52 years well spent

For more than half a century, Maureen Hancock has shown what it truly means to serve with heart. For 52 years, she has quietly and faithfully volunteered with Churches of Christ Queensland at Fassifern Residential Aged Care, offering companionship, pastoral care, and unwavering presence to generations of residents. In recognition of this extraordinary legacy, Maureen was nominated by the team at Fassifern for the 2026 Queensland Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering Award — a fitting acknowledgment of a lifetime spent putting others first.

Maureen’s volunteering journey began in 1974 as an individual companion volunteer. From the start, she showed a natural ability to build meaningful one‑to‑one relationships with residents, offering conversation, comfort, and genuine connection. She understood that for many older people, loneliness can be as heavy a burden as illness, and that simply being there can make all the difference. 

As she spent time listening to residents’ stories and concerns, Maureen recognised a deeper need for emotional and spiritual support. Rather than stepping back, she stepped forward, completing a Pastoral Care Certificate so she could provide more structured pastoral and spiritual care. This initiative marked a turning point in her service, allowing her to support residents during vulnerable moments, including illness, transition, and end‑of‑life care. 

Over the years, Maureen has seamlessly blended multiple volunteer roles. Alongside pastoral care, she has supported lifestyle programs, helping residents stay socially engaged and connected. Whether assisting with group activities, worship services, or quiet bedside visits, her approach has always been deeply person‑centred – responding to what each individual needs in the moment. 

What sets Maureen apart is not just the breadth of her service, but the consistency of it. Even during periods when she was working part‑time and caring for family, she continued to give extra time on weekends, ensuring residents still received companionship and spiritual care – “so they didn’t miss out,” as she simply puts it. Her dedication reflects a profound sense of responsibility and compassion that goes well beyond expectations.

Maureen has also demonstrated gentle but impactful leadership. When there were gaps in available clergy, she took on the role of helping maintain Catholic services, coordinating worship and facilitating Holy Communion for residents, including delivering Communion to those unable to leave their rooms. During extended periods when priests were unavailable, her involvement ensured residents continued to receive vital spiritual support and a sense of continuity and dignity.

Always thinking ahead, Maureen supported and mentored her daughter, Jane, to step into the role of visiting clergy, helping sustain this service into the future. She also continues to support staff and fellow volunteers, offering reassurance, guidance, and a calm, steady presence. Her leadership is not directive or formal – it is shown through action, reliability, and quiet wisdom. 

Despite her extraordinary contribution, Maureen remains deeply humble. When asked about her volunteering, she once said she “didn’t have special skills” and that she “just listened.” Yet it is precisely this ability – to sit with someone, truly listen, and be present – that has made her impact so profound. Her approach serves as a powerful reminder that meaningful volunteering does not always require special talents, but rather empathy, patience, and care. 

Pictured: Maureen (right) and her daughter, Jane.

Across five decades, Maureen has touched the lives of residents, families, staff, volunteers, and the wider Fassifern community. Her service has improved emotional wellbeing, reduced isolation, sustained spiritual care, and strengthened a culture of compassion within the aged care community. 

Far from “nothing special,” Maureen Hancock is a true quiet achiever. Her life of listening shows that lasting change often begins with a simple act: showing up, again and again, with kindness and heart. 

This National Volunteer Week we're celebrating the invaluable contributions of all 327 Churches of Christ volunteers, from students starting professional placements to dedicated community members who have been with us for decades. Thank you for making our services feel like home.

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