No one gets left behind at QEII Hospital, thanks to the kindness of volunteers like Mike Begeda, who has selflessly donated his time to the hospital for 13 years and counting.
A beacon of optimism and a friend to everyone he meets, Mike is a beloved member of the QEII Volunteer Services family, where he is affectionately nicknamed Magic Mike.
“It’s about our volunteer family. Without the team, we wouldn’t have Mike, and without Mike, we wouldn’t have a team,” said Volunteer Coordinator Amanda Spann.
Between postings at the QEII Outpatients and Allied Health departments, Mike goes out of his way to lend a helping hand to patients and visitors, while spreading joy everywhere he goes.
Retiring after 44 years as a banker, Mike says it was a twist of fate that inspired him to volunteer at QEII.
“I came here because my wife wasn't in very good health and I felt that I needed time away from a permanent job to spend some time helping people, and this was one way I could give back,” he explained.
When his wife passed away in November 2023, Mike says the support from home, and his QEII family pulled him through.
“The last few years with my wife were difficult, and the last year was especially hard. I took some time off to spend as much time as possible with her, because we already knew the outcome. Amanda was very good about that.
“My family is very supportive and have been very good to me, too,” he said.
Today, Mike’s inspiring legacy is written in his total commitment to giving back in every way he can, as he balances a full roster between QEII volunteering, part-time crossing guard and P&C commitments at his local school, and 50-plus years as a JP.
More than a decade on since joining QEII, Mike says the fulfilment he gains from volunteering at the hospital is second to none.
“The best part of my day is getting a smile back from the people that I’ve helped. Coming here every day is joy for me,” he said.
“I love the work and I love the camaraderie I get from volunteering. People are so beautiful and friendly towards you. They appreciate what we do and they’re always trying to acknowledge it.”
On the first anniversary of his wife’s passing, Mike was named winner of the 2024 Metro South Health Volunteer Award at the November Staff Awards Gala. Shocked, humbled and overcome with emotion, Mike dedicated his award in honour of his wife and his QEII family who stood with him through every high and low.
“When I took the award home, I held it up to my wife’s picture and said, ‘this is for you, darling’.
“I never look for accolades. Everything I do comes from the heart and I enjoy it thoroughly. But at my age, you don’t expect anything, so this honestly meant so much to me. I’ve received a lot of awards and acknowledgments throughout my life, but they all pale in comparison to what this award meant to me,” he said.
The award, which acknowledges a volunteer’s dedication and invaluable contribution to Metro South Health, cited Mike’s above-and-beyond commitment to his role supporting staff and patients.
At 81 sprightly years of age, Mike’s willingness to help others is truly unmatched. He starts every shift with a smile and a warm welcome for everyone who crosses his path. Though he's rostered in the morning, it's common to find Mike still assisting patients well into the afternoon. Mike's motto, if they are busy and the patients need assistance, I'm happy to stay and help. Mike is always the first to step up and backfill shifts at a moment's notice. In mid-July 2024, the Allied Health department relocated to a new building. Mike took the initiative to distribute flyers and explain the move to our patients, ensuring they have ample notice to their new appointment locations. His happy disposition, unwavering commitment and genuine love for his role, the patients and his fellow volunteers make Mike an outstanding member of our hospital community. We are incredibly fortunate to have him with us.
Mike looks forward to taking a well-earned holiday overseas with his grandchildren this Christmas.
Congratulations on this remarkable achievement, Mike! QEII wouldn’t be the same without you.