A Privilege to Be There
Ann-Maree’s job is not dissimilar to that of a midwife or a celebrant; a role that places you in someone’s life for a brief but unforgettable moment.
As one of a small group of dedicated, medically trained and deeply compassionate volunteers with Flying Doctor Memory Lane, Ann‑Maree considers it an honour to help create extraordinary moments for people receiving end‑of‑life care.
Through your generosity as a donor, we are able to attract remarkable volunteers like Ann-Maree and deliver this special service that gives people in palliative care a day of peace, comfort and dignity. With the support of our custom‑made Memory Lane vehicles, Ann‑Maree and the team have helped people revisit their childhood‑favourite beach, watch their beloved football team, attend family weddings, or often, simply go home one last time.
“I feel very privileged to be involved in the delivery of the Memory Lane service and tell anyone and everyone about this RFDS initiative,” Ann-Maree says.
A Privilege to Be There
Ann-Maree’s job is not dissimilar to that of a midwife or a celebrant; a role that places you in someone’s life for a brief but unforgettable moment.
As one of a small group of dedicated, medically trained and deeply compassionate volunteers with Flying Doctor Memory Lane, Ann‑Maree considers it an honour to help create extraordinary moments for people receiving end‑of‑life care.
Through your generosity as a donor, we are able to attract remarkable volunteers like Ann-Maree and deliver this special service that gives people in palliative care a day of peace, comfort and dignity. With the support of our custom‑made Memory Lane vehicles, Ann‑Maree and the team have helped people revisit their childhood‑favourite beach, watch their beloved football team, attend family weddings, or often, simply go home one last time.
“I feel very privileged to be involved in the delivery of the Memory Lane service and tell anyone and everyone about this RFDS initiative,” Ann-Maree says.
With a decades‑long career in nursing and a long‑standing passion for palliative care, Ann‑Maree brings both professional expertise and heartfelt compassion to every journey. She gives her time to ensure each experience is not only safe, but deeply personal.
“The role of a Memory Lane volunteer is to provide support to the client physically and emotionally, as well as to their companions,” she explains.
From carefully explaining how clients will be transported, to administering oxygen and adapting plans on the day, every detail is guided by the individual’s comfort, choice and dignity. “Making sure they feel safe and involved in all decisions is so important,” Ann‑Maree says.
These thoughtful moments of care are what transforms what might otherwise feel like a medical excursion, into something far more personal.
One journey in particular has stayed with Ann‑Maree.
“We collected the client from the Olivia Newton‑John Cancer Centre and headed out for a day of simple pleasures,” she recalls.
The outing included a visit to the family home to see a beloved cat, a stop to see friends, and fish and chips at Princes Pier in Port Melbourne.
“Music from ACDC was playing, songs were sung, and a beer was enjoyed,” Ann‑Maree says. “It was a very happy and satisfying outing for all.”
This National Volunteer Week, we’d like to thank every Memory Lane volunteer who so generously gives their time, skills and compassion to create what Ann-Maree describes as “a positive and meaningful experience at what is often a sad and emotional stage of life.” And to our donors, your support is what makes these journeys possible, helping create memories that families will carry with them forever – thank you.
With a decades‑long career in nursing and a long‑standing passion for palliative care, Ann‑Maree brings both professional expertise and heartfelt compassion to every journey. She gives her time to ensure each experience is not only safe, but deeply personal.
“The role of a Memory Lane volunteer is to provide support to the client physically and emotionally, as well as to their companions,” she explains.
From carefully explaining how clients will be transported, to administering oxygen and adapting plans on the day, every detail is guided by the individual’s comfort, choice and dignity. “Making sure they feel safe and involved in all decisions is so important,” Ann‑Maree says.
These thoughtful moments of care are what transforms what might otherwise feel like a medical excursion, into something far more personal.
One journey in particular has stayed with Ann‑Maree.
“We collected the client from the Olivia Newton‑John Cancer Centre and headed out for a day of simple pleasures,” she recalls.
The outing included a visit to the family home to see a beloved cat, a stop to see friends, and fish and chips at Princes Pier in Port Melbourne.
“Music from ACDC was playing, songs were sung, and a beer was enjoyed,” Ann‑Maree says. “It was a very happy and satisfying outing for all.”
This National Volunteer Week, we’d like to thank every Memory Lane volunteer who so generously gives their time, skills and compassion to create what Ann-Maree describes as “a positive and meaningful experience at what is often a sad and emotional stage of life.” And to our donors, your support is what makes these journeys possible, helping create memories that families will carry with them forever – thank you.
Take a look inside a Memory Lane vehicle
Memory Lane’s purpose‑built vehicles are designed to feel less like ambulances and more like comfortable vans, complete with soft curtains, an exterior awning, warm blankets and gentle lighting, with medical equipment thoughtfully stored out of sight.
These details, combined with the calm presence of volunteers like Ann‑Maree, help shift the focus away from illness and toward connection