In this conversation, Annie speaks with Julie Poon, Sonia Strachan, and Bunty Gundry, three former nurses of GV Hospice, reflecting on the history and evolution of hospice care over the past 37 years. They discuss the challenges faced in the early days, the importance of community support, the emotional aspects of palliative care, and the significance of teamwork in providing quality care to patients and their families.

Previous Parts

Part 1

For Part 1, please follow the buttons below to listen.

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We had perfect weather for the event without it being too cold for attendees. Jan Durden did a wonderful job emceeing the event with guest speakers, singers and the bagpipes played by Alexander McKinnon from Goulburn Valley Pipes and Drums.

We had roughly 100 people attend in person through the event and 71 watching via our livestream. The live stream has now been watched by 634 people on Facebook.

Special thank you to the following for their help and support of the event.

• Jan Durden
• Alexander McKinnon from Goulburn Valley Pipes & Drums
• Sue Windsor
• Mat & Debbie McAlloon
• David Quinn
• Leading Constable Leigh Johnson
• Councillor Steven Threlfall
• Councillor Rod Schubert
• Nicole & Brooke from the Greater Shepparton City Council
• Andrew Gooley from the Shepparton Art Museum (SAM)
• Paul, Nicole & Grace from Owen Mohan Funeral Directors
• Garry, Jody & Wendy from Merritt Funeral Services
• Mooroopna Lions Club
• Rotary Club of Shepparton

The post Community Memorial Recap appeared first on GVHospice.

Each element of the program is designed to offer comfort, foster connection, and create lasting memories that honour the life and relationships of each person in our care. Participation is guided with respect, and personalised support. All staff offer and participate in support memory making.

All the programs below are offered free of charge to clients and families of GV Hospice. If you are interested in completing this, please get in touch with our office on 03 5822 0068.

Hand Casting

Hand casting is the process of using a skin-safe molding material to create an exact replica of holding hands. This is available for all clients with options including 2 hands or more.

This cast creates a lasting 3D sculpture of the hands as a tangible keepsake that lasts a lifetime. Clients are welcome to complete this in their own time or with the support of staff at GV Hospice.

Instruction Video – XL Kit

Instruction Video – 2 Hands

Instruction Guide – XL Kit

Instruction Guide – 2 Hands

Biography

The biography program is offered to capture the stories and legacy of loved ones. A kit is available containing a recorder where families are able to record their loved ones and with the help of GV Hospice staff converting this into a biography.

The recordings are placed onto a USB as a keepsake of their voice.

Precious Touch

Precious Touch is a business started by Gail Johnson which creates memorable keepsakes in the form of jewellery through a finger, hand or foot print.

GV Hospice take an impression of the print which only takes 10 minutes. They are posted to Gail who holds a copy of it there forever and if you decide to get a piece of jewellery, all you need to do is get in contact with her.

All jewellery options are available on her website to view. All jewellery items are at your own expense.

Precious Touch Website

Prue Peters Photography – Capture Mini Sessions

GV Hospice, in partnership with Prue Peters Photography, are offering an opportunity to capture treasured memories.

Limited sessions are available to clients of GV Hospice. You will have access to a gallery of images which are available to download and print as desired.

Prue Peters Photography – Instagram

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In this episode, Jodie Stradling breaks down the myths around advanced care planning: it’s not just for the elderly or terminally ill. She explains why everyone, regardless of age or health, should consider having this crucial conversation. You’ll discover how advanced care plans help you clarify what’s important to you, from treatments you want or don’t want, to where you’d prefer to be cared for. Jodie shares how these plans ease decision-making for loved ones and healthcare professionals, reducing the stress and uncertainty during difficult times.

Featured

Annie Jorgensen – Host

Annie has worked at GV Hospice for 8 years, taking on the role of Clinical Manager & Quality Coordinator almost 4 years ago.  

Annie is an outstanding clinical leader, combining excellent clinical expertise with compassionate, person-centred practice. Annie oversees the multidisciplinary teams at GV Hospice; her leadership driving innovation and service excellence, ensuring care is delivered with empathy, respect, and care.

Jodie Stradling – Guest

Jodie is a Clinical Nurse Specialist and has worked at GV Hospice for 3 years. She has been a nurse for roughly 20 years with experience in both Oncology and District Nursing.

Since undertaking the Advance Care Planning portfolio, Jodie has done large amounts of work in helping our clients discuss their wishes and complete the required paperwork that is otherwise forgotten. She has established a clinic which allows her to dedicate time to clients to listen to their concerns.

The post Advance Care Planning appeared first on GVHospice.

In this heartfelt episode, Maree Chin, Volunteer Coordinator at GV Hospice, unveils the compelling story behind the community memorial. From its humble beginnings, moving across churches, to redefining itself during the pandemic as a central, inclusive space at the lake, this event now touches countless lives each year. Marie shares how the memorial fosters reflection through music, poetry, and shared stories — creating a sacred environment where grief finds recognition and community support.

Featured

Annie Jorgensen – Host

Annie has worked at GV Hospice for 8 years, taking on the role of Clinical Manager & Quality Coordinator almost 4 years ago.  

Annie is an outstanding clinical leader, combining excellent clinical expertise with compassionate, person-centred practice. Annie oversees the multidisciplinary teams at GV Hospice; her leadership driving innovation and service excellence, ensuring care is delivered with empathy, respect, and care.

Maree Chin – Guest

Maree Chin has been the Volunteer Co-Ordinator at GV Hospice for 4 years now.

Maree is an amazing leader for all of the volunteers who dedicate their time to GV Hospice in many different areas; our Opportunity Shop, Client Care, Biographies etc. She is continuously searching for new ways to engage people in GV Hospice and embrace the diversity of the Goulburn Valley into better practice. She is the main organizer of the annual Community Memorial each year which continues to growth and develop through the years.

