As International Women's Day approaches on Sunday 8 March, we reflect on the many amazing women we meet in the communities in which we operate - working to improve their communities and the lives of everyone around them.
One group of women which has left an indelible mark on us is the Kurri Kurri Hospital Volunteers, who day-in and day-out go out of their way to bring much needed smiles and kindness to patients.
Visionstream team members first came across this special group of women while working on the national broadband network rollout.
When Visionstream started work in Kurri Kurri, a small town in New South Wales' Hunter region, the team was immediately struck by the beautiful murals and artwork across the town - something for which Kurri Kurri has become famous. During our time in the town Visionstream decided to support a new mural on the wall of the Kurri Kurri Hospital, and so began our team's friendship with and respect for the volunteers.
Considered to be 'angels' by both patients and staff alike, the volunteers do everything they can to ensure that the hospital culture reflects one of wholistic nurturing and care.
One of the most cherished and important roles they play is visiting the wards to give patients hand massages, sometimes even some nail polish, all the while providing a friendly face and listening ear.
These enterprising, caring women have also just developed a recycling program for cans and bottles and will use the funds to further support patients' comfort.
As Glenn Craft, Manager Stakeholder Engagement and Land Access for the nbn project says, not only are these women a driving force behind the local hospital, but the town as a whole.
The Visionstream team had a great time working on the mural project. We were so warmly embraced by the hospital volunteers and staff," he said.
"The volunteers are an amazing team and we feel very privileged to know them."
Visionstream is honoured to work with the 'Kurri Kurri Angels' and the many other incredible volunteer groups throughout our communities.