The role of a “Team HMRI” volunteer is an important one for HMRI; and we rely on volunteers to offer support and help with a variety of activities.  

The role of a “Team HMRI” volunteer is an important one for HMRI; and we rely on volunteers to offer support and help with a variety of activities.  

Carol Obre is a former TAFE teacher, who has been volunteering with HMRI for 15 years.  

“My mother died of breast cancer when I was 14, and I’ve always felt that there’s a need for research at some stage. I think when I started, I came along to listen to a young researcher speak about Melanoma, which is in my family. He talked about getting the common cold virus and putting it on a melanoma, and I thought, who wakes up in the morning and says, I know what I’m going to do today? I was totally inspired by that young man. So, I guess that was the start of my HMRI journey and I’ve been volunteering ever since,” said Carol. 

Carol feels she has gotten more out of volunteering at HMRI than she has given.  

“I absolutely love coming to HMRI. There’s always been this a wonderful atmosphere and I’ve made at least two lifelong friends since I have been here. I have pleasure in coming in to help but I do have to fight off a few others these days for the database work,”

In 2022 alone, volunteers contributed a collective 600 hours of support to the Institute, which is the equivalent of 16 weeks of full time, unpaid, but invaluable work.  

You will find volunteers across the entire organisation.  

From our Board of Directors and Foundation Members who volunteer their time and expertise, through to volunteer researchers who help with community and donor engagement, and even former IT specialists who help with fundraising!  

“As an organisation we are amazed by the people who contribute their valuable time and energy to support HMRI. HMRI benefits from the broad life experience we gain from the business professionals, executives, teachers, health care providers, homemakers, and scientists to name a few who so generously give their time to support across all HMRI’s activities from our board and Foundations, to back office, open days and events,” said HMRI Director Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin reflecting on National Volunteers Week.  

“Our volunteers contribute for many and varied reasons; some have been affected by personal tragedy and have links to our work, some have children who are researchers or clinicians, some are retired from related professions like nursing and pharmacy, others have a spiritual or strong community-minded focus to their lives, and many just are inspired by HMRI and want to give in every possible way, including their time. For that we are forever grateful,” said Frances.   

If you would like to learn more about becoming a volunteer with HMRI visit https://hmri.org.au/volunteer