Inaugural Annette Knight medal presented to long-time Albany Community Hospice volunteer Barb Thomas

The City of Albany’s inaugural Annette Knight Community Leadership Medal has been awarded to long-time Albany Community Hospice volunteer Barb Thomas.

Ms Thomas, who has volunteered in various capacities for ACH for 24 years, was shocked when she heard the announcement.

“It’s amazing and very moving, I didn’t realise I’d be so moved,” she said.

Ms Thomas started volunteering with the hospice in 1999 when it was still just a two-bedroom cottage on Princess Royal Drive.

Her role included volunteering alongside clinical nursing staff and providing hands-on palliative care support for patients, including bathing, preparing meals and feeding.

In 2001, Ms Thomas’ role changed focus to providing emotional support to patients, maintaining a constant presence and offering companionship and comfort.

Since 2005, she volunteered as the manager of Butterflies Op Shop, which raises about $100,000 for the ACH annually.

“I just love what I do at the shop and I love being at the hospice and doing my little bit for people,” Ms Thomas said.

“I’ve seen huge changes to the hospice because I started at the original cottage on the harbour, which just had a couple of rooms but was still fabulous.

“Then we moved to version 2.0, that was a beautiful place and I had both my mum and dad in there.

“Now we’ve got even bigger in the new building, which is double the size and has double the patients.”

The hospice touches everyone in the community in some way, whether its personal or through family or friends.

Albany Mayor Greg Stocks said Ms Thomas’ unwavering commitment was an inspiration.

“Barbara’s two-plus decades of dedication to the Hospice is a legacy of compassion and support for those in their end-of-life journey and a fine example of the positive difference volunteering makes in our community,” he said.

“She is incredibly deserving of this recognition and I thank her for everything she has done and continues to do to support this wonderful community-run service.”

The inaugural medal was presented to Ms Thomas by the daughter of former Albany mayor Annette Knight, Jo May.

When the new award was announced last year, the city said it would go to a voluntary leader who exemplifies the same vision, passion, and unwavering commitment to volunteering as that of the former mayor.

Susan Dawes and Jen McRae were also nominated for the award for their work promoting widespread volunteering and advocating for an inquiry into the forced adoption era.

Ms Thomas thanked the community for its continued support of ACH.

“Without the community, it wouldn’t be there,” she said.

“The hospice touches everyone in the community in some way, whether it’s personal or through family or friends.

“The community needs hospice and the hospice needs the support we get.”