The Rotary Club of Ringwood, is nearing 30 years since its formation, with many of its past and current members are still involved in various community causes.

Tonight’s meeting included a speaker from Eastern Palliative Care, as well as a board member from the organisation who was a past President of the Rotary Club of Ringwood. Eastern Palliative Care aims to provide support for patients with a terminal illness and also offers assistance to their families.

One of the services provided by Eastern Palliative Care is its Client Biography Service, which provides an opportunity for patients to tell the story of their life, providing a living memory of the person and a source of reflection and closure. Eastern Palliative Care has conducted 158 biographies to date, which includes photographs, a CD version and two printed copies. All content is discussed and approved by the patient with the service being conducted entirely by trained volunteers.

The organisation is a partnership between Outer East Palliative Care Service, Melbourne Eastern Palliative Care Association, Order of Malta and Sisters of Charity (St Vincent’s Health) and provides services within Boroondara, Manningham, Maroondah, Whitehorse, Monash, Knox and Yarra Ranges.

Eastern Palliative Care is largely supported through the efforts of volunteers and the Client Biography Service is one unique example of how the organisation aims to assist both patients and families.