Ms Patience was nominated by an anonymous person for the Royal Flying Doctor Service Victoria Regional and Rural Health Award category in the awards last year. 

“It was a privilege to be part of the category,” she said. 

Ms Patience said it was humbling to have won the award.

“I was really surprised,” she said. 

“I don’t volunteer for recognition, I volunteer because I like to help people.”

Ms Patience has volunteered at Survivors of Suicide since 2014, including the two years she was homeless. 

She has decided to extend her volunteer experience and to leave SOS.

“It’s been a fantastic experience and I’ve some fantastic people, but it’s time to move on,” Ms Patience said.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service has offered Ms Patience to volunteer with them in Melbourne.

“I’m meeting with them in a few weeks time and I’ll talk about options with them,” she said. 

Ms Patience said she is currently studying mental health and after that she aims to study youth work.

“People have suggested for me to work in homelessness, but it’s felt too close to home,” she said.

“I think I’m getting there now, but I don’t know, I haven’t decided what I want to do in the future yet.

“But I do know that I want to help people in the future.”  

Ms Patience said the rush from the award will take a while to come down.

“I work really hard, but when I’m volunteering it doesn’t feel like it. It feels natural to help people,” Ms Patience said.

“The award feels like it is validation for my work. I am happy and proud to have had an impact with my volunteer work.” 

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