- Published:
- Wednesday 11 November 2026 at 5:00 am
When Ambulance Victoria honours its people for their service, Sarah Vella helps make it happen.
As we mark Remembrance Day, the Ambulance Victoria Honours and Awards Coordinator is reflecting on service from a unique perspective, both as an AV staff member and an Army Corporal who received a prestigious military award for saving a soldier’s life.
Sarah’s role at AV is to recognise and reward the service and achievements of Ambulance Victoria team members, organising the presentation of medals and honours.
“I’m in the team that gets to highlight the positive work of others, whether they be operational paramedics or first responders, or working in our corporate office,” Sarah said.
“Everyone has a role to play and it’s very similar between Ambulance Victoria and Defence, it’s about teamwork and resilience to achieve our mission and serve the community. It’s important to recognise that work.”
Sarah has been an Australian Army Reservist for eight years, motivated by her grandfather’s service as well as a desire to serve her country.
She typically spends Remembrance Day at the Shrine of Remembrance, paying tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
“Those that fought for us have given us our future. What we have today wouldn't be possible without them,” she said.
“I'm indebted to them and I think most Australians are.”
This year, Sarah was a recipient of the prestigious Jonathan Church Good Soldiering Award, for saving a soldier's life in a critical welfare incident.
The award recognises Sarah’s actions to provide care and support to a solider and their family, during a sensitive and life-threatening incident.
“It’s an honour to receive this award, but to me, it was just being there for others,” Sarah said.
Through the award, Sarah travelled to Timor Leste in July, for a battlefield study tour along the eight-day La Rende Track, which Australian soldiers trekked during World War II.
Sarah said even as someone who has been an Australian Defence Force (ADF) member for several years, the experience was eye-opening.
“After going to Timor-Leste and seeing the conditions soldiers were in back then, I have an even higher level of respect for them. I can better understand the challenges that they went through, what they came up against and the resilience they had to have,” she said.
“It’s extremely tough terrain – steep, slippery and challenging. We had good quality boots and gear, enough food and carried less weight. To experience it and understand what they went through, it gave us a great appreciation and respect for the conditions they endured.
“I’m inspired because they were resilient and adaptable. They had a great respect for their team members and kept going with great dignity and pride.”
In her time with the ADF, Sarah has travelled to New Zealand for ANZAC Day and supported the response to the 2019/2020 bushfires and the 2021 floods.
Having joined Ambulance Victoria in March, she said she has been well supported to balance the position with her Army role and being a mum to her young son.
“It’s great Ambulance Victoria has an Australian Defence Force Reserve Leave policy and my manager is amazing at understanding my defence commitments,” Sarah said.
“I have a very supportive unit in the Army (4/19th Prince of Wales Light Horse (VMR)) as well. They've been extremely supportive of me as a mother and working professional.
“And I’ve got a great husband who supports me, including when I need to travel.”
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