When St George Hospital rings in its 125th birthday, there to join celebrations front and centre will be those who have given up so much of their time for patients in need.
As the hospital gets set to blow out its candles this year, those volunteers who have dedicated themselves to others will be there for the community open day on November 11.
Youth and experience will unite, as volunteers of all different ages commemorate their contributions to the hospital's history.
Among them will be Sia Vardakis, 19, of Bexley, and Eileen Ellsmore, 84 of Heathcote.
While they have several decades between them, they share a passion for helping patients in the medical sphere.
Ms Vardakis was inspired to volunteer because of her mother, who lived with rheumatoid arthritis for more than 35 years.
In this time she has had 17 operations. Growing up, Ms Vardakis spent lots of time at hospital. This inspired her to study medical science at the University of Sydney, where she is in her second year. She would like to build a career in medical research, focusing on rheumatoid arthritis.
She spends time in the dialysis ward, where she chats, plays chess, and listening to music with patients who are receiving treatment.
"I've created playlists with their favourite music from the 50s, 60s and 70s," she said.
"I also use my fluency in Greek to listen to stories from a patient whose English is limited."
Mrs Ellsmore helps in the emergency department, where she supports crucial behind-the-scenes tasks including pulling apart hospital ID tags and syringes so they're readily accessible for busy staff.
She says she wants to "give back" while she can. She was inspired to volunteer in 1979 after a major operation where she saw first-hand the dedication of medical staff.
Mrs Ellsmore also celebrates personal achievement alongside the hospital's milestone anniversary - 40 years of voluntary service at St George Hospital.
"People used to come into the hospital looking totally confused and you'd ask how you can help them. The way they just say thank you, they really meant it," she said.
She is also a HSC exam supervisor and helps fellow residents at St Vincent's Care Services in the nursing home and hostel.
Mrs Ellsmore and Ms Vardakis are part of the more than 300 volunteers to offer their time at the hospital to assist with various duties.
It all began in 1974, with the establishment of the Rose Ladies Auxiliary (hospital volunteers). After one year, 57 ladies were greeting and escorting patients on admission, carrying out messages, providing hair care, assisting in medical departments including in occupational therapy.
"We thank all of our volunteers throughout the years, and the tireless hours they have spent helping our community," hospital general manager, Leisa Rathborne, said.
At the open day, festivities begin at 2pm in the atrium of the Acute Services Building, where the Kogarah Concert Band will be playing.
The official ceremony, which will include the launch of a historical photo timeline and fashion parade of uniforms throughout the ages, will run from 2.30pm to 3.30pm.
All visitors and staff are invited to wear red and white for the event.
ST GEORGE HOSPITAL - THE EARLY YEARS
In 1947, the hospital was officially named The St George Hospital. Previously it had been known as The St George's Cottage Hospital (1894) and St George District Hospital (1918). It has just eight beds. It was a move not well received by residents, judging by the number of letters published in the press and verbal complaints to the hospital board.
The year 1919 marked the return of hospital personnel who had enlisted in the armed services and sadly, the onslaught of a vicious form of pneumonic influenza which claimed many lives.
Doctors, without the assistance of antibiotics, had no answer to the severity of the virus and it spread throughout Sydney unchecked.
The hospital was placed under strict quarantine. More than half of the nursing staff succumbed to the virus at some stage of that year and had to be nursed by their colleagues. Of six fourth-year nurses, only two went on to graduate. The others died in the very institution that they had hoped would be the Alma Mater of their professional careers.
It was officially opened by Mrs Margaret Lamrock, wife of Dr James Lamrock, one of the first Honorary Medical Officers. The building was gaily decorated and a brass band led a small procession which was met by Mrs' Lamrock and Carruthers, who simply turned a key in the main door and it was opened. Mrs Lamrock then distributed a small gift to each patient.
By the day of the official opening, the hospital was fully occupied. The first patient was admitted by Dr Lamrock - a case of typhoid fever.
Gramophone parties were held in 1914, there was the employment of a professional cow attendant and Bluey the dog who visited every day for 14 years.
Based on activity for 2018, there were 80,713 patients presenting to emergency, 63,200 admissions. Of those, 872 were trauma-related. There were 18,349 surgeries and 437,795 outpatient visits, including community health.