For volunteer Ute Buczynski, walking through the doors of Katie Rose Cottage Hospice in Doonan feels less like arriving at work and more like coming home.
After three years of volunteering, the sense of comfort and connection has never faded.
“It feels more like you’re at home than in a hospital,” Ute said. “I’ve enjoyed every bit of it. I love helping, volunteering and the camaraderie. I feel like I’m doing something good.”
Ute had wanted to volunteer for many years, but life took an unexpected turn when her husband suffered a stroke. Eventually, he became a guest at Katie Rose Cottage, spending two nights receiving end-of-life care.
Three months after he passed away, Ute returned — this time as a volunteer.
“It’s not a job to us,” she said. “We are here because we want to be here.”
Her role is simple but vital, mirroring the everyday tasks of home life. “What you do at home, you do here. You clean, you dust, you do the dishes,” she said.
“But you also hear some amazing stories.”
For Ute, listening is the most important part of volunteering.
“I try to make our guests talk, and I just listen,” she said.
“Everyone has a story to tell. Most are more heartbreaking than amazing — but every story matters.”
She credits the hospice’s strong volunteer network for creating such a supportive environment.
“All the volunteers are amazing. They are terrific people,” she said.
Outside of the hospice, Ute keeps herself active with pilates, gym work and regular exercise.
And she has no plans to stop volunteering anytime soon. “I’ll continue until I’m not available,” she said.
Katie Rose Cottage Hospice Acting CEO Carol Raye said the hospice is preparing for an important new chapter, with a staged expansion now underway.
The hospice, which currently has three rooms, is set to grow thanks to a $1.5 million Federal Government grant. Construction has begun on a fourth hospice room, with stage one civil works including ground works, a new driveway and slab. A structural building will follow, with the project expected to be completed by May 2026.
While the building expands, the hospice’s care continues well beyond its walls. Ten full-time and 12 part-time nurses are still providing in-home support across the Noosa Shire for those most in need.
Despite its critical role, just 28 per cent of government funding covers the nursing services delivered from the hospice.
The remaining funds are raised through private donations, fundraising and the hospice’s three Op Shops in Cooroy, Noosaville and Maroochydore.
A team of around 180 volunteers support the hospice in many roles, including retail, gardening, administration, finance and in-hospice care.
Ms Raye said end-of-life care is not limited to the elderly. “Many younger guests have received care here,” she said. “Cancer does not discriminate.”
As the hospice prepares to grow, so too does the need for more helping hands.
Katie Rose Cottage Hospice is currently seeking new volunteers to support its vital work in the community.
To find out more or to register your interest, visit www.katierosecottage.org.au
