Farewell to longstanding Pink Ladies vollie Marleen

WA Country Health Service farewells longstanding Bunbury Regional Hospital volunteer Marleen Milne after 18 years of service.

Marleen started at Bunbury Regional Hospital as a 74-year-old, working in the hospital’s shop.

She has been a dedicated volunteer and is known across the hospital for her happy presence, smile, and sense of humor. Recently, she also celebrated another impressive milestone – turning 92.

Over her time at the hospital, she helped to set up the Pink Ladies volunteer group and has coordinated the team for many years.

The role of the Pink Ladies is varied and includes coordinating donations given by the community, visiting wards to deliver magazines, assisting patients at lunch times and monitoring stock levels in the office – just to name a few.

Donations coordinated by the Pink Ladies include handmade baby clothes, quilts, rugs, toys, beanies, and more.

Marleen’s efforts have been recognised with many awards from the hospital over the years including the ‘Above and Beyond’ award. More recently she was one of four winners recognised on International Women’s Day for how she inspires others.

Director Bunbury Regional Hospital Jeff Calver said volunteers are an important part of the hospital’s services and commended Marleen for her efforts and contributions.

“Bunbury Regional Hospital is one of the largest in country WA and our volunteers play an important role in how we support the community,” he said.

“They run the hospital’s shop and provide continuous advocacy and assistance to the hospital, staff, patients, visitors, and wider community.

“Marleen is a prime example of what it means to be a volunteer. Her dedication and kind and happy nature has made her a key part of our team.

“On behalf of Bunbury Regional Hospital, we thank her for her contributions and wish her all the best.”

Looking to the future, Marleen will be spending time with her family. She will focus on her other important role as a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother to numerous children – the latest are two six-month-old boys.