Rohan Souter was a primary school teacher. Then came the day when he wanted to give more.
“I worked in different educational settings and I was always getting them (students) through the academic hoops but it was the personal, interpersonal growth and wellbeing that I was really concerned about,” Rohan said.
Rohan is one of our highly regarded spiritual care practitioners. He was recently awarded Outstanding Spiritual Care Practitioner for 2025. And there’s good reason for that.
“My first placement was in mental health and that was just like home for me,” he said.
“One of the many things that attracts me to this sort of role is person-centred care because it’s about hearing a person's narrative, in their own way and at their own pace, and being present with that and honouring that on an emotional and spiritual level.”
Spiritual care practitioners play a significant role in providing quality holistic care in many places such as hospitals, aged care services, corrective services, disability services, and in local communities.
Playing guitar and singing is a long-standing passion of Rohan’s. His performance skills have become a unique asset for delivering spiritual care in different health care settings across Bendigo Health.
“It's a great way to create a peaceful vibe. Patients find connection with each other, with songs and the life narratives and experiences that can accompany the song,” Rohan said.
“It's also a great way to build rapport with numerous people at once in group sing-alongs with inpatients where you see some patients, who might be quite withdrawn socially, really come of themselves.”
Rohan is also known for his grace and humility with patients whose religious beliefs can make recovery complex, adjusting care as needed.
“I think in some ways that’s an advantage. I certainly walk into that space feeling ready to accept wherever anyone is coming from and people may have quite extreme versions of what gives them meaning and it might not fit into how I see things,” he said.
Manager Spiritual Care, Karen Lunney said what Rohan brings to Bendigo Health exceeds the requirements for the role.
“He brings a variety of skills to the table, leading reflection groups from a place of his own vulnerability and strength.
“His musical skills enable him to create an opening for conversation and connection with patients and residents who would otherwise not choose to engage with Spiritual Care,” said Karen.
The Spiritual Care Australia National Conference was recently held in Bendigo and Rohan received a Best of Care award as Outstanding Spiritual Care Practitioner for 2025.
Rohan believes success is a collective effort: “The culture in the Spiritual team is very supportive of personal growth and of us as staff.”
When asked about what it’s like to work for a large health service like Bendigo Health, Rohan said: “I’m enormously grateful for having autonomy, it’s just incredible. I feel very trusted to be able to go with the fluidity that's part of this spiritual care role.”
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Find out more about spiritual care at Bendigo Health here: Bendigo Health Website - Spiritual Care