The crocheted octopus help babies bond with their parents and gently discourage them from pulling on tubes and cords while in their isolettes.
These comforters also support nervous system and brain development, and their tightly coiled tentacles provide comfort to the babies by mimicking the familiar feel of the umbilical cord.
Each octopus is carefully handmade following strict safety guidelines, then checked, tested, washed and packaged with instructions for parents.
Recently, Lyell McEwin Hospital's (external site) 1000th octopus was given to Jane, mother of premature triplets - two boys and a girl - born at 29 weeks.
They're created through a collaboration between the Northern Healthcare Volunteer Association (external site) and Octopus for a Preemie South Australia (external site), led by Julie (fondly known as Ma Whiting).
Volunteers like Julie and her group contribute from home on large creative and wellbeing projects, generously give their time behind the scenes.
Their dedication often goes unseen, yet it plays a vital role in supporting patients, families and the wider hospital community.
If you know an everyday hero who deserves recognition, nominate them now for the 2026 South Australian Volunteer Awards.
Nominations are encouraged for all volunteers — whether they are on-site, off-site, or working quietly in the background — whose commitment embodies the spirit of the volunteering.
People can nominate themselves or another group or individual they know in the following categories:
- The Joy Noble Medal - South Australia’s highest distinction for an individual volunteer.
- ‘The Andamooka’ Community Project Award - Recognising a community or group volunteer project of significant community benefit.
- The Young Volunteer Award – Honouring an impressive young volunteer aged 12 to 25.
- The Excellence in Volunteer Management Award - Honouring a volunteer manager for their outstanding contribution to the profession.
- The Premier’s Award for Corporate Social Responsibility – Recognising the community contribution of a South Australian for-profit business.
The 2026 South Australian Volunteer Awards will be held at Government House (external site) for the first time, coinciding with National Volunteer Week (external site), which runs from 18 to 24 May 2026.
SA&NT Chief Executive Hamilton Calder said the awards honoured those whose "dedicated and compassion make a real and lasting difference across our state".
"Each year we are inspired by the stories of people who quietly transform their communities through service," Mr Calder said.
South Australia has more than 950,000 volunteers who contribute an estimated 223 million hours each year, equivalent to $36 billion in social and economic value.
Nominations close Monday 26 January at 5pm. The awards are presented by Volunteering SA&NT (external site) and supported by the South Australian Department of Human Services (external site).
For more information, visit: South Australian Volunteer Awards 2026 (external site).
