Our Volunteers are the ‘Heart of the House’, and we could not do it without them!

At present we have over 200 Volunteers from the local community that enable us to provide a ‘home away from home’ for all families who stay here at the House. Not only do our Volunteers help our families at extremely difficult times in their lives, they have the opportunity to meet new people, develop friendships, and gain new skills and confidence.

Our Volunteer program is hands on, and support is needed in the following areas:

• Administration - Reception, meet and greet families and tour groups, supporting families as required
• House Operations - Assisting the Housekeepers with cleaning around the House as well as general maintenance, baking/cooking, gardening, general support at Tuesday Night Dinners and Friday Night Movies
• Overnight Volunteering - Overnight supervision in the House
• Projects - Special events, fundraising and event organisation

Volunteers can also assist in the Ronald McDonald Family Room taking on a range of tasks such as greeting families, general cleaning to just being there to have a chat.

If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer, and would like to join our Ronald McDonald House family, contact our House Manager. Alternatively, you can download a copy of our Volunteer Application Pack below.

We have two Volunteer intakes per year, usually at the beginning and middle of the year. Once your application has been received, you will be notified by mail as to when the next available orientation will be held.

Our Patrons

Former Lady Mayoress of Newcastle, Margaret McNaughton ^AM is one of the Patrons as well as a Committee Member of the Board of Ronald McDonald House, Newcastle. Margaret McNaughton became involved in charity work at the age of 12, playing her piano accordion at charity concerts. Margaret is still actively involved in many charitable and community groups of Newcastle.

Former Newcastle Knights player and captain, Andrew Johns, is one of the Patrons of Ronald McDonald House Newcastle. Andrew Johns has captained the Newcastle Knights, NSW and Country teams and was named the NRL Best Player of the Last 30 Years.

In addition to our wonderful House Patrons, Margaret and Andrew, we are lucky to have Newcastle Knights Ambassadors Adam MacDougall, Steve Simpson and Cory Paterson who make regular visits to the House to meet and participate in activities with the families at Ronald McDonald House Newcastle.

Our Board of Management

Our Board of Management are a Volunteer group made up of members of the community, Hunter New England Health representatives and McDonald’s employees and restaurant owner/operators. They all give generously of their time and expertise.

The Board of Management meets at regular times to make decisions in the best interest of Red Gum House (which manages Ronald McDonald House Newcastle, Ronald McDonald House Tamworth and the Ronald McDonald Family Room in the John Hunter Hospital).

Board Volunteer Membership is open to corporate and community leaders who demonstrate their leadership skills and support of the House.

CEO, Ronald McDonald House
Ross Bingham

President
Ted Lewis AM

Vice President
Judith Woloschyn

Tamworth Liaison
Stewart Leeman

Secretary
Alan Gilmore

Treasurer
Karren Robertson

Committee Members
Narelle Heaney
Diana Keatinge
Margaret McNaughton AM
Pat Marks
Darrell Smith
Trevor Coles
Julie Parsons