MELTON & MOORABOOL
Home » News » Community volunteers bring galactic cheer out west

Community volunteers bring galactic cheer out west

The Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s (JKWC) hospital was buzzing with excitement on May 2, as it played host to a special visit from a community group of volunteers.

Volunteers from the 501st Legion were decked out in their iconic Star Wars costumes, as they brought a galaxy of joy to the hospital for the May 4 celebrations, affectionately known as Star Wars Day.

While the COVID-19 pandemic had disrupted their previous visits, the group returned to JKWC with a mission to spread cheer. Their presence was a familiar sight, having graced the hospital’s halls in the past with memorable encounters for both children and staff alike.

But the festivities didn’t stop with the 501st Legion alone. Collaborating with the Starlight Children’s Foundation captains and Ronald McDonald House family room volunteers, alongside the hospital’s own dedicated volunteers, bringing smiles to the children and brightening their day.

The volunteers’ itinerary spanned the hospital’s paediatric outpatients and children’s ward, a team effort just ahead of the upcoming National Volunteer Week from May 20-26.

Digital Editions


  • Cactus chat at botanic gathering

    Cactus chat at botanic gathering

    Garden lovers and curious beginners alike are invited to the Friends of the Melton Botanic Garden’s (FMBG) monthly meeting on Wednesday 11 March. The free…

More News

  • Split not supported

    Split not supported

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 537020 Mt Atkinson residents are not giving up their fight to split the estate from the suburb of Truganina, despite a majority of Melton…

  • Melton’s high hopes

    Melton’s high hopes

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 452930 Melton is hoping to finish the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association east-west season on a high, after letting slip another opportunity to get a…

  • Community art promotes inclusion

    Community art promotes inclusion

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 536103 A vibrant collection of artwork by local residents, including people living with disability, seniors, those experiencing mental health challenges, and members of Culturally…

  • Shopping help for heart health

    Shopping help for heart health

    The Heart Foundation and the nutrition platform No Money No Time have launched a new partnership to help residents in the northern and western suburbs manage rising grocery costs while…

  • Major works to cause delays

    Major works to cause delays

    Major infrastructure projects will cause significant travel disruptions across Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs throughout the autumn months as construction enters key phases on several road and rail removals. Commuters…

  • Sporting opportunities for young inmates

    Sporting opportunities for young inmates

    The Victorian Government has announced an expansion of the Twinning Project to the Ripley Unit at Marngoneet Prison. This initiative, which focuses on young men aged 18 to 25, is…

  • New anti-gang movement

    New anti-gang movement

    The Victorian Government has announced a $1 million investment into a new anti-gang program aimed at preventing the recruitment of young people into criminal networks. Managed by the Violence Reduction…

  • Sporting club grants up for grabs

    Sporting club grants up for grabs

    Local sporting clubs across Victoria are encouraged to apply for a fresh round of funding grants launched by the state government. On Wednesday, Community Sport Minister Ros Spence announced that…

  • AI imaginary friends no substitute for human connection

    AI imaginary friends no substitute for human connection

    Loneliness and social isolation are now recognised as major public health threats, prompting governments to explore technological solutions. Research from Monash University argues new AI ‘digital companions’ marketed as a…

  • EPA puts brands on notice over packaging waste

    EPA puts brands on notice over packaging waste

    Environmental Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has lost patience with companies that fail to show how they are reducing packaging waste, warning they risk significant penalties if they don’t comply with…