volunteering or studying, Stella runs her own crochet business, Stella Bear Threads. Her passion began at just eight years old, inspired by her Nan’s skills and encouragement. By 16, she had launched her business creating hand-crafted animals that can take up to ten hours to make.

For Stella, crochet is more than a hobby – it’s a way to spread comfort. She’s been regularly donating her bears to the Children’s Ward for the youngest patients to enjoy.

“Crochet has been a form of therapy for me. I love the whole process of making the toys, but since selling and donating them, seeing reception towards them really warms my heart and has become by far my favourite aspect,” she said. 

“I hope they can brighten someone’s day or bring a little bit of comfort while they're going through a really tough time.”

Looking ahead

Stella’s dream is to study medicine, ideally in a regional setting. In the meantime, she plans to keep volunteering, running her business and making donations. She credits her dad, who drives her to the hospital each week, as her biggest inspiration.

Her advice to other young people thinking of volunteering?

“Just give it a go! The team is amazing at finding a position that works for you, and it’s been the most rewarding, uplifting experience of my life so far. As a young person, volunteering has given me the opportunity to develop and improve on personal and social skills, which has helped me in many other aspects of my life.”

If you would like to follow in Stella’s footsteps, please email us at VolunteerEnquiries@awh.org.au.