10/06/2026
Meet Frans (left) and Phil (right) – Our Volunteer Musicians, Double Dutch
Frans and Phil make up Double Dutch, one of our wonderful volunteer music teams who bring live music and connection to patients, families, and staff across the Repat Health Precinct.
Frans says:
“My volunteer role is about sharing my love of music with patients, their families, and staff — hopefully bringing a little cheer and happiness into their day.
Phil and I try to play music from an era that many of our patients can relate to — a bit of a trip down memory lane, so to speak.
What I enjoy most about volunteering is seeing the smiles on patients’ faces. That makes it all worthwhile.”
Phil says:
“My connection to volunteering comes from my own experience as a hospital patient during my battle with cancer.
I underwent 25 sessions of intensive radiation treatment to my face and spent a lot of time waiting alongside other patients before and after treatment. During those waits, two ladies and one gentleman — known as the Lavender Ladies and Lavender Lad — would come around with a trolley carrying what I can only describe as ‘heavenly’ soup.
Those volunteers made a huge impact on me and inspired me to give back through volunteering.
At the end of many of our performances now, patients and their wives, husbands, carers, and family members often come over to thank us and tell us how much they appreciated and enjoyed the music. Knowing we’ve helped brighten someone’s day is incredibly rewarding.”
Thank you, Frans and Phil, for sharing your talents and creating moments of connection, comfort, and joy throughout our hospitals.
