Geoff is a self-proclaimed chatter, which helps make him an excellent volunteer patient driver in Bundaberg.
Over the past year, his team have clocked up over 40,000 kilometres, ferrying patients to and from medical appointments.
Growing up with parents who were avid volunteers at the Catholic church, Geoff has been involved in various volunteer roles since childhood.
Geoff has been driving patients for four years and said he cannot imagine his Monday without it.
Before this role, he spent five years as a Lifeline phone counsellor, honing his listening and empathy skills.
Geoff has a knack for reading his passengers.
For those up for conversation, his car rides are filled with stories and laughter. He talks about everything from life to the traffic. For those who prefer silence, Geoff provides a comforting, quiet presence.
“It depends it is a first trip or its reoccurring, often on the first trip patients are apprehensive and not sure what to expect and we try guide them through that and let them know we are here to support you,” he said.
“I usually go inside and introduce them to people at Cancer Care or Genesis Care for their treatment and after that they are usually happier to see us.
“What they are going through is traumatic enough and we are just here to make it as easy as possible.”
The emotional weight of the job can be heavy, especially when a regular passenger loses their battle with illness. These moments are tough, but Geoff remains resilient.
“I have a good network of friends and I consider myself pretty balanced,” he said.
“I am the first person to offer help but I am also happy to ask for help if I feel I need it.
“Many times, you have people breakdown and you just have to be a shoulder to cry on.
“I am not a doctor or a nurse, but I can listen, and you will never understand completely what they are going through but you can try.”