They volunteer in different capacities but Noelene Kidd, Dawn Unwin and Steve Chapman are making vital contributions in their communities.
Noelene has been a chaplain for 18 years and currently serves at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital and adjoining rehabilitation services.
Speaking ahead of National Volunteer Week (19-25 May), Noelene explained that being a hospital chaplain involves "discerning the needs of the patients, giving appropriate care and showing them the love of Christ".
The two hospitals that Noelene has visited over the years each have around 1,000 beds, so "finding my way around was the first challenge".
Noelene enjoys "arriving at the bedside of a patient who wants to talk to a chaplain" and "sharing and praying with the patient" before they undergo surgery or a difficult medical procedure.
"It is wonderful to witness how patients with very complex needs or limited life expectancy talk about their trust in the Lord even in difficult situations," Noelene said.
"I have also enjoyed taking chapel and church services in hospitals."
Having previously volunteered to help seniors in aged care in Gympie, Dawn Unwin wanted to assist seniors in her new neighbourhood when she moved to Bundaberg.
She enlisted to lend a hand to Carinity Kepnock Grove staff who support residents of the aged care community.
"I work with residents in the various activities. If required I assist with morning tea and spending time with residents," Dawn said.
"The staff are very helpful and pleasant to work with. I love communicating and spending time with residents either through conversation or assisting them with activities.
"If you enjoy working with the elderly volunteering is a great opportunity to enable you to not only learn new skills, but to share the memories and learn from those who are in the latter stage of their lives."
Steve Chapman has been a volunteer prison chaplain for over 10 years.
"I had not heard that there was such a thing and the thought of going into the prison put a shiver up my spine," Steve recalls.
"After some prayerful consideration I felt the Lord saying that, 'Sometimes you may have to go outside your comfort zone to do my will'."
Through his role with Inside Out Prison Chaplaincy, Steve provides pastoral care to men inside a Queensland correctional centre.
"The most gratifying moments are when you see the change in the countenance of those who find hope and peace in their hearts through Jesus Christ," Steve said.
"I find it a privilege to be in a place where these guys can have a 'safe place' to unload, then to look and be ready to share the hope in Christ."
Carinity CEO, Kevin Griffiths, thanked volunteers for helping to "build a sense of belonging, inclusion and hope" in communities around Queensland.
"Our volunteers provide hope, dignity and connection for people in times of need, and their presence makes a lasting difference," he said.
"From supporting our residents and clients, walking alongside young people in our schools, to serving as a chaplain in hospitals and correctional centres, the contributions of our volunteers have a profound impact."
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with Carinity you can find more information here.
