At MercyCare, National Volunteer Week gives us the opportunity to celebrate the people who bring kindness, connection, and joy into the lives of others. This year, we are proud to recognise Colleen and Mark, two very special volunteers whose music is creating meaningful moments in our Maddington Aged Care facility.
What began as a simple meditation and reflection on purpose, has has grown into something truly extraordinary.
“I was born at Mercy Hospital—back when it was St Anne’s in Mount Lawley—in 1978 and then came full circle 30 years later when I returned there as a registered nurse.
“Now, I’m volunteering with MercyCare in Maddington, which feels like a really meaningful continuation of that journey.” Colleen said.
Colleen grew up learning classical piano, then stepped away from it for many years before eventually finding a way back.
“I responded to a Facebook ad looking for band members, that’s how I met Mark. Since then, we’ve played together in a band and now perform as an acoustic duo for local councils and at MercyCare in Maddington.”
Every visit from Colleen and Mark fills our facility with familiar melodies, laughter, singing, and emotion. Residents who may normally be quiet begin tapping their feet, singing lyrics from memory, or smiling at songs connected to their past.
“Our duo is called 432 Heartz, as we tune our instruments to 432 Hz rather than the standard 440 Hz.
“We’ve found this frequency supports a sense of wellbeing, and there is research that explores its potential benefits.”
For people living with dementia, music can unlock memories and emotions in ways that words sometimes cannot.
A favourite song can transport someone back to a treasured moment in time, a first dance, a celebration, a childhood memory, or simply the comfort of familiarity. These musical experiences help residents feel connected, valued, and understood.
Colleen added, “Alongside this, I run a business in neurofeedback, hypnotherapy and counselling and have a strong interest in health, wellness, and the impact of frequency on the body.
“Our involvement with MercyCare actually came about after feeling inspired during a meditation session, and it turned out there was already a personal connection.”
Supporting and connecting with people has always been important to Colleen, which is what originally led her into nursing. However, Colleen often felt there wasn’t enough time to connect as deeply as she would have liked. Through music, Colleen and Mark have found a really special way to do that.
“We’re both passionate about creating connection and sharing music with residents is incredibly rewarding. Seeing people’s moods shift, watching them light up or sing along—it’s a powerful reminder of what music can do.
“We genuinely love being able to bring that sense of joy to others.” the duo added.
To Colleen and Mark, thank you for sharing your hearts through music and helping our residents reconnect with cherished memories and meaningful moments.
Your contribution is making a difference every day.
Happy National Volunteer Week!