The post The Community Memorial appeared first on GVHospice.

We have arranged for a few activities for our volunteers to enjoy during these special weeks as a small appreciation.

Please RSVP to Maree Chin, Volunteer Co-Ordinator via email to mareec@gvhospice.org.au by Monday May 11th 2026 with which activities you wish to participate in.

Mini Golf at Riverside Gardens

When: Thursday May 21st at 1:00pm
Where: 7715 Goulburn Valley Highway, Shepparton VIC 3630

Like to participate in a free activity at Riverside Gardens? Riverside offers an 18-hole mini gold experience that swaps plastic obstacles for the beauty of the great outdoors. Set within five acres of lush parklands, this course is designed to be a “nature walk with a putter” providing a relaxing yet competitive escape for all ages.

A Course for Everyone:
Forget the gimmicks – Laugh-A-Lot Links focuses on skill and scenery. The course winds through beautifully landscaped gardens, skirting tranquil lakes and flowing creeks. Whether you’re a toddle picking up a club for the first time or a seasoned pro looking for a challenge, the holes offer a balanced mix of ‘easy for kids, tricky for adults”.

Bunnings Workshop

When: Friday May 22nd from 10:00am – 11:00am
Where: 90 Benalla Road, Shepparton VIC 3630

Bunnings will be running a free workshop for GV Hospice volunteers again this year. If you’re interested in painting on a pot and planting into it, please register for this exciting opportunity.

We are strictly limited to 12 places for this workshop due to the size of activity area at Bunnings. So get in early and reserve your place!

Historical Society of Mooroopna Museum & Gallery

When: Wednesday May 20th from 10:00am – 11:00am
Where: 30 Park Street, Mooroopna VIC 3629

The Historical Society of Mooroopna’s Museum and Gallery is a hidden gem, tucked in behind the old Mooroopna Hospital. Housed in former nursing home, this museum is home to the largest historical medical collection in Regional Victoria.

The museum is vast, with many rooms and hallways full of interesting historic artefacts, so be sure to leave plenty of time when coming to explore this wonderful gallery. Highlights include a haunting archaic operating theatre, patient’s rooms, nurse’s uniforms and doctors’ medical apparatus, along with a dentist’s chair, that all serve as a reminder of just how far modern medicine has progressed. The museum also documents the fascinating local, social, industrial, agricultural and horticultural history of the Greater Mooroopna area.

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In this episode, Min Innes-Ions and Paul Custance share the history, impact, and memorable moments of the GV Hospice Car Rally, a 30-year community event supporting palliative care. Discover how the rally fosters community spirit, raising over $1.37 million since its beginning and how it plans to improve in years to come.

Featured

Annie Jorgensen – Host

Annie has worked at GV Hospice for 8 years, taking on the role of Clinical Manager & Quality Coordinator almost 4 years ago.  

Annie is an outstanding clinical leader, combining excellent clinical expertise with compassionate, person-centred practice. Annie oversees the multidisciplinary teams at GV Hospice; her leadership driving innovation and service excellence, ensuring care is delivered with empathy, respect, and care.

Min Innes-Irons – Guest

Current President of the Car Rallye Committee, Min Innes-Irons has completed 22 rallyes in 6 types of cars – mainly from the 1920s. He has been on the Committee for 15 years and part of the gentle evolution of the rallye in order to keep it colourful, interesting, fun and a source of funds that benefits GV Hospice.

Paul Custance – Guest

Paul Custance was an original member of the GV Hospice Car Rallye. He has been involved in all the rallyes either MC’ing, driving and doing associated art work or doing the art work. He adds humour and a touch of cheekiness.

Paul is still a real asset to the success and longevity of the rallye. Always contributing and adding his flair – Custo entertains.

The post The GV Hospice Car Rallye appeared first on GVHospice.

Date: Wednesday, May 13^th 2026

Time: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Location: Shepparton Lake Foreshore (behind SAM)

This hour of reflection offers an opportunity to honour and remember those you have lost by lighting a candle and writing a personal message.  Jan Durden will MC the event with Alexander McKinnon playing the bagpipes and Deb Does & Sue W providing music. A free BBQ provided by Mooroopna Lions will be available.

This event will be livestreamed on Facebook. Please head to our page via the button below to access this.

The post 4th Community Memorial appeared first on GVHospice.

• Clinical governance and organizational performance
• Quality, risk and compliance frameworks
• Accreditation and continuous improvement
• Financial governance and oversights
• Corporate services including HR, IT, OHS, payroll and infrastructure
• Policy development and organizational standards

Must Have:

• Relevant qualifications in Quality, Health, Governance or related discipline
• Demonstrated experience in governance, quality, risk or corporate services
• Experience within a regulated environment (health, aged care, disability or community services)
• Strong financial and organizational governance capability
• High-level analytical, reporting and risk management skills
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing capability
• A systems-thinking mindset with a focus on continuous improvement

On Offer:

• Meaningful work in a values-driven, community-focused organisation
• Flexible part-time arrangement (0.6-0.8 EFT)
• Well-being focus on balanced work, mental wellness, healthy productivity, collaboration, and comradery.
• Contribute to exceptional palliative care outcomes for the community.

Applications Close: 7th of May 2026 at 5pm

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This free group is open to anyone in our community who has experienced the loss of a loved one – recently or many years ago. Experienced facilitators from GV Hospice will be present to offer guidance and support as needed.

Date: Every 4th Tuesday of the month

Time: 10:30am to join the walk
11:00am to join the cuppa and cake

Where: Shepparton Library
41-43 Marungi Street, Shepparton VIC 3630

For more information, please call GV Hospice on 5822 0068 or Shepparton Library on 1300 374 765 (menu #1, then #1) or just join on the day!

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