But Echuca Regional Health could not run without them.
Here is the story of an ERH volunteer.
VIDEO: Kaitlyn Schroder shares her story
IN MANY ways, Kaitlyn Schroder is just like any other year 12 student.
Caught up in a whirlwind of VCE exams and assignments, she’s also juggling uni applications – and going for that dreaded driver’s licence.
So by the time Sunday drags around each week, it’s time for a much-deserved break.
But bed is the last place you’ll find her.
Because every Sunday, rain, hail or shine, Kaitlyn heads down to Echuca Regional Health’s rehab ward and donates her time.
With big dreams to pursue a career in physiotherapy after graduation, Kaitlyn said volunteering at the hospital was a win-win.
“My mum brought it up and because it's the hospital and it's what I'm interested in, it seemed like perfect experience,” she said.
“Plus I thought it was a really good idea to come in and help people out as well, not just for myself."Initially Kaitlyn started out by doing odd jobs around the rooms.
Now she focuses mainly on helping with meal prep and cleaning the dishes after meal times.
Already, she’s found the experience is equipping her for the future.
“It’s helped me learn more about patient diet and what conditions are out there,” she said.
“Plus it will definitely help with communication as a physiotherapist down the track and knowing how to interact with the patients.”
As young volunteers can be a rarity around the wards, Kaitlyn said she’s had plenty of memorable chats along the way.
“Patients are always surprised I'm there and asking what year I'm in at school and what do I want to do,” she said.
“It's really good to have those interactions with patients. You're not just in the background, the staff and patients are always interested in you so it makes you happy about your day.”
While she has first-hand experience of the many pressures high school can bring, Kaitlyn has zero regrets about her volunteer role.
And encourages other young people to jump on board and help out in the community.
“It's a really good experience because it gets you life skills,” she said.
“Plus you're not just there to work, you're there to help other people. And if you get into something you're interested in, it's more than just working, it's giving back to the world.”