LASTING WORDS

Lasting Words –

Capturing Life’s Reflections Locally

Lasting Words is a heartfelt storytelling initiative that gives people nearing the end of life the opportunity to share and preserve their personal stories, memories, and reflections. Delivered locally by Busselton Hospice Care Inc. (BHCI) in partnership with and under the auspice of Palliative Care WA (PCWA), this project is supported by trained community volunteers who help bring these stories to life.

Through a series of recorded conversations, our volunteer interviewers gently guide storytellers to reflect on their lives—sharing achievements, dreams, values, and cherished moments. These stories are transcribed and gifted back to the storyteller and their loved ones as a lasting legacy.

A Community-Led Approach

At BHCI, we believe in the power of community and connection. Our Lasting Words program is locally coordinated and delivered by volunteers from the Busselton region, who bring compassion, empathy, and a deep respect for each storyteller’s journey.

Volunteers visit storytellers in their homes or residential aged care settings, record their stories, and transcribe them into written keepsakes. While storytellers may vary in age, health, or background, they all share a desire to be heard and remembered.

Interested in Volunteering?

We are looking for volunteer interviewers who are:

• Warm, empathetic, and good listeners
• Willing to undertake training provided by BHCI
• Able to visit storytellers in their homes or aged care facilities
• Available for a series of 45-minute interviews
• Comfortable using audio recording equipment (provided)
• Able to transcribe recordings into written documents

If you’re interested, we invite you to make contact with BHCI and find out more about our volunteer approach. You’ll also be able to:

• Fill out a volunteer application form
• Learn about the required Police Clearance and Working with Children Card
• Register for our upcoming volunteer induction training

How It Works

Once trained, volunteers are matched with storytellers. The process typically includes:

1. An introductory visit to meet the storyteller and explain the process
2. Scheduling 6–8 interviews of around 45 minutes each
3. Recording and transcribing each session
4. Reviewing transcripts with the storyteller
5. Presenting the final story as a keepsake

Want to Get Involved?

We welcome interest from those who would like to:

• Share their own story
• Volunteer as an interviewer
• Refer someone to participate

For more information, please contact us at cos@busseltonhospicecareinc.org.au or call 9751 1642.