As we prepare to celebrate 10 years of supporting families at Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland South Brisbane, we’re reflecting on the people who have helped make our House feel like home.
For nearly two decades, volunteer massage therapist Nicole has been one of those incredible people.
Every Wednesday, families staying at our South Brisbane House know they can take a well-deserved moment to pause, breathe and recharge. For many, that moment comes thanks to Nicole’s caring hands, compassionate nature and calming presence.
What started as a simple desire to give back has become a remarkable volunteering journey that has touched the lives of countless families navigating a child’s illness or injury.
Before volunteering with Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland, Nicole was already working as a remedial massage therapist.
Originally from Canada, Nicole moved to Australia in 1998 after meeting her Brisbane-born husband. Today, she lives an active lifestyle aboard a sailboat on the Brisbane River with her husband and their two teenage children.
Nicole has always believed that volunteering plays an important role inbuilding stronger, more connected communities.
Her connection to Ronald McDonald House began long before she became a volunteer. In Canada, her cousin’s family stayed at a Ronald McDonald House while caring for their sick child, giving Nicole firsthand insight into the vital role the organisation plays in supporting families.
When Nicole discovered Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland in 2009 after walking past our Herston House, she immediately saw an opportunity to combine her professional expertise with her passion for helping others.
During that difficult time, Ronald McDonald House provided more than just accommodation. It gave the family a place where they could stay together when they needed each other most.
Witnessing that support firsthand left a lasting impression on Vivien and inspired her to help other families facing similar challenges.
For the past 17 years, Nicole has generously donated her time and skills to support families staying at Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland.
Each Wednesday from 12pm to 3pm, she sets up in the South Brisbane House library, where families can book a complimentary 15-minute neck and shoulder massage.
While the physical benefits of massage are significant, Nicole says the experience often becomes much more than that.
Some sessions are filled with conversation. Others are spent in peaceful silence. Sometimes a parent simply needs a quiet space to cry, reflect, or momentarily switch off from the pressures of hospital life.
Whatever families need in that moment, Nicole is there to support them.
While volunteering can at times be emotionally challenging, Vivien believes the personal rewards are immense. Knowing she is helping families through difficult circumstances brings a strong sense of purpose and satisfaction, particularly when small acts of kindness can have a meaningful impact on someone’s day.
She also values the strong sense of community that comes with being part of the Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland volunteer team. The support provided by employees and fellow volunteers creates a welcoming environment, while also offering opportunities to build new friendships and connections.
For anyone considering volunteering, Vivien encourages people to explore the many varied opportunities available across the organisation. She believes there is a role for everyone and that volunteering is a rewarding way to give back to the community while supporting families when they need it most.
Nicole began volunteering at South Brisbane House in 2017, just one year after the House opened its doors to families. Now celebrating its 10-year anniversary, Nicole has had a front-row seat to the House’s evolution.
Originally opened to meet growing demand from families travelling for specialist paediatric medical care, the South Brisbane House has continued to expand its services and support over the past decade.
Nicole has witnessed firsthand how the House has become a vital lifeline for families from across Queensland and beyond, providing accommodation, connection and a sense of normalcy during difficult times.
When asked about the highlights of her volunteering journey, Nicole doesn’t focus on milestones or recognition.
Instead, she remembers the families.
Over the years, she has built meaningful connections with families staying at the House for extended periods, seeing them week after week as they navigate complex medical journeys.
Knowing that a simple massage could help someone cope, even for a few moments, has been one of the most rewarding parts of her volunteering experience.
She says the families she meets are often incredibly humble and grateful, despite facing extraordinary challenges.
For Nicole, those moments are a reminder of why volunteering matters.
As we celebrate 10 years of South Brisbane House, we’re incredibly grateful for dedicated volunteers like Nicole who help transform our House from a place to stay into a place of comfort, care and connection.
Through her generosity, compassion and commitment, Nicole has given families something invaluable: a chance to pause, recharge and feel supported through life’s toughest moments.
Her story reminds us that every volunteer contribution, no matter how small it may seem, can make a lasting difference.
Be the heart that helps families stay strong and join our volunteer community. Whether supporting in our Houses, hospitals, or at events, volunteers bring comfort, connection, and practical help that ensures families can stay at the heart of their child’s care.
