How do you make volunteers feel valued?
It’s simple really – just run a Name the Cranes competition and name a tower crane after them!
And, that’s what we did as part of the QEII Hospital Expansion Project. Our legendary volunteer Stan was voted in by over 100 staff and volunteers in the QEII Name the Crane competition late last year. In honour of our beloved comrade and vollie, Stan’s name will proudly fly high on one of four tower cranes bound for QEII in 2025.
The competition unleashed a flood of sentiment among the QEII staff and volunteer community about what Stan means to the culture of the hospital.
QEII Volunteer Coordinator Amanda Spann said, “Stan stands tall in the face of adversity, with everything this amazing man has been through over the past 27 years, his dedication to QEII, and his determination, courage and spirit is unwavering.”
“Stan is one of QEII's most dedicated volunteers. His continued fundraising efforts are outstanding, and this is a way that we can honour his ongoing efforts,” added Paula Thwaites, BreastScreen Queensland Administration Bookings Officer.
Project Officer Rebecca Dimitrovski added, “Stan has been a major part of QEII hospital for many years. He is a pillar of this hospital and I love seeing him every morning. He is the face of QEII in my opinion,” she said.
Honouring and recognising our volunteers in meaningful ways – like naming cranes – turns an ordinary thank you into tangible outcomes that make volunteers feel their time is appreciated.
Executive Director QEII Hospital Gillian Campbell echoed the sentiment, highlighting the integral role volunteers play at QEII– and reinforcing the gratitude reflected in honouring Stan with this naming as QEII builds a bigger and better hospital for future generations.
“Stan’s tireless dedication and commitment supporting QEII is a legacy that will live on in the Expansion project, but also more broadly in Metro South Health as we align to what it truly means to be Better Together,” she said.
For more information, visit Volunteer at Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Hospital | Metro South Health and Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Hospital (QEII) expansion | Metro South Health.