Wesley Hospital volunteers Caroline McCormack (right) and Kathy Praine (left) believe that art plays a profound role in enhancing the wellbeing of patients.

They have been instrumental in curating and showcasing more than 1,000 artworks throughout The Wesley Hospital, creating an environment that fosters healing through artistic expression. The Wesley’s impressive art collection includes original paintings, prints, drawings, photographs, and more.

Contributed by a diverse array of artists, the collection features work from international, Australian and Indigenous artists – and even includes pieces created by a local kindergarten.

Caroline has been volunteering for nine years with the Wesley, undertaking many roles including concierge, admissions and discharges. However, she found her true calling when she was assigned to manage the hospital’s art collection.

Caroline is not a professional curator but has always loved and had an appreciation for art, describing the hospital’s collection as “huge, exquisite and invaluable”.

Kathy began volunteering with the Wesley two years ago, dividing her time between that and taking care of her grandchildren.

Members of her family have been admitted many times to the hospital over the years, and she wants to give back to the community for the amazing care they received.

Her first volunteer role at the hospital was at the day treatment unit, before she joined Caroline as an art collection volunteer.

The work they have been doing organising and displaying the art collection has caught the eye of patients, visitors, and staff.

“Kathy and Caroline rotate the artworks constantly throughout the hospital,” said Michele McInnes, Acting Volunteer Coordinator at The Wesley Hospital.

Volunteering at The Wesley Hospital has positively impacted the lives of both women, too: they feel rewarded and energised when people admire the art.

“Art has the power to transport people’s minds to a happy place. It’s about people enjoying it and feeling the power of healing through it,” Kathy said.

They both enjoy the flexibility of their roles at The Wesley Hospital as they can swap jobs throughout their shifts, and both are planning to continue volunteering for many years to come, highly recommending it to everyone.

“Find a volunteer role you can enjoy, something you are passionate about to maximise the experience and the positive impact volunteering can bring to your life,” Kathy said.

If you would like to volunteer and change lives, yours included, sign up to volunteer here. The Wesley Hospital is proudly part of UnitingCare – you can read more amazing volunteer stories in UnitingCare’s 2024 Volunteer Impact Report.