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To celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, we are highlighting the contributions of women across Albury Wodonga Health. This year’s theme is March Forward: For All Women and Girls. It is an opportunity to champion change, advocate for women’s rights, equality and empowerment, and celebrate the many ways in which women make a difference to our community and our world. Today we’re celebrating our volunteers! 

Meet Jananie Pathiraja 

I am a volunteer in the Fracture Clinic and Pharmacy Express Program. 

My dream is to become a doctor. Volunteering at Albury Wodonga Health is a great opportunity to see how the hospital runs and learn about the roles within it. 

As a volunteer, I help to improve the efficiency of the Fracture Clinic, supporting patients if they are worried, upset or in pain. My role in Pharmacy Express is to deliver medications to the wards, ICU and emergency departments, helping to save time for the clinicians. 

The part of this role that I find most satisfying is the feeling you get when you help someone and do some good. 

Reflections on women’s equality and representation . . .   

There are so many amazing and skilled women working at Albury Wodonga Health. They are friendly, supportive and respectful. 

I find that the women I work with are great communicators, able to comfort patients with their words, and achieve great outcomes.  

I think the key is having a willingness to learn and always strive to do better. 

On International Women’s Day . . .   

I will attend an International Women’s Day event. I’ll also make time to ensure that I’m taking steps toward my own goals. 

This year’s theme March Forward: For All Women and Girls is a great reminder that women should be empowered to do their best and not feel that they are being held back because they are a woman. 

My advice to young women thinking about volunteering would be to do everything you can and look for opportunities. You can do anything you put your mind to! 

Meet Liz Tracy 

I’m a volunteer in the Fracture Clinic where I help to keep things running smoothly and support patients accessing the service. 

I assist with paperwork, patient labels and photocopying along with any other tasks the staff identify. 

I’ve been volunteering since 2011/12. I really enjoy working with people, keeping patients informed and helping people who are in pain and waiting for treatment.  

Reflections on women’s equality and representation . . .   

I started my career as a nurse, training at Royal North Shore before working in a GP clinic.  

Back in the day women were seen and not heard. 

Now it is much easier. Women can have input, and people are interested in your experience. 

On International Women’s Day . . .   

I will read about International Women’s Day and local events. 

The theme for 2025 is March Forward: For All Women and Girls. 

I think ‘empowerment’ is a very good word for International Women’s Day. 

Things are changing for the better. If we can keep that up, it will be good for all women. 

My advice for women considering volunteering would be to give it a go. You meet some amazing people and get a lot of satisfaction from it. 

Age is not a barrier! 

Meet Jan Dihood 

I volunteer in the Facture Clinic. I help to get the patients organised and moving through the service in a timely manner. I’m here to reassure people and keep things running smoothly. 

I love the job – meeting people, trying to be helpful to them, and keeping things on an even keel. 

I’ve been volunteering here for 13 years. I’ve made some wonderful friendships and get a real sense of satisfaction from helping people. I really feel like I’m making a contribution. 

Reflections on women’s equality and representation . . .   

Women today are able to be heard, more so than years gone by. 

On International Women’s Day . . .   

I will pause to think about the day. 

With the theme March Forward: For All Women and Girls I think more women should be able to stand up for themselves. Equality is important. 

I would encourage any woman who might be thinking about volunteering to give it a go. It makes you feel good. You get a lot of pleasure out of it.